Students generally do not have traditional jobs or regular income which can make it hard to get a credit card. This is because proof of income is one of the main requirements for any credit card application as it indicates how well you will be able to manage your debt.
However, there are some credit card options exclusively for students that have a lower minimum income requirement and they accept applicants with no regular income. The issuers of these credit cards acknowledge that students generally do not have proper jobs and may rely on other sources for financial support. To get approved, students can even show their monthly allowance that they get from their parents as proof of income. Other acceptable sources of income include money from scholarships and grants, personal savings, partner’s income, and investment income.
Other types of cards that students with no income can apply for are secured credit cards. These type of cards requires the applicant to make a security deposit for approval which acts as collateral.
We’ve rounded up the best credit cards for students with no regular 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 | 4.8/5 | 17.99% - 26.99% | No minimum credit score |
 Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Great for above-average rewards Visit website | 4.5/5 | 19.99% - 29.99% | No minimum credit score |
 Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students Best for travel rewards Visit website | 4.4/5 | 17.99% - 27.99% | Good (690 - 850) |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card Great for everyday purchases Visit website | 4.3/5 | 25.74% | No minimum credit score |
 Deserve® EDU Mastercard Best for low credit score Visit website | 4.2/5 | 22.99% | N/A |
 Discover It® Secured Credit Card Great for building credit with no fees Visit website | 4.0/5 | 27.99% | No minimum credit score |
Lender
Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
Best for cash back rewards
Scholaroo rating
4.8/5
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Lender
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Great for above-average rewards
Scholaroo rating
4.5/5
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Lender
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for travel rewards
Scholaroo rating
4.4/5
Regular APR
17.99% - 27.99%
Credit Score
Good (690 - 850)
Lender
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Great for everyday purchases
Scholaroo rating
4.3/5
Regular APR
25.74%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
Lender
Deserve® EDU Mastercard
Best for low credit score
Scholaroo rating
4.2/5
Regular APR
22.99%
Credit Score
N/A
Lender
Discover It® Secured Credit Card
Great for building credit with no fees
Scholaroo rating
4.0/5
Regular APR
27.99%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
1. Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
Best for cash back rewards
Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
4.8
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.99% - 26.99%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards5% cash back Amazon and select grocery stores
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards
Why We Like It
The Discover It® Student Cash Back credit card offers great rewards and benefits to students with no credit history, such as a cashback program, and no annual fees. Along with rewards, students can log in to the Discover mobile app to view their free FICO scores, track their cashback rewards, and get free Social Security Number security alerts.
You can earn a statement credit if you refer a friend and they get approved for a card. You’ll also get a welcome bonus that you don’t typically get with other student credit cards.
The card comes with a 0% APR for six months on purchases, after which a minimum APR of 17.99% will apply. There’s also a balance transfer intro APR of 10.99% for six months. When you graduate, you can update your income information and you may then become eligible for a higher credit limit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cash back rewards program
- No credit score needed to apply
Cons
- Lower rewards than other similar cards
- Not as widely accepted as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Enrolled in college
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a Social Security Number
- Need to have verifiable income (part-time or full-time)
Benefits and Rewards
Cash Back
- 5% cash back on everyday purchases from Amazon as well as selected grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. Plus, 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome Offer
- You’ll get an unlimited cashback match, where Discover will automatically match all the cashback rewards you’ve earned at the end of the first year
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Great for above-average rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.5
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR19.99% - 29.99%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards
Why We Like It
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card has no annual fees, a very decent cashback rewards program, and no credit history requirement. This makes the card ideal for students who want to earn rewards while building a credit history.
The card comes with a 0% intro APR for six months on purchases, and a 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for six months. After this, an APR of 17.99% to 26.99% will apply.
The card offers a 24-hour travel assistance benefit, and there are no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for students traveling outside of the U.S.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No credit history required
- 1% - 2% cash back on purchases
- 0% purchase intro APR for six months
- No annual fees or foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Balance transfer fee
- No initial rewards bonus
Eligibility Requirements
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a Social Security Number
- Have a steady income
Benefits and Rewards
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
3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Best for travel rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.99% - 27.99%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 1.5x points on all purchases
Credit ScoreGood (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards
Why We Like It
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for students. It doesn’t require a good credit score to qualify and online pre-approval only takes a few minutes.
The card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 18 months and for six months on balance transfers. Thereafter, an APR of 17.99% to 27.99% and a balance transfer fee of 3% on each transaction will apply.
This card offers good rewards, especially for travel. It comes with 25,000 online bonus points if you make purchases of at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account. You can use this as a $250 statement credit towards credit purchases.
In addition to this, you also get unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases. Rewards that you earn don’t expire.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5 reward points on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- 25,000 bonus points
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 months
Cons
- 3% balance transfer fee
- No travel insurance
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be enrolled as a student
Benefits and Rewards
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases
- Rewards don’t expire
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Great for everyday purchases
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
4.3
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR25.74%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards2% cash back on your first $2,500 at grocery stores
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards
Why We Like It
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured credit card is a good option for borrowers without a good credit score. It offers great cashback rewards and your initial card limit is between $200 and $5,000, depending mainly on your security deposit.
You get 2% cash back at grocery stores and 3% cash back in your choice of these categories: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, and home improvement. After your first $2,500 spending in any category, you will earn 1% back on purchases.
Other perks include checking your FICO credit score for free and the ability to move to an unsecured card with a refund of your security deposit. You can improve your chances by keeping your balances low and making your payments on time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No annual fee
- Up to 3% cash back rewards
- Flexible credit limit
Cons
- Security deposit of $200 (minimum)
- No welcome bonus
Eligibility Requirements
- Requires a security deposit
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be a U.S. citizen
Benefits and Rewards
- 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%
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard
Best for low credit score
Deserve® EDU Mastercard
4.2
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR22.99%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsEarn 1% cash back on all purchases
Credit ScoreN/A
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards
Why We Like It
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard is a good option for 18-year-olds as you don’t need a security deposit or a cosigner to apply. It is also a great credit card for international students as you don’t need a Social Security number to qualify. It has some great card perks, in addition to its low credit requirements.
Some benefits include a year of Amazon Prime Student membership when you spend $500 in the first three billing cycles. There is also a 1% cash back on all purchases. The Deserve® EDU Mastercard has a $0 annual fee and comes with a 22.99% variable APR.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No annual fee
- No social security number is required to apply
- No cosigner or security deposit required
- Cell phone protection up to $600
Cons
- High APR rates
- Late payment fees of up to $25
Eligibility Requirements
- No minimum credit score
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be enrolled in a U.S.-based college or university
Benefits and Rewards
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- One year Amazon Prime Student membership when you spend $500 in the first three billing cycles
6. Discover It® Secured Credit Card
Great for building credit with no fees
Discover It® Secured Credit Card
4.0
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR27.99%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations up to $1,000 per quarter
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards
Why We Like It
The Discover It® Secured credit card is a great card for students as it requires no credit history to qualify. It also reports payments to all three major credit bureaus and allows you to earn rewards while building your credit.
The card requires a minimum security deposit of $200 which will equal your starting credit limit. After seven months, your account will be reviewed to see if you qualify for moving to an unsecured credit card and a deposit return.
Other benefits of this card include no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a 27.99% variable APR. There’s a 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for the first six months and a welcome bonus of an unlimited cashback match on all purchases during your first year.
You also earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations for purchases up to $1,000 per quarter. Thereafter, you earn 1% cashback.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No credit history needed to apply
- Possibility of upgrading to an unsecured card after seven months
- Unlimited cashback on all purchases during the first year
Cons
- Requires a security deposit
- High ongoing APR
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must have a bank account
- Must pay a security deposit
Benefits and Rewards
- 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
What Counts as Income on a Credit Card Application?
Credit card companies do not only consider regular salary coming from a job as income. There are multiple sources of income that you can use to apply for a credit card including:
- Hourly wages and salaries from employment
- Self-employment income like that coming from your own business
- Investment income including interest, dividends, or rent coming in
- Social security, pension, retirement savings
- Spouse’s or another relative’s income deposited in a joint account including you
- Alimony and child support
- Regular allowance from parents and gift money
- Financial aid including scholarships and grants deposited in your account
If you earn money in any other way and are confused about its eligibility as income for the application, you can reach out to a customer representative of the credit card company you are considering.
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 can a College Student Build Credit with No Income?
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 from scratch even with no regular income.
Get a Student Credit Card
Student credit cards are designed for people with limited or no credit history. They also consider the fact that students may not have a regular source of income and, therefore, have flexible income requirements. 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 with no income. 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.
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 if you do not have any source of income to show. The co-signer should have a good credit history, meet the minimum income requirements, 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.
Use the Card Responsibly
Once you are approved for a card, make sure to use it responsibly. This is because all the credit-building cards report to the major bureaus on a monthly basis. Your credit score can get negatively affected in case you miss a payment, make late payments, or max out your credit limit often. Therefore, to build a good credit score and strong history, make on-time payments and keep the utilization ratio low.
FAQs
Can you get a credit card as a student with no income?
Yes, students can get a credit card without regular income. Students can show any form of financial support that they get like allowance from parents, scholarships, and grants as proof of income for approval.
Student credit cards are easier to get in such a case as they are flexible in their income requirements.
Can I get a secured credit card if I am a college student with no job?
Most cards require a minimum income for approval by it is still possible to get approved for a secured credit card as a college student without a job. This is because these cards take a security deposit and in case the holder is unable to make a payment, the amount spent can be deducted from the deposit lowering the risk to the card issuer. This allows the card company to be flexible with their income requirements. It is best to contact the credit card company you are considering for accurate assessment.
Students can also show other forms of financial support as proof of income for the companies that require it like allowance from parents, scholarship money, etc.
Which credit card is easiest to get approved as a student?
Student credit cards are the easiest to get for students as they are flexible with their income and credit requirements. They generally also have high rewards and no extra fees which can be beneficial for students.
Secured credit cards are also an easy option for students. Their approval is generally based on your ability to pay the security deposit which starts at $200 for most cards. They usually have a no minimum credit requirement.
