8 Best Student Credit Cards Instant Approval

Instant approval credit cards can get you easy access to rewards in no time. Here are our top choices for credit cards that you can get approved for instantly.

Many credit cards offer instant approval for online applications that meet all the eligibility requirements. The easiest options for students looking for quick approval are student credit cards and secured credit cards as they both have very basic eligibility criteria and are more flexible in their credit and income requirements.

Credit card issuers like Capital One claim to provide decisions within a minute on applications submitted through their websites. Many other credit card issuers, like Discover it® and Bank of America, also provide quick decisions on online applications that are almost instant. Once approved, you can even start using most cards instantly through the company’s app or a digital wallet before they arrive in the mail which may take up to 10 business days. However, the decision may be delayed in case there is missing information or the information provided is not able to be verified right away.

Below is our list of the best student credit cards with instant approval, along with their fees, benefits, and specific eligibility requirements.

8 Best Student Credit Cards With Instant Approval

LenderScholaroo ratingAPR Rates %Minimum Credit Score

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards

Best card overall for instant approval

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4.9/517.99%690+

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Best for students with no credit

Visit website
4.9/518.24%No minimum credit score

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

Best for students new to U.S.

Visit website
4.6/519.99% - 29.99%580+

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards

Best for overall rewards

Visit website
4.6/519.99% - 29.99%580+

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Best for a welcome bonus

Visit website
4.5/518.24% - 28.24%690+

Bank of America® Travel Rewards

Best for travel rewards

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4.4/518.24% - 28.24%690+

OpenSky Secured Visa

Best for no checking account

Visit website
4.3/522.64%No minimum credit score

Discover It® Secured

Best secured card with rewards

Visit website
4.2/528.24%No minimum credit score
Lender

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards

Best card overall for instant approval

Scholaroo rating
4.9/5
APR Rates %
17.99%
Minimum Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Best for students with no credit

Scholaroo rating
4.9/5
APR Rates %
18.24%
Minimum Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Visit website
Lender

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

Best for students new to U.S.

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
APR Rates %
19.99% - 29.99%
Minimum Credit Score
580+
Visit website
Lender

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards

Best for overall rewards

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
APR Rates %
19.99% - 29.99%
Minimum Credit Score
580+
Visit website
Lender

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Best for a welcome bonus

Scholaroo rating
4.5/5
APR Rates %
18.24% - 28.24%
Minimum Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

Bank of America® Travel Rewards

Best for travel rewards

Scholaroo rating
4.4/5
APR Rates %
18.24% - 28.24%
Minimum Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

OpenSky Secured Visa

Best for no checking account

Scholaroo rating
4.3/5
APR Rates %
22.64%
Minimum Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Visit website
Lender

Discover It® Secured

Best secured card with rewards

Scholaroo rating
4.2/5
APR Rates %
28.24%
Minimum Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Visit website

#1 Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best card overall for instant approval

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Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards

4.9
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.99% - 27.99%
Annual fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Credit score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is a good option for students who have great credit and want to earn rewards. The card has no annual fee and you earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You also earn $200 as a welcome bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days and students who have a Bank of America savings or checking account may qualify for extra rewards.

The card offers an introductory APR of 0% for 18 months on purchases and transfers. There is a 3% fee if you transfer a balance from another card.

Applying for the card ‌only takes a few minutes and you can get a decision within 30 seconds. The online pre-approval process only requires a soft credit check.

Pros

  • Low intro APR on purchases
  • $200 rewards bonus
  • 0% APR introductory offer on purchases and transfers
  • No security deposit required

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires excellent credit
  • High regular APR
  • Must be enrolled as a student
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a good credit score
  • Must provide proof of income
  • $200 cash rewards after $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of account opening.
  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases.
  • Rewards don’t expire

#2 Discover it® Student Cash Back

Best for students with no credit

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Discover it® Student Cash Back

4.9
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR18.24% - 27.24%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards5% cash back on selected categories and 1% on all other
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Discover it is a popular credit card lender among students due to its cashback rewards and bonuses. It does not have an annual fee or a minimum credit score requirement which makes it ideal for college students. They claim to process student credit cards as quickly as they can which can be right away through a complete online application. To further speed up the process, they recommend that you apply with your school’s email ID.

The Student Cash Back card reports to the three major credit bureaus and can help you build credit from scratch with responsible use. For the first 6 months, students pay 0% APR on purchases and transfers after which the regular APR applies. It also offers various cash back rewards to students including a 5% cash back quarterly on specific categories and an unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

However, the card charges a late fee and a returned payment fee of up to $41 and it has limited acceptability abroad compared to other payment networks like Mastercard and Visa.

Pros

  • No minimum credit score requirement
  • Cash back rewards for students of up to 5%
  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus
  • No security deposit required
  • 0% APR introductory offer on purchases and transfers

Cons

  • Late payment charges of $41
  • Returned payment fee of $41
  • $10 or 5% cash advance fee, whichever is greater
  • Low acceptance abroad compared to other cards
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a U.S. address
  • Must have a Social Security number
  • Must be a student and show proof of education
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases.
  • Earn 5% cash back on places like Amazon. com,8 grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations
  • Earn unlimited dollar-for-dollar match against all the cash back you’ve earned after the first year

#3 Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for students new to U.S.

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR19.99% - 29.99%
Annual fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 1.5% cash back
Credit score580+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Capital One Quicksilver Student Card is a great instant approval card for students without a good credit score. They claim to approve online applications within 60 seconds if the applicant provides a complete application and meets all their eligibility requirements. However, if they require additional information then the process can take a few days or sometimes more. The actual card will then be received in the mail within the next 10 business days.

This student card offers unlimited cash back of 1.5% on every purchase, every day. Moreover, with this card, you can access 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats, and unlimited 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through their travel app. They also offer a $50 cash bonus on spending $100 within the first 3 months of account opening.

Capital One Quicksilver Student Card charges no annual or foreign transaction fee. You can redeem the rewards earned in multiple ways including cash, directly on purchases, and as gift cards. You can also apply for pre-approval for the card to see if you are eligible without hurting your credit score. This card is also available to students new to the U.S., or those who are authorized users on someone else’s credit card.

Pros

  • Get approved within a minute after submitting a completed application online
  • High cash back of 10% on Uber and Uber Eats
  • $50 welcome bonus on spending $100 in the first quarter
  • Pre-approval with a soft credit check
  • Can get approval with a limited credit history

Cons

  • Requires a minimum credit score
  • Late payment fee of up to $40
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a Social Security Number
  • Have a steady income
  • Be enrolled as a student

Cash back:

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • Earn 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases.

Early spend bonus:

  • Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months.

Referral bonus:

  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring family and friends.

#4 Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for overall rewards

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Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR19.99% - 29.99%
Annual fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 3% cash back on dining
Credit score580+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

SavorOne Rewards is another card by Capital One that is exclusively designed for students with limited credit history. It is a great card for those looking for high cash back rewards and instant approval. With this card, you can get a decision within 1 minute of submitting a complete online application.

Capital One SavorOne Rewards for students offers an unlimited cash back of 3% on limited categories like dining, entertainment, grocery stores, and online streaming services, and 1% on all other purchases. Moreover, you can earn 10% in cash back on Uber and Uber Eats, 8% on Entertainment purchases, and 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel app. This is also a welcome cash bonus of $50 when you spend $100 in the first quarter, and there is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee associated with the card.

It also offers Travel Accident Insurance, 24-hour Travel Assistance, Complimentary Concierge Service, and other travel-related benefits for its holders. Moreover, you can also redeem your rewards with PayPal.

Pros

  • High cash back rewards in multiple categories, $50 welcome bonus, and good travel benefits
  • 60 seconds approval on completed applications that meet the eligibility criteria
  • Comes with travel accident insurance
  • Students with limited credit history can apply
  • Redeem rewards with PayPal

Cons

  • Requires a fair credit
  • Late fee of up to $40
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be enrolled as a student
  • Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, grocery stores, and streaming services.
  • Earn 1% on all other purchases.
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases from Uber and Uber Eats
  • Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases through Capital One Entertainment

#5 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

Best for a welcome bonus

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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

4.5
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR18.24% - 28.24%
Annual fee$0
RewardsUp to 3% cash back on gas and travel
Credit score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash is a great card to use for students as it offers attractive daily cash back rewards and also a $200 cash rewards welcome bonus upon making at least $1,000 worth of purchases in the first quarter. They offer instant approval and allow instant use too, to those who are existing customers of the Bank and add a new card through their app. For students applying for the first time, they can get an instant decision on their application after submitting a completed application. In case of missing or unverifiable information, the processing times can be extended. The card, however, may take up to a week to arrive in the mail.

They do have a Digital Wallet Technology also and if you need to start using your card soon after approval, then you can add the details to their Digital Wallet mobile app and start using the card without having to wait for it to arrive in the mail.

Moreover, Bank of America® Customized Cash Credit Card comes with 0 annual fees and they charge no APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles. The cash back rewards they offer include 3% on a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores, and an unlimited 1% on all other purchases. These points do not expire for the life of the account and can be redeemed in multiple ways.

Pros

  • Instant approval and use on new card for existing customers
  • Up to 3% cash back on purchases
  • $200 welcome bonus
  • Digital Wallet allows instant card use
  • 0% APR for first 15 billing cycles

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Late fees apply
  • 3% balance transfer fee
  • Requires a good minimum credit score
  • Pay a security deposit (minimum of $200)
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be enrolled as a student
  • Up to 3% cash back on gas, online shopping, dining, travel, or home improvement.
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 in purchases, then earn 1%.

#6 Bank of America® Travel Rewards

Best for travel rewards

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Bank of America® Travel Rewards

4.4
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR18.24% - 28.24%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases
Credit Score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility Requirements

Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students is designed specifically for students with good credit to benefit them through various travel-specific rewards. Existing customers can get instant approval and use if they add this card through the Bank’s app. For first-time applicants, completed applications can get instant decisions; however if there is incomplete information or if it is unverifiable, the processing times may be prolonged.

Students can earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 they spend on all purchases everywhere. These points never expire for the life of the account and can used to book trips online, pay for flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, baggage fees, and dining or take out. Moreover, students can earn 25,000 online bonus points upon spending at least $1,000 in the first quarter of opening their account. This online bonus can be redeemed for a statement credit of $250 that you can use on travel and dining purchases.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students charges no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and offers a 0% APR introductory offer for the first 15 billing cycles.

Pros

  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent
  • Earn $250 statement credit against 25,000 bonus points on spending a $1000 in the first quarter
  • 0% APR for first 15 billing cycles
  • No foreign transaction or annual fees

Cons

  • Requires a good minimum credit score
  • Late payment fee of up to $40
  • 3% balance transfer fees
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a US resident
  • Must have a valid Social Security number
  • Must have a valid form of identification
  • Must have a good credit score and a history
  • Must provide proof of current income and employment status
  • Must not have any negative credit events in the past 12 months, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure
  • Must not have any outstanding balances with other lenders or credit card companies

#7 OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

Best for no checking account

Apply now

OpenSky Secured Visa

4.3
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR22.14%
Annual fee$35
RewardsN/A
Credit scoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsRepayment Terms

OpenSky Secured Visa is the best credit for people without a checking account. It does not require a credit check and has a few basic eligibility requirements for approval. Upon meeting the requirements, students and other individuals can get approved within a day of applying. OpenSky has an easy online application and they have a high average approval rate of 88%.

The card requires a security deposit of a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $3000. Your credit limit is equal to the security deposit you make and you can pay up your bills via money orders or Western Union also. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card can help individuals build their credit as it reports to the three major credit bureaus.

However, there are no rewards associated with this card and it also charges an annual and a foreign transaction fee. The APR rates may be higher than other cards too. This makes the OpenSky Secured Visa an expensive choice for some students.

Pros

  • No credit required to qualify
  • No checking account required
  • Easy to qualify for
  • High approval rate
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

Cons

  • Annual fee of $35
  • No rewards
  • May take slightly longer to give a decision compared to its competitors
  • Requires a security deposit
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Need to be a U.S. citizen
  • Need to be at least 18 years old
  • Need to pay a $200 security deposit

This card has no rewards.

#8 Discover It® Secured Credit Card

Best secured card with rewards

Apply now

Discover It® Secured Credit Card

4.2
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR28.24%
Annual fee$0
Rewards2% cash back on gas, restaurants
Credit scoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsRepayment Terms

Discover it® Secured is for anyone who meets the minimum age and residency requirements, and pays the required security deposit. This card is great for students as it does not have a minimum credit score requirement and most students do not have a credit score built up when they apply for a credit card for the first time. You can use this card to build up credit as it reports to the three major credit bureaus.

Moreover, you can get approved for Discover it® Secured within minutes by applying through their website – provided that you submit a complete application, meet the eligibility requirement, and your information is verifiable. The minimum security deposit you need to apply for approval is of $200. The security deposit made is refundable upon closing the account with no debt. After 7 months of responsible use, you are automatically considered for an upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Discover it® Secured Credit card does not charge any annual fees and it is one of the few secured cards that come with cash back rewards. They offer 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on spending a maximum of $1000 each quarter. There is a lower intro APR offer of 10.99% for the first 6 months. Moreover, the cardholder is entitled to an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match against the total cash back rewards earned within the first year.

Pros

  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus
  • Lower Intro APR of 10.99% for the first six months
  • No minimum credit requirement
  • Year-end cash back match against all the cash back earned within the first 12 months
  • Security deposit is refundable upon closing the account in good standing or getting an upgrade to an unsecured card

Cons

  • Requires a security deposit of $200
  • Late fee of up to $41
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a bank account
  • Must pay a security deposit
  • Earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations up to purchases of $1,000 per quarter. All other purchases earn 1%.
  • An intro bonus of an unlimited cashback match on all cash back you earn during the first year.

Can You Get Student Credit Cards with Bad Credit and Instant Approval?

If you are a student and have bad credit, there are credit cards you can apply for that come with instant approval. Although there is no guarantee that you’ll be approved, the cards on our list above don’t require a minimum credit score and an online application takes a few minutes.

The best student credit cards for bad credit which you can get instant approval for are typically secured credit cards. These cards are ideal for students and young adults as they usually do not require applicants to have a good credit score or a significant credit history.

Secured credit cards require a deposit that is usually equal to the credit limit you get on the card – the higher the deposit, the higher the limit. This reduces the risk to lenders and they happily issue cards to people with bad credit. If you can meet all of their other requirements and submit a complete application, the approval process is quite quick.

With these cards, you can build your credit by making on-time payments so you can switch to unsecured cards with higher limits. By having a reasonable amount of credit, you can easily apply for unsecured credit cards with better rates and higher rewards.

What Can Cause Delays in Credit Card Approval?

Following are some of the common reasons that can cause a delay in credit card approval.

  • Missing information: If you provide incomplete information or documentation, your card would not be approved until you provide everything that is required for a full review
  • Verification failure: Sometimes card issuers are unable to verify the information you have provided, like your social security number. This might sometimes be because of a typing mistake and should be able to get resolved easily and relatively quickly. Other problems in verification like failure to verify income can also cause delays in approval and credit card providers may ask you for additional information to ensure that you will be able to pay for your card responsibly.
  • Credit score close to the minimum requirement: In some cases when your credit card is very close to the borderline, human involvement is required to make the final decision based on other factors. This can also cause a delay in your application.
  • Excessive demand for a particular card: Sometimes, when there is a new offer on a card or a new economical card altogether, many people apply for it at once. This may cause the issuer to pause new approvals to deal with the existing ones which may slow down your approval process.

FAQs

What is the easiest credit card to get as a student?

If you’re a student building credit, you can consider the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card as it has an easy online pre-approval check and comes with cash rewards. If you don’t have a bank account, consider the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card, but keep in mind it requires a $200 security deposit.

What credit cards will approve me right away?

A few of the best cards with instant approval include Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards, Discover It® Secured Credit Card, and OpenSky Secured Visa.

Most credit cards now have an online application process that takes a few minutes to fill and submit provided that you have all the relevant information and documentation required. If you can provide a complete application, you can get a decision in minutes. A few of the best cards with instant approval include Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards, Discover It® Secured Credit Card, and OpenSky Secured Visa.

How long does it take to get approved for a student credit card?

You can get a decision right away within minutes of submitting a complete application online. However, it may take longer if there is information missing and your application needs further review.

What score do you need for a student credit card?

If you want good interest rates and decent rewards, you typically need good credit with a FICO score of at least 690. However, if you don’t have a good credit score, there are credit cards that don’t require a good credit history, but their interest rates may be higher and you may be required to put down a security deposit that will serve as your initial credit limit.

Are student credit cards hard to get?

Credit cards that are designed for students or young adults without a good credit history are generally designed for easy approval. The card issuer may ask for proof of enrollment and you may have to pay higher interest rates than with other credit cards. Some card issuers may request a security deposit or a cosigner.

Can foreign students get a card in the U.S. instantly?

It is possible for foreign students to get a credit card in the U.S. instantly, although the requirements may vary depending on the card issuer. Generally, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and have a good to excellent credit score (700 or higher). Some card issuers may require applicants to have a current U.S. address, so foreign students should check all eligibility requirements before applying.

Why do I get denied credit cards as a student?

Different issuers have different eligibility criteria that you need to meet to get approved. There may be many reasons for a credit card to be declined. A few reasons for denial could be insufficient proof of income, low credit score or history, being underage, failure to provide proof of enrollment as a student, etc.

Can I use my credit card immediately upon approval?

It depends on the credit card company. For most credit card lenders, you can get instantly approved via online application but the card actually may take up to 10 days to arrive in the mail so you can start using it. However, there are some issuers that allow instant use of your card account through cardless payment apps after approval.

How long does it take to get the card once approved?

It may take up to 10 business days to get the card in the mail.