6 Best Credit Cards for Students with No Income
Applying for a credit card will likely trigger a credit check from one or all of the major credit bureaus. We’ve rounded up the top credit cards that use Experience to check your credit score when you apply.
Little to no income, plenty of expenses, and weak or no credit history can make gaining access to basic financial products—like credit cards—difficult for students. Credit cards for students with no income can be a great stepping stone for students and young adults who don’t yet have an income – especially to build credit.
We’ve rounded up the best credit cards for students with no income, including their requirements, best features, and rates.
Credit Cards for Students with No Income
| Lender | Scholaroo rating | Regular APR | Credit Score |
|---|---|---|---|
Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card Best for cash back rewards Visit website | 17.99% - 26.99% | No minimum credit score | |
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Great for above-average rewards Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | No minimum credit score | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students Best for travel rewards Visit website | 17.99% - 27.99% | Good (690 - 850) | |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card Great for everyday purchases Visit website | 25.74% | No minimum credit score | |
Deserve® EDU Mastercard Best for low credit score Visit website | 22.99% | N/A | |
Discover It® Secured Credit Card Great for building credit with no fees Visit website | 27.99% | No minimum credit score |
Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
Best for cash back rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Great for above-average rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for travel rewards
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Great for everyday purchases
Deserve® EDU Mastercard
Best for low credit score
Discover It® Secured Credit Card
Great for building credit with no fees
1. Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard
6. Discover It® Secured Credit Card
How to Get a Credit Card With No Income
Getting a student credit card when you have no income can be particularly challenging, but there are ways to navigate this obstacle. A student credit card is often the first step in establishing a credit history, which will be critical for future financial transactions.
Here’s how you can get a student credit card even if you don’t have a steady income.
Use Parental Income
Some credit card companies allow you to consider parental income when applying for a student credit card. As a student, you can list your parents’ income on your application to boost your chances of approval. This approach may be good for students who are confident in their ability to manage credit responsibly, as it increases the likelihood of approval.
Show Proof of Financial Aid
If you’re receiving financial aid, scholarships, or grants for college, some lenders will accept this as proof of income. Although this isn’t a stable income source like a job, it shows that you have some financial resources.
Open a Bank Account
Having a bank account in good standing can demonstrate to credit card issuers that you’re financially responsible, even if you don’t have a regular income. While not a guarantee for approval, it can improve your chances.
Find a Co-Signer
A co-signer can help you secure a credit card by taking on the liability for your debt if you default. Opt for a co-signer who has a stable income and a good credit history. We recommend this option with caution; while it can help you get a credit card, it places financial responsibility on another person.
Apply for a Secured Card
While a secured credit card isn’t exclusively for students, it’s an option if you have no income. These cards require a refundable deposit and are easier to qualify for. We strongly suggest considering this as a fallback option because it will allow you to build credit even without a regular income.
How to Build Credit When You Don’t Have Any
Establishing a good credit history is an important financial milestone, especially for students who are just starting their financial journey. Building credit can provide the foundation for significant future transactions like renting an apartment, buying a car, or securing a mortgage.
Below are ways students can build credit even if they have no existing credit history.
Get a Student Credit Card
As mentioned earlier, student credit cards are designed for people with limited or no credit history. They usually come with low credit limits but offer the opportunity to build credit. Getting a student credit card is one of the easiest ways to start building credit.
Become an Authorized User
Being added as an authorized user on a parent’s or guardian’s existing credit card account can help you build your credit. This method allows you to benefit from their good credit standing. But caution that the account holder’s behavior, good or bad, will affect your credit as well.
Take Out a Small Loan
Another approach to building credit is by taking out a small personal loan that you can comfortably pay back. You should opt for loans with low interest rates and manageable monthly payments. We recommend this approach for students who are financially disciplined and have a means to repay the loan, such as a part-time job or financial aid.
Use a Co-Signer for a Loan or Credit Card
Using a co-signer for a credit card or loan can help you get approved and start building credit. The co-signer should have a good credit history and be willing to take on the liability for your debts. But use this option cautiously, as it puts the co-signer’s credit at risk if you are unable to meet payment obligations.
Apply for a Secured Credit Card
If other options are unavailable, consider a secured credit card. These cards require a deposit that becomes your credit limit. They’re easier to qualify for and can be a stepping stone to an unsecured card. This is a solid fallback option for those who have difficulty obtaining other forms of credit.
FAQs
What is your credit score if you have no credit?
If you have no credit history yet, you don’t have a score. Your credit report gets created when there is an activity – like a first credit check on your name. A zero credit score doesn’t exist, even for those with damaged credit.
What credit card can I get with no credit?
Many issuers offer credit cards for those with no credit. Student cards like the ones we’ve listed above, for example, may not require credit for approval. Another option for those without credit is a secured credit card, but becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account can also help you build credit.
Can you get a credit card at 18 with no credit?
Yes. There are credit cards for 18-year-olds with no credit, but it might be difficult to get approved if you are younger than 21. The Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires individuals under the age of 21 to either have a cosigner or provide proof of income or regular allowances to get approved for a first credit card.
