9 Best Credit Cards for Students With No Income (2025)
Updated:
Writer: Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer, Credit Analyst
Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
As exciting a time as college can be, it can also be a stressful one, and not simply due to the exams. Part of what makes college a less-than-carefree experience is that the average college student is typically broke. Indeed, without any real skills — that’s what you’re in college to learn, after all — the income opportunities for a college student aren’t exactly lucrative.
And a lack of income can be a pain for more than just the obvious reasons (like a diet of nothing but mac and cheese). Not having an income will also impact your ability to obtain and establish credit, putting you at a financial disadvantage after graduation.
Thankfully, one skill you learned in college can help you here: research. Opportunities to build credit as a student are out there, you just have to know where to find them.
Students with No Income May Face Barriers to Credit
Once upon a time, a stack of bright, shiny credit card offers would grace your mailbox just about the moment you turned 18, opening the world of consumer credit to young people everywhere. For better or worse, those days are history — and the CARD Act of 2009 is responsible for their demise.
Designed to enact a range of protections for consumers, such as mandating rate increase alerts, the CARD Act also introduced new restrictions on when and how credit card companies can send offers to young people.
One example is the minimum age for obtaining a credit card, which was originally set at 18. Thanks to the CARD Act, individual credit card applicants must be at least 21 years of age unless they meet specific conditions.
In particular, consumers between the ages of 18 and 21 must have a verifiable income source — beyond that monthly “stipend” from your folks — to qualify for a credit card. This is to ensure you have a reasonable means of paying down your balance, as racking up debt with no way to repay it isn’t good for you or your credit card issuer.
One traditional way to avoid the income requirement for credit card applicants under the age of 21 (or, really, any age, as most issuers will prefer you to have an income) is to apply with a qualified cosigner.
However, the vast majority of major credit card issuers no longer offer co-signing as an option.
Credit Card Issuer
Co-Signer Allowed?
American Express
No
Bank of America
No
Barclays
No
Capital One
No
Chase
No
Citi
No
Discover
No
U.S. Bank
No
Wells Fargo
No
Students who don’t have any income may want to consider becoming an authorized user on a credit card account owned by someone with an income and an established credit history. Authorized users can receive their own credit card and make purchases but they don’t control any other aspects of the account.
Another bonus is that many issuers will report timely payments to the credit bureaus for both the account holder and the authorized user. That can be a great way for students to build credit they can use to qualify for better rates and terms once they start having an income of their own.
Student Cards Can Be Easier to Obtain
While you can’t even think about getting your own credit card without an income or cosigner until you turn 21, obtaining a new line of credit won’t be a picnic at any age if you don’t have money coming in. Even with a modest income, without an established credit history, most credit card issuers will still consider you to be a risky bet.
On the plus side, a variety of issuers are willing to take that bet. With a little research, you can find a range of student-centered credit cards with flexible credit requirements that can help you start building your credit profile. You don’t have to sacrifice perks, either. Many student cards will also let you earn cash backrewards on your purchases, including our favorites below.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No credit score required to apply.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Student Credit Cards based on:
Rewards offered
Annual and other fees
Regular and introductory APRs
Statement credits offered
Ease of approval
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No credit score required to apply.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
When comparing student cards, it’s important to understand exactly how your new card will work. This includes understanding the specific interest rates you’ll be charged, as different types of transactions may charge different rates. You’ll also want to determine any applicable fees, such as annual fees and late fees, as well as the various transaction fees, like balance transfer or foreign transaction fees.
Secured Credit Cards May Only Require a Deposit
Arguably the easiest credit card to get, secured cards require an initial deposit to open your account. That deposit acts as collateral against potential default, meaning if you become seriously delinquent (more than 180 days late), the issuer can use your deposit to cover your outstanding balance. This results in lower risk to the issuer, and, thus, looser credit requirements for the applicant.
The nature of secured cards also makes them a lower risk for cosigners, which is good because secured cards are not immune to the CARD Act requirements, so you’ll still need to show income or have a cosigner if you’re under 21. A limited credit history will be less important, however, as secured credit cards, such as the expert-rated options on our list, tend to have more flexible credit requirements — some cards won’t even require a credit check.
Our in-house experts rate Secured Credit Cards based on:
Deposit amounts
Annual and other fees
The regular APR
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Secured Credit Cards based on:
Deposit amounts
Annual and other fees
The regular APR
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Secured Credit Cards based on:
Deposit amounts
Annual and other fees
The regular APR
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Secured Credit Cards based on:
Deposit amounts
Annual and other fees
The regular APR
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Secured Credit Cards based on:
Deposit amounts
Annual and other fees
The regular APR
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Secured Credit Cards based on:
Deposit amounts
Annual and other fees
The regular APR
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
For a secured credit card, your initial deposit is more than simply collateral. The size of your deposit will also determine the size of your available credit line — i.e., your credit limit — typically at a rate of 90% to 100% of your deposit, up to the card’s maximum. If you can’t afford a large deposit initially, most cards will allow you to add to your deposit over time.
Prepaid Cards Don’t Require Approval
Offering all the shopping perks of a credit card — including the ability to make online purchases — prepaid cards aren’t actually associated with a consumer credit line, but are, instead, prepaid by the cardholder before use. Not only does this mean your lack of credit history won’t be an issue, it also means the CARD Act won’t be a problem, either — income or no income.
In addition to being usable pretty much anywhere credit is accepted, prepaid cards also have a few features your credit card doesn’t, including the ability to accept direct deposits. Individual features (and fees) typically vary by card, so compare your options before making a selection. You can start with our expert-rated options to explore the market.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Cashback – Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases
each month
No. Fees. Period. That means you won’t be charged an account fee on our
Cashback Debit account.
Early Pay – Get your paycheck up to two days early with no charge
No Credit Impact - You can apply without affecting your credit score.
Fraud Protection - You’re never responsible for unauthorized debit card
purchases. If you suspect someone else has used your debit card without
your permission, let us know.
Member FDIC
Fee-free overdraft protection
No minimum opening deposit and no minimum balance
Add cash into your account at Walmart stores nationwide
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Your Chime® Checking Account comes with a Visa® Debit Card, no monthly fees or minimum balance fees.
Over 60,000 fee-free ATMs¹ — more than the top 3 national banks combined!
Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit, terms apply.²
Chime will spot you up to $200 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals with no overdraft fees. Eligibility requirements and limits apply.³
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. ¹Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. ²Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date. ³Chime SpotMe is an optional service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account at least once every 34 days. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Conditions.
The fact that prepaid cards aren’t associated with a credit line can be helpful for those with troubled or nonexistent credit profiles, but it isn’t all good news. The same way your credit has no impact on your ability to obtain a prepaid card, your prepaid card will have no impact on your credit.
In other words, prepaid cards can’t be used to establish, rebuild, or repair your credit reports or scores. So, if you’re only looking for a way to make easy purchases, a prepaid card can work. If you want purchasing power and credit-building credit reporting, stick with an unsecured or secured credit card.
Only Charge What You Can Afford to Repay
Despite the nightmares of showing up to your final in your birthday suit, college can be a great deal of fun. But, like many things in life, getting the most out of your time at college will also require a great deal of hard work.
Of course, of all the lessons you’ll likely learn in college, some of the most important won’t occur within the walls of a classroom. No, some of your key discoveries will be made through trial — and through error.
You can reduce the impact of many of those hard lessons with the right bit of research, and that applies to your financial lessons, as well. As the old saying goes, “forewarned is forearmed.”
In particular, understand the importance of your credit report and score, including the factors that influence your credit score calculation. This will ensure you have the skills and knowledge to use your new card wisely, allowing you to come out of college well-prepared to face the next stage of your financial journey.
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9 Best Credit Cards for Students With No Income (2025)