If you're a high school student with no credit, it can be tough to get approved for a credit card. Many credit card companies require a good credit score to approve new applicants, but there are some options available that cater specifically to students.
Some credit cards designed for high school students with no credit have no annual fee, making them a great option for those on a tight budget.
You can start building your credit score from a young age by applying for a secured credit card. Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit, and can be a great way to establish credit history.
Some credit cards for high school students with no credit offer rewards and cashback, which can be a great perk for students who need to earn some extra money.
Our Top Picks
As a high school student, you're probably looking for a credit card that's easy to use and won't break the bank. Consider a card with no monthly fee, like the ones mentioned in our top picks.
Some of these cards offer up to 3% cashback, which is a pretty sweet deal. For example, if you spend $100 on a purchase, you'll get $3 back.
Other cards offer even more cashback, like up to 8% on purchases with certain conditions. You'll also get 4% cashback on savings with a minimum of $500 in direct deposits.
These cards also have no credit check, security deposit, or interest charges, which is perfect for students who are just starting to build their credit history. Plus, some cards let you earn cashback with no foreign fees.
Here are some of our top picks:
These cards are perfect for students who want to start building their credit history without breaking the bank.
Credit Card Options
Credit card companies have different minimum age requirements for authorized users. Some, like American Express, allow users as young as 13, while others, like Capital One, require 18 years old.
The Discover credit card is a great option for young adults, as it allows users as young as 15 to become authorized users. This can be a great way for high school students to start building credit.
If you're looking for a credit card with rewards, consider the Savor Student credit card, which offers unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
Here are some popular credit card options for high school students:
The Quicksilver for Students credit card is another great option, offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no caps or spend categories.
Petal 1 Rise Visa
The Petal 1 Rise Visa credit card is a great option for those looking for a card with cash back rewards and no security deposit required.
You can earn 2% - 10% cash back at select local and national merchants.
Petal 1 Rise Visa has a low fee of $59.
This card offers flexibility with its cash back rewards, allowing you to earn between 2% and 10% back at various merchants.
Here are some key features of the Petal 1 Rise Visa credit card:
- No security deposit required
- 2-10% cash back at select local and national merchants
Capital One Savor
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for students who want to earn cash back rewards. It offers unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You can earn a $50 initial rewards bonus when you spend $100 in the first three months. This is a great way to get started with the card and earn some rewards right away.
One of the benefits of the Savor Student card is that it has no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees. This makes it a great option for students who are on a budget or planning to study abroad.
The card also offers flexible ways to redeem your rewards, including cash, a statement credit, to cover recent purchases, or for gift cards. This gives you the freedom to choose how you want to use your rewards.
Here are some of the key features of the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn $50 initial rewards bonus when you spend $100 in the first three months
- No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Discover It Chrome
The Discover It Chrome is a great option for students with no credit history. It doesn't require a credit history to qualify, making it a great option for young teens or those with no credit history.
The cashback rewards are solid, letting you earn up to 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to $1,000 each quarter, and 1% unlimited cash back everywhere else.
One of the best features of the Discover It Chrome is the dollar-for-dollar match on all of the cashback you've earned at the end of your first year. This means that if you earn $50 in cashback, Discover will match it, giving you a total of $100.
Here are some key benefits of the Discover It Chrome:
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for the first 6 months (then 17.49% to 26.49% variable)
- Balance transfer APR of 10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then 17.49% to 26.49% variable)
- Welcome Offer: Discover will match cash back at the end of your first card year
- Rewards: Up to 2% cash back
Overall, the Discover It Chrome is a great option for students who want to earn cashback rewards without having to worry about a credit history.
Allow Teens to Build at 17 and Under
Teens can start building credit at 17 and under by becoming authorized users on an adult's account. This is a great way to establish a strong credit history.
Some credit cards allow teens as young as 13 to become authorized users, while others have no minimum age requirement. For example, the Step Visa Card and Citi Diamond Preferred Card have no minimum age requirement for authorized users.
However, not all credit cards are created equal. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card require authorized users to be at least 18 years old.
Here are some credit cards that allow teens to build credit at 17 and under:
These credit cards can help teens build a strong credit history, which can increase their chances of qualifying for better credit card options in the future.
Methodology: Our Choice Process
To find the best credit cards for high school students, our team of experts thoroughly researches over 700 credit cards. We look for cards that cater to teenagers with specific features in mind.
We focus on credit cards that allow authorized users under the age of 18, which is a crucial aspect for teens who want to start building credit. These cards also come in secured and unsecured options, providing flexibility for young users.
To narrow down our options, we consider cards with $0 annual fees and $0 or a maximum of $5 monthly fees, as long as they offer extra perks. This way, teens can enjoy the benefits of credit cards without breaking the bank.
We also take into account the maximum APR, which is capped at 30.50% for our top picks. This ensures that teens won't be burdened with excessively high interest rates.
Our research also shows that we focus on credit cards with credit scores of 670 or lower, which is a great option for teens who may not have an established credit history yet.
Here are the key criteria we use to select the best credit cards for high school students:
- $0 annual fee
- $0 or max $5 monthly fee, as long as there are extra perks.
- Maximum APR of 30.50%
- Credit scores 670 or lower
Benefits and Features
As a high school student, you're likely to use your credit card for everyday purchases, but did you know that some student credit cards offer rewards for entertainment-related purchases? You can earn 8% cash back with the Savor Student card.
With a student credit card, you can also enjoy exclusive access to events and other cardholder perks. For example, at Capital One Entertainment, cardholders can earn rewards for making purchases like tickets to concerts or sporting events.
Spending Bonus
If you're looking for a spending bonus, some credit cards offer a one-time cash bonus for meeting a certain spending requirement within a set timeframe.
The amount of the bonus can change, but you can research the current offer to see what's available. For example, the Savor Student and Quicksilver for Students cards offer a $50 cash bonus after spending $100 within three months of account opening.
To qualify for this bonus, you'll need to make sure you meet the spending requirement within the specified time period.
Making It Worth It
Having kids as authorized users on credit cards can give parents a window into their financial habits, allowing them to rein in overspending when necessary.
Involving kids in the application process and explaining how credit cards work can help them understand the importance of protecting their credit scores.
This can even lead to a slight growth in their frontal lobes, as Ellen mentions in her article.
By making credit cards a learning experience, parents can help their kids develop good financial habits that will benefit them in the long run.
Pros and Cons
Having a credit card as a high school student can be a great way to start building credit, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons.
Giving your teenager a credit card can be a great way to help them financially prepare for the future. By making them an authorized user on an account, you can have control over the account and get insight into their spending.
Adding a teen as an authorized user helps them start building credit history early, which can lead to better approval chances when they're ready to borrow on their own. This is a crucial step in helping them establish a good credit score.
A credit card means your teen always has access to funds, which is helpful in case of emergencies. This can be especially convenient for everyday expenses like meals, transportation, or supplies.
By having your teen on your credit card account, you could earn cashback rewards or travel points from spending, which can be a great perk.
Comparison
If you're a high school student looking for a credit card, there are several options available.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card is a great choice for students who want to earn rewards. It has a 5/5 review rating and is best for rewards.
Capital One's Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for students who want to build credit. It has a 4.7/5 review rating.
If you're looking for a Mastercard Student Card, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good option. It has a 4.8/5 review rating.
Discover offers a student card option with the Discover it Student Chrome. It has a 4.3/5 review rating and is a Discover Student Card.
Here's a comparison of the cards:
Frequently Asked Questions
What card can a 16 year old get?
A 16-year-old can get a Step Visa Card, a secured credit card that helps build credit history without debt, requiring an adult sponsor. This card is open to all ages, making it a great option for young adults to start building their credit.
How can a 16 year old build credit?
To build credit as a minor, you can be added as an authorized user on a parent's or guardian's credit card. This allows you to establish a credit profile that will be available when you turn 18.
Which credit card is the best for a student?
For students seeking a straightforward and affordable credit card, the Discover it Student Chrome offers simplicity and value.
Sources
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/student-cards
- https://www.finder.com/kids-banking/credit-card-options-teens
- https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/credit-cards-for-kids-and-teens
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/best-student-credit-cards/
- https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/no-credit-student/
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