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How to Find a Credit Card for Students With No Income

Updated
Brittney Myers
By: Brittney Myers

Our Credit Cards Expert

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

In a world of digital, well, everything, credit cards are a secure, convenient way to make purchases. As such, they're more of a necessity than a luxury. This goes for college students as much as it does for anyone else -- which raises the question of how to find a credit card for students with no income.

Credit card companies want to know you can pay your credit card bills (and who can blame them?). But card issuers also understand that students aren't exactly making six-figure salaries. Issuers are also a bit flexible on what types of income they'll accept, especially when it comes to student credit cards. 

Before you assume you won't qualify, consider whether a student credit card could work for you. We'll talk more about student credit card requirements below, as well as discuss a few alternatives for building and using credit.

You may have enough income for a student credit card

Without a doubt, the very best credit card for students is the aptly named student credit card. Nearly every major issuer offers a student credit card, and most won't charge an annual fee. Many student cards also come with cash rewards.

What's most important about a student credit card, at least for our purposes now, is that they're specifically designed for students. This includes having flexible income qualifications that make it easier for college students -- and their limited earnings -- to get approved.

Even a modest income of a few thousand dollars a year could qualify you for a student credit card. And you're not necessarily limited to traditional employment income; many card issuers will count financial aid that doesn't need to be repaid as income. Most credit card issuers will also allow you to include college scholarships and grant money as income on your student credit card application.

Some things you shouldn't count as income for a student card are gifts or irregular allowances. If your parents send you the same amount of money every month, that may count as regular income, but the random $20 they give you when you go home to do laundry won't count. If you're unsure if something will qualify as income, simply reach out to a potential credit card issuer and ask.

Student credit cards may offer student rewards on everyday purchases and can also reward student-specific spending, such as books or groceries. You'll also want a card that reports your payments to the credit bureaus to help build your credit history.

We've listed a few of our favorite student cards below. For more, take a look at our full guide to the Best Credit Cards for Students.

As of Nov. 27, 2023
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card

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5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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4.25/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair/New to Credit Under(669)

Fair/New to Credit Under(669)

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair/New to Credit Under(669)

Fair/New to Credit Under(669)

Welcome Offer: Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

25,000 points

Welcome Offer: Circle with letter I in it. Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months

Earn $50 Cash Back

Welcome Offer:

Rewards Program: Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

1.5 points per dollar

Rewards Program: Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.

1.5% cash back

Rewards Program:

Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants.

Intro APR: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. Balance transfers include a fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Intro APR:

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Intro APR:

Purchases: —

Balance Transfers: —

Regular APR:

18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Regular APR:

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Regular APR:

18.24 - 32.24% Variable

Annual Fee:

$0

Annual Fee:

$0

Annual Fee:

Highlights:

  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Highlights:

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
  • Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
  • Build your credit with responsible card use
  • Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you

Highlights:

  • No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
  • Variable APRs range from 18.24% - 32.24%
  • Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
  • 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
  • 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants
  • $300 - $10,000 credit limits
  • No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
  • See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
  • Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
  • Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
  • No deposits required
  • Card issued by WebBank
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Secured credit cards also have flexible requirements

If you've tried the student credit card route and come up dry, a secured credit card may be a good option. The only difference between a secured card and an unsecured card is that secured cards require collateral. 

Opening a secured credit card requires making a refundable security deposit. The minimum deposit will vary, but expect to put down a fixed deposit of at least $200. The bank will hold the deposit in a locked account, and it will go untouched so long as you don't default on your credit card balance. The amount of cash you put down will dictate your credit limit.

Since a secured credit card comes with minimal risk for the card issuer, it can afford to be flexible about income and credit rating requirements. You may qualify with a low, or even no, income.

As you use your secured card and pay it off in full each month, you'll build credit. Eventually, your issuer may upgrade your secured card to an unsecured credit card and refund your deposit. You can also get your deposit back by canceling your secured card account, as long as you don't have an outstanding balance.

Here are a few of our top-rated secured credit cards that you can consider. For more options, check out our list of the Best Secured Credit Cards.

As of Nov. 27, 2023
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Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Citi® Secured Mastercard®

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

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5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 3.75 out of 5 stars.
3.75/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: New/Rebuilding Under(579)

New/Rebuilding Under(579)

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: New to Credit Under(579)

New to Credit Under(579)

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: New/Rebuilding Under(579)

New/Rebuilding Under(579)

Welcome Offer:

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Welcome Offer:

N/A

Welcome Offer:

N/A

Rewards Program: Circle with letter I in it. 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

1% - 2% Cashback

Rewards Program:

N/A

Rewards Program:

N/A

Intro APR:

Purchases: n/a

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Intro APR:

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Intro APR:

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR:

28.24% Variable APR

Regular APR:

27.74% (Variable)

Regular APR:

25.64%, variable

Annual Fee:

$0

Annual Fee:

$0

Annual Fee:

$35

Highlights:

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
  • 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.
  • 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. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.

Highlights:

  • The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a no annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
  • Unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Once available, you will also have free access to your FICO score online.
  • Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted — worldwide.
  • A security deposit is required. Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit (minimum of $200).
  • Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
  • With Flexible Payment Due Dates, you can choose any available due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month.
  • Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.

Highlights:

  • No credit check is great for building credit
  • $35 annual fee
  • $200 minimum security deposit
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You may need to work together

If you're struggling with how to find a credit card for a student with no income and you've struck out on both a student credit card and a secured card, you may need to get someone else involved. Specifically, you may need to find a cosigner or become an authorized user on someone else's account.

Cosigners can act as collateral for students with no income

Smaller banks or credit unions that issue credit cards will sometimes allow you to apply for a credit card with a qualified cosigner. However, the top 10 credit card companies have stopped allowing them.

A cosigner is someone who puts their own credit and income up as collateral for someone else. So, the student would be the primary user on the card, while the cosigner merely agrees to pay the debts should the student default.

Becoming a cosigner is a big decision, as the cosigner's credit can be damaged if payments are late -- or stop coming altogether. The cosigner is also ultimately responsible for repaying the balance, and they'll likely be who the collection agency comes after if things go sideways.

Authorized users don't need any income

When you sign up for a credit card with a cosigner, both you and the cosigner take on financial and credit risk. If the primary cardholder messes up, everyone's credit score suffers. With an authorized user situation, however, the risk is a lot more (but not entirely) one-sided.

Authorized users are people who have the ability to charge purchases to a credit card account but do not have legal liability to pay the balance. Basically, someone else is the primary cardholder on the account. The authorized user can get a card in their name tied to the account and can make purchases as if it were their own.

Conveniently, when someone becomes an authorized user on an account, that account tends to be reported to the credit bureaus for both the primary account holder and the authorized user. This could mean an instant credit history (and credit score) for a student who previously had none.

While this may sound like an easy way to build credit, it can definitely backfire if the authorized user isn't particularly responsible. Giving a student a credit card they can use freely -- but have no responsibility to pay for -- could end up being very costly for the main account holder.

Conversely, the problems of the main account holder can also become the problem of the authorized user. Missed payments or high balances will show up on the authorized user's reports, too. For this reason, it's imperative to add an authorized user to an account that is used responsibly and has a good credit history.

Not all card companies report authorized users to the credit bureaus, but most major issuers will do so. To see what's being reported, simply check your credit report. You can get a free credit report from each main consumer credit bureau -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- once a year. (It's a good idea to check your credit reports at least once a year anyway.)

A few last bits of advice

By taking advantage of one of these solutions, you'll know how to find a credit card for students with no income. Hopefully, you've seen that no income doesn't have to mean no options.

That said, keep in mind that scams abound. You may be tempted to make your own luck with a card with no income requirements just to get some credit. But any credit card company that promotes a "credit card for no income" deal is unlikely to be on the up-and-up. 

One final thing to note: Just as the type of card you apply for matters -- a student credit card has different pros and cons than a secured card has, for instance -- where you apply will also make a difference. 

Most of the major credit card issuers offer options for the income-limited, but they're not your only option. Your local credit union may be more forgiving of your lack of income than a big bank with a board of investors to satisfy. Similarly, the bank that already handles your checking account may be more likely to approve you for additional products.

FAQs

  • It's very unlikely you'll be approved as the primary cardholder on a credit card if you have $0 income. The exception would be if you have savings large enough that the bank isn't worried about your ability to repay your credit card. If you have $0 income and need access to a credit card, you can try applying with a cosigner. Alternatively, you may be added as an authorized user onto someone else's credit card account.

  • Technically, yes, you can apply for a credit card at age 18. However, if you are under the age of 21, you can only count independent income or assets. If you are over the age of 21, you can include additional sources of income, including income from family if they will help you pay the bill.

Our Credit Cards Expert