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Do You Have To Be a Student To Get a Student Credit Card?

Published July 17, 2024

6 min read

Table of contents

Student credit card qualifications

What is a student credit card?

Are there ways to get a credit card without being a student?

Understanding your eligibility for a student credit card

Key points about: Student credit card eligibility

Student credit cards are a good option for people with limited credit histories, and they enable you to build credit when used responsibly.
You’ll typically need to provide proof of your student enrollment status, along with meeting specific age and income criteria.
If you aren’t eligible for a student credit card, you can still build credit by getting a secured card, becoming an authorized credit card user, or exploring other options.

One major benefit of student credit cards is that they enable cardmembers to earn rewards while they make purchases and build credit. They may also have lower spending limits and more relaxed eligibility requirements than regular credit cards. Nonetheless, you’ll still need to meet some basic criteria to qualify, such as age and income requirements.

Student cards may be a good option for students who may not yet have an established credit score. For example, there is no credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards.¹ You can continue using your card with the same Cashback Bonus^® program after graduation and may even become eligible for a credit line increase. This guide will walk you through some requirements you may need to meet and provide you with four alternatives to a student credit card.

Student credit card qualifications

When researching your credit card options, you may have wondered about questions like, “Do I need to be a student for a student credit card?” or, “Can you get a student card without being a student?” While each card has different rules, most card issuers require you to provide proof of enrollment as a part-time or full-time student in a two-year program or longer. You’ll also need proof of U.S. citizenship, information about your sources of income, and you must be at least 18 years old.

The good news is that student cards generally have more lenient eligibility criteria compared to standard credit cards, provided you meet the age and income requirements. For example, instead of demonstrating creditworthiness through income or credit history, some credit issuers may only require student card applicants to prove they are enrolled in a college or university.

What is a student credit card?

A student credit card shares several similarities with a standard credit card, such as the ability to make purchases, and earn rewards. However, it also offers unique features that distinguish it from other types of credit cards, such as being designed with students in mind. Student cards tend to offer rewards that are geared toward college students. For example, the Discover it^® Student Chrome Credit card allows you to build your credit history² while earning 2% Cashback Bonus^® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.³ Get tips on choosing the best credit card for college students, or keep reading to explore four alternatives to a student credit card.

Are there ways to get a credit card without being a student?

In short, yes. If you aren’t eligible for a student credit card, you can use other alternative strategies to establish credit instead. Four of these strategies include:

Applying for a secured credit card
Applying for a joint credit card
Getting a cosigner to help you apply
Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account

Remember, it’s important to research with each issuer if these options are offered.

Secured credit cards

If you don’t meet the requirements for a student credit card, consider applying for a secured credit card instead. In many ways, a secured card works like a traditional credit card: you can use it to make a wide range of purchases, earn rewards on certain purchases, and build credit with responsible use. The major difference between a secured card and a traditional card is that, before you can begin using a secured card, you must pay a cash deposit to the issuer. For example, with the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200.⁴ Additionally, with the Discover^® it Secured Credit Card, there is no credit score required to apply.⁵

Become an authorized user

If you don’t meet the requirements to get your own credit card, an alternative is to become an authorized user on another person’s account, such as a parent or adult sibling. For example, becoming an authorized user may be a good option if you’re under 18 years old or over 18 but don’t meet the issuer’s requirements. As an added benefit, this strategy may potentially boost your credit score, provided the account holder has good credit and maintains responsible financial habits.

Apply for a joint credit card

It typically isn’t possible to get a student card without being a student or providing proof of enrollment. However, one potential alternative is to apply for a joint credit card together with someone who already has good credit. With a joint credit card account, both people share the power to make purchases—as well as the responsibility for paying debts. This is an important distinction from being an authorized user, where only the primary cardmember is liable for the debts accrued. Not all issuers offer joint credit cards, so it is best to contact the issuer to see what options may be available.

Find a credit card co-signer

If you don’t qualify for a credit card on your own, applying with a credit card cosigner may be a solution—and in some cases, a requirement. For example, if you’re under age 21 and don’t have independent income, you may need a cosigner to help you, depending on your credit card issuer. A cosigner is typically a parent, relative, or trusted friend who has good credit and is at least 21 years old. It’s important to understand that if you fail to make any payments you owe, your cosigner becomes liable instead, making it vital to stick to a payment schedule carefully. Not all issuers may offer the option to add a co-signer, so it may be best to see if you’re preapproved on your own before submitting a full application.

Understanding your eligibility for a student credit card

Are student credit cards only for students? In most cases, yes—but that shouldn’t discourage you from exploring the credit options that may be available to you. Whether you’re a part-time student, a full-time student, or not a student, there are multiple types of cards and credit card alternatives to fit your financial needs. For example, you might benefit from getting a secured card, becoming an authorized user, or getting a cosigner to help you qualify. As long as you use the card responsibly and focus on building good credit, you’re on a solid path toward an optimal credit score—and with it, improved loan and credit card eligibility.

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