
Getting credit cards for students with no credit can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. Many credit card issuers are now offering student credit cards with no credit check or minimal requirements.
These cards often come with lower credit limits and may have higher interest rates, but they can be a great way to start building credit from scratch. You can even get approved for a credit card with a co-signer.
To qualify for a student credit card with no credit, you'll typically need to be at least 18 years old and a full-time student in the US. Some issuers may also require a minimum income or have other eligibility criteria.
You might like: What Is Class B Shares
Choosing a Credit Card
If you're a student with no credit history, the best credit cards for you will be geared toward students in your situation. A rewards student credit card, such as Discover it Student Cash Back Card or Discover it Chrome for Students, can help you earn cash back on everyday purchases.

To choose a student credit card without a credit history, you'll want to consider factors such as interest rates, fees, rewards, credit reporting, and welcome offers.
Interest rates are a crucial aspect to consider. Check whether cards you're considering offer introductory rates on purchases, and know your new card's ongoing APR, which will impact how much interest you're charged if you carry a balance.
Fees can also add up quickly, so look for student credit cards that charge minimal fees or no fees. Don't settle for cards that charge an annual fee.
Rewards can be a great perk, but make sure you understand how they work. Compare student cards to find one that offers more rewards in categories you spend a lot in.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a credit card:
- Interest rates: Check introductory rates and ongoing APR
- Fees: Look for minimal or no fees
- Rewards: Compare cards to find one that offers more rewards in your spending categories
- Credit reporting: Make sure cards report your credit balances and payments to the three credit bureaus
- Welcome offers: Consider cards with lucrative welcome offers
Discover Benefits
You can build your credit history with a Discover student credit card, which is a great way to start your credit journey.

No annual fee means you get to keep more money in your pocket, allowing you to spend it where it matters most.
The Discover mobile app offers fast and secure login options, including Touch ID or a 4-digit passcode, to check your balance and FICO Credit Score.
Online Privacy Protection is also a benefit, as Discover regularly helps remove your personal information from at least 10 people-search sites.
You're protected from unauthorized purchases with Discover's $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee.
Here are some key benefits of Discover student credit cards:
- No annual fee
- Fast and secure mobile login
- Online Privacy Protection
- $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee
With Discover, you can also earn cash back rewards on every purchase, making it a great option for students who want to build credit and earn rewards.
Understanding Credit Cards
Payment history has the biggest influence on your credit score, so it's essential to pay your balances in full whenever possible and always pay on time.
To build credit, you don't need to have a credit card right away. Being an authorized user on someone else's card could be an alternative, but make sure the person you choose is a responsible credit user and someone you can trust.
Here's an interesting read: Chase Sapphire Reserve Add Authorized User

A student card can be an ideal way to start building credit if you have little to no credit history. Most student credit cards are designed for students with student-centric perks and relaxed credit requirements.
To track your progress when building credit, pick a card that reports to at least one of the three credit bureaus.
Here are some key actions to take when building credit from scratch:
- Payment history has the biggest influence on your credit score. Once you open a line of credit, like a credit card, do your best to pay your balances in full whenever possible and always pay on time.
- The second largest influence on your credit score is your credit utilization ratio, or how much credit you use in relation to how much credit you have available to you. Keeping your credit utilization under 30 percent is one of the best ways to help build your credit.
- If you aren’t looking to get your own card right away, being an authorized user on someone else’s card could be an alternative. Just make sure that the person you choose is a responsible credit user and someone you can trust.
Applying and Qualifying
You can apply for a Discover it Student credit card with no credit score, and it can help you build credit with responsible use.
To qualify, you don't need a credit score, but you do need to apply for the card.
The Discover it Student credit card is a great option for students who want to start building their credit history.
You're never held responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account, which is a big plus.
If you need a new student credit card for any reason, such as replacing a lost or stolen card, it won't affect your credit score.
Just remember, applying for a credit card is a big decision, and you should only do it if you're sure you can afford the payments.
Take a look at this: Title Loans without Seeing the Car
Comparing Credit Cards

If you're a student with no credit, you're likely looking for a credit card that will approve you and help you build credit. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Discover it Student Cash Back, and Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card are all great options, with approval odds and welcome bonuses that are hard to beat.
These cards are not only easy to get approved for, but they also offer great rewards and benefits. The Discover it Student Cash Back card, for example, has a 5.0 Bankrate score and offers cash back rewards. The Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card also has a 5.0 Bankrate score and offers cash back rewards with no fees.
Here are some key features of these cards:
These cards are all great options for students with no credit, and can help you build credit and earn rewards at the same time.
Comparing the Best

Comparing the best credit cards for students with no credit can be a daunting task, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a Bankrate score of 4.6, making it a strong contender.
The Discover it Student Cash Back credit card is another top choice, boasting a Bankrate score of 5.0. This card offers great rewards and a welcome bonus, but we'll dive deeper into that later.
The Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa Credit Card also has a Bankrate score of 5.0, making it a great option for students with no credit. This card has no fees and offers cash back rewards.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a Bankrate score of 4.0, but it's still worth considering. This card offers cash back rewards, but its score is lower than the top two options.
Here's a quick comparison of the top cards:
These cards are all great options, but the Discover it Student Cash Back credit card stands out for its high Bankrate score and great rewards.
Chase Freedom Rise

The Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card is a great option for students with no credit or limited credit history. It requires a Chase checking or savings account with at least $250 in it within three days of applying for the best approval odds.
This card offers 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases, which is a pretty standard rate. However, the bigger focus is on building credit the right way.
Chase encourages good credit habits by rewarding you with $25 when you set up autopay within the first three months. This is a great incentive to start building a positive credit history.
If you use the card responsibly and make on-time payments, you'll automatically be considered for an upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited card after one year. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your credit card benefits and earn even more rewards.
Here are the key benefits of the Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card:
- 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases
- $25 reward for setting up autopay within the first three months
- Opportunity to upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited card after one year
Specific Credit Cards

If you're a student with no credit, you're in luck because there are credit cards designed specifically for you. Here are some options to consider.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase, which is a great starting point for building credit.
You can also consider the Discover it Student Cash Back, which doesn't require a credit score or security deposit to qualify. This card offers exceptional cash back rewards on rotating categories and a potentially lucrative welcome offer.
The Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card with Cashback is another option for students from other countries who don't have a Social Security number. This card operates like a debit card, only allowing you to spend what you deposit, and reports to all three credit bureaus each month.
The Discover it Student Chrome card has no membership fees and offers a high rewards rate, but be aware that there are spending caps on rewards.
See what others are reading: Patelco Security Update

Here are some specific credit card features to consider:
Tips and Advice
If you're a student with no credit, building a strong credit history can seem daunting. Payment history has the biggest influence on your credit score, so make on-time payments a top priority.
Keeping your credit utilization under 30 percent is another key factor in building credit. This means if you have a credit limit of $1,000, try not to use more than $300.
If you're not ready for your own credit card, being an authorized user on someone else's card can be a good alternative. Just make sure the person you choose is a responsible credit user and someone you can trust.
Here are some key actions to take to ensure you kick off your credit on a positive note:
- Paying your balances in full and on time
- Keeping your credit utilization under 30 percent
- Being an authorized user on someone else's card (if you're not ready for your own)
Introductory Offers
Introductory offers on credit cards for students with no credit can be a great way to save money on interest charges.

You'll often find 0% APR introductory offers, but these are only for a limited time.
After the introductory period ends, the standard APR will apply to any remaining balance and new purchases.
This is why it's essential to look at the standard APR when comparing credit cards.
The standard APR will be the rate you pay after the introductory period ends.
A low introductory APR can help you save money on interest charges, but it's not a guarantee.
Even if you pay your balance in full every month, you'll still be charged interest on balance transfers and cash advances.
Look for credit cards with low introductory APRs and a good standard APR to save money in the long run.
For more insights, see: 12 Month Introductory Rate Heloc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest card to get with no credit?
The easiest card to get with no credit check is the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, which allows you to build credit without a traditional credit check. This card is a great option for those who want to establish or rebuild their credit.
Sources
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/student-credit-card/
- https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/no-credit-student/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/building-credit/no-credit-student-cards/
- https://bold.org/blog/credit-cards-for-students-with-no-credit/
- https://cred.club/credit-card-bill-payment-online/articles/best-credit-cards-for-students-with-no-credit-history
Featured Images: pexels.com