Many college students in the U.S. face the same challenge: how to get a credit card with no credit history?
Even when you are a student and only beginning to take an interest in money affairs, there is no need to be anxious, since there are special credit cards suited to you. They do not need credit history and can help you build a credit history in a responsible way.
In this guide we will make it clear to you what the best student credit cards are, what to consider as well as how to apply intelligently.
What Is a Student Credit Card?
A student credit card is a type of credit card made specifically for college or university students. These cards usually:
- Have lower income or credit requirements
- Come with no or low annual fees
- Offer rewards like cashback or points
- Help students build credit from scratch
These are great options for young adults who don’t have any credit history yet.
Can You Get a Credit Card With No Credit History?
Yes, you can.
Most banks and credit cards companies help those with no credit score or financial history with their student cards. They are aware of the fact that you are starting out. Such cards may be easier to obtain and may act as the starting point in the personal finance world.
Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit History in 2025
Here’s a list of top credit cards for students in the U.S. that do not require credit history:
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Rewards: 5% cashback on rotating categories, 1% on everything else
- Welcome Offer: Cashback match at the end of your first year
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit History Required: None
- Bonus: Free FICO score updates
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
- Rewards: 1.5% cashback on all purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Approval: Designed for students with no credit
- Bonus: No foreign transaction fees (great for study abroad)
3. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
- Rewards: 1% cashback on all purchases
- Welcome Bonus: $50 after first purchase
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Reporting: Helps build credit with responsible use
4. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
- Eligibility: No SSN required for international students
- Bonus: 1-year Amazon Prime Student after spending $500
- Annual Fee: $0
- Great For: Foreign students with no U.S. credit history
Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Rewards | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | No Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Student | 5% Cashback (rotating) | $0 | Cashback Match | ✅ |
| Capital One Quicksilver Student | 1.5% Cashback | $0 | N/A | ✅ |
| Chase Freedom® Student | 1% Cashback | $0 | $50 on first purchase | ✅ |
| Deserve® EDU Mastercard | 1% Cashback | $0 | 1-year Amazon Prime | ✅ |
How to Choose the Right Student Credit Card?
Before you apply, keep these in mind:
- No Annual Fee: As a student, you don’t want extra charges
- Rewards You Can Use: Cashback on groceries, travel, online shopping, etc.
- Credit Reporting: Make sure it reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
- Easy Approval: Specifically designed for no credit history
Tips to Build Credit as a Student
Getting the card is just step one. Here’s how you can build credit responsibly:
- Pay Your Bills on Time – Always pay at least the minimum due
- Keep Balances Low – Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit
- Avoid Late Payments – Set reminders or enable auto-pay
- Don’t Apply for Too Many Cards – One or two are enough
- Check Your Credit Score Regularly – Use free tools like Credit Karma or your card provider
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 Can I get a student credit card if I don’t have a job?
Yes, if you’re over 18, you may qualify using income from scholarships, parental support, or part-time work.
🔹 Do student cards build credit?
Absolutely. If you use the card wisely and pay on time, it helps you build a positive credit history.
🔹 Can international students get student credit cards?
Yes. Cards like Deserve® EDU don’t even require an SSN.
🔹 What is the minimum credit limit?
Most student cards start with a low limit, like $300–$1000, and increase over time.
Final Thoughts
This is a huge step to get your first credit card in college. Though there are student credit cards that you can use even without any credit history, you can get a good start with the right student credit card.
These are beginner cards designed to guide students to become a better person financially, have good habits, and to evade debt. Find the model that suits you best and spend wisely because your credit score will be improved!
Pro Tip: You need to read all the small text and compare not less than 2-3 options before you can decide what to apply.
Braj Verma is a resident of Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh and is a content writer and freelancer by profession. He has a degree in Political Science from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. He has expertise in subjects like credit cards, banking, loan, insurance, political analysis and digital marketing.