Credit cards for college students

Credit can play a major role in your financial future. Using a credit card responsibly is one way to build good credit. But as a college student, you may not have the credit history required for some credit cards. 

That’s where student credit cards come in. They’re designed for college students with little to no credit history. Some even offer rewards. Learn more about what to look for in a student credit card and how to choose one that’s right for you. 

What you’ll learn:

• Comparing card features, interest rates and terms may help you determine whether a student credit card is right for you.

• Doing things like paying your statement balance on time each month can help you build credit.

• The process of applying for a student credit card is similar to other credit cards, but you typically have to show you’re enrolled in a college or university. 

• Capital One has two student rewards credit cards: SavorOne Rewards for Students and Quicksilver Rewards for Students.

A student credit card may be your first credit card. And if you don’t have experience with credit cards, it can be hard to know how to sort through your options. Here are some important card features to research and compare: 

• Annual percentage rate (APR): Different credit card transactions may have different APRs. Purchases may have one APR while cash advances may have another, for example. Make sure you understand all of a card’s APRs and when they apply.

• Fees: Check to see if there are annual fees, late fees or other charges.

• Unauthorized charge coverage: A credit card is a big deal. And it’s an even bigger deal if it’s lost or stolen. Find out whether you’re covered by policies like $0 liability for unauthorized charges.

• Automated payment reminders: It’s important to always pay on time. But during busy times like finals, it can be easy to let things slip by. Consider setting up automated texts or emails to alert you when your account needs attention. Automatic payments may also help you avoid late payments. 

• Foreign transaction fees: Some cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, which is helpful if you’re heading abroad for a semester or the summer.

• Rewards: Some student cards offer cash back rewards, sometimes with no limit on the amount that can be earned.

• Credit limits: It’s important to know your card’s credit limit and make sure your balance doesn’t exceed it. By using the card responsibly over time, you may qualify for a credit limit increase. 

One of the biggest advantages of a student credit card is that you can build good credit if you use it responsibly. So, no matter what card you choose, make sure you’re doing things like making on-time payments and not overspending.

Capital One offers two award-winning student credit cards: SavorOne Rewards for Students and Quicksilver Rewards for Students. NerdWallet named SavorOne Rewards for Students 2023’s best credit card for college students, and CardRatings named Quicksilver Rewards for Students the 2024 best student credit card.^1,2

With both cards, you could get a one-time $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account.³

The SavorOne Rewards for Students card offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, as well as 1% on all other purchases. You can also get 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.⁶ And there’s no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

The Quicksilver Rewards for Students card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. You can also earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.6 And there’s no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

Approval requirements vary based on the card issuer, and some cards may not be an option for those with no credit history. But student credit cards and secured credit cards are designed to accommodate applicants with no credit history.

Applying for a credit card generally works the same whether you’re a student or not. You’ll usually need to provide information like your address, date of birth and employment or income information. But for student credit cards, you also typically need to show proof of enrollment at a college or university. 

There may also be age and income requirements. It’s possible to get a credit card once you’re 18. But issuers aren’t allowed to open accounts for people younger than 21 unless they have a co-signer or prove they have the income to cover monthly payments.

Some issuers don’t allow co-signers. Another way to access credit is by becoming an authorized user on a parent’s or loved one’s credit card account. If the account is used responsibly by all parties, being an authorized user could also help you build credit. But the opposite is also true. If the authorized user or account holder doesn’t use the account responsibly, it could hurt both people’s credit.

Building good credit takes time and responsible use. So, for many students, it makes sense to start early. Choosing a card and learning how to be a responsible cardholder can serve you well after you graduate and set out into the world. 

Ready to get started? Apply for a Capital One student credit card today. You can also check to see whether you have any pre-approved student card offers. Pre-approval is quick and has no effect on your credit scores.