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How to Get a Student Credit Card

6 min read

Last Updated: March 4, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

What are student credit cards and how do they work?
How do you apply for a student credit card?
Does age matter when applying for a credit card as a student?

You may already know that a credit card is a convenient and quick way to pay for things. But did you know it can do much more?

You can use a credit card to build your credit history which will come in handy when you graduate. After graduation, you’ll begin looking for work, finding housing, and getting an auto loan. All of these might require a credit check, so establishing a good credit history in college can be an important step.

Student credit cards look and function like regular credit cards because they are. What makes them different are the distinctive features well-suited for students. A student card generally has low credit limits, charge no annual fees, and offer rewards that are geared toward students (like cash back on purchases at restaurants and convenience stores).

There are two necessary steps to take before getting a credit card: determine which is the best credit card for you and then submit your application. When determining the best student credit card for you, remember to think about factors like rewards, interest rates, and annual fees.

Please note that under federal consumer protection laws, like the Credit CARD Act of 2009, there are strict regulations controlling who can qualify for student credit cards. This guide will explain the requirements students need to meet, how student credit cards work, how to get a student credit card, and what to expect both during and after the application process.

What are the advantages of a student credit card?

One of the most visible advantages of a student credit card is getting rewards on purchases you’re already going to make. Think about where you spend the most money to find the best credit card rewards program for you, whether that’s one with cash back, travel rewards, no annual fees, or some combination of the above.

Discover has two student card options that both offer great rewards: Discover it^® Student Chrome and the Discover it^® Student Cash Back credit card. Discover^® student credit cards let you earn cash back rewards and build a credit history¹ while you're in college.

Another great advantage of having a student credit card is that a credit card helps you establish a credit history. A credit history is important for when you need to show you’re responsible when handling debt. As a college student, a credit card can help you build credit early, and you may be able to qualify even if you’re unemployed or don’t have an extensive credit history.

Once you have a credit history, a credit bureau can create a credit report and a credit score. A credit score is a three-digit number derived from the information in your credit report. Lenders (like your credit card issuer) use this number to predict your credit behavior.

A credit score reflects your creditworthiness and financial behavior. This number will directly affect your eligibility for loans, mortgages, credit cards, and even certain career and housing opportunities. With a student credit card and responsible use, you’ll set yourself on a path toward good financial health later in life.

How to apply for a student credit card

Here’s how to get a student credit card in four simple steps:

Make sure you meet the qualifications to apply for a student credit card, such as minimum age requirements.
Check your credit report.
Review and compare different credit card options.
Apply online, over the phone, or using a written application form.

Let’s look at each of these steps in more detail to help guide you through the application process from start to finish.

1. Ensure you qualify for a student credit card

The first step toward getting a student credit card is ensuring that you meet a few basic qualifications. For example, you’ll need to be 18 or older to meet the minimum age requirement for having your own credit card, though some issuers require applicants to have a cosigner if they are under 21 years old.

You may also need to prove that you have access to sufficient income to pay your student credit card bill. Learn more about what counts as income on a student credit card application.

2. Review your credit report

The next step is to review your credit report. Your credit score helps determine what loans you qualify for, your credit limit, and your interest rates. If you have a lower credit score or no credit history at all, you may be required to apply for a secured credit card or a card with a cosigner. Remember, there is no credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards.²

When you review your credit report, note any mistakes, changes, and information you don’t recognize. That way, you can take immediate action to address these issues with your creditors and the credit bureau and repair any damage.

3. Review your credit card options

When getting a credit card as a student, it’s important to do your research and compare the available options between credit card companies and within each credit card issuer. For instance, Discover offers two student credit cards that provide different rewards in various spending categories, allowing you to choose the card that fits your lifestyle best.

The Discover it^® Student Chrome card allows you to earn 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

Learn More

The Discover It^® Student Cash Back credit card lets you earn 5% Cashback Bonus on up to $1,500 in different category purchases each quarter, when you activate. That’s up to $75 cash back each quarter. Plus, you always earn Cashback Bonus when you use your Discover Card. And don’t forget, Discover has no annual fee on any of our cards.

4. Apply for your student credit card

Submitting your application is the final step toward getting a credit card as a student. So how can a student apply for a credit card? While the process depends on the issuer, you can complete most applications online in just a matter of minutes. As an alternative to applying online, you may also be able to apply by phone or written application if you receive an offer in the mail. When you’re ready to complete your application, be prepared with the following information:

Your contact information
Your monthly income and expenses
Your Social Security Number (SSN), or your ITIN you’re an international student

Does my age matter when applying for a student credit card?

The requirements for obtaining a student credit card begin in part by your age. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old to apply for your credit card. If you’re under 18, another cardmember can add you to their account as an authorized user.

Depending on the issuer, if you're an adult under 21, you may need to have a designated cosigner on your behalf.

What to expect after you apply for a student credit card

Getting a credit card as a student can help you build your credit with responsible use while giving you more freedom to deal with expenses, emergencies, and essentials. The application for a Discover student card only takes minutes to complete online. When you submit an online application, you may receive immediate credit card approval. However, it's possible that credit card issuers might not send a confirmation for several days or even weeks. This delay could be because they are making a thorough review of your credit report and other relevant data to assess your creditworthiness.

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