Credit cards for students with no income in 2024, they can still get credit cards. The best choice for them is student-specific credit cards because they are more flexible about income requirements. We’ve listed the best credit cards for students without income.
Students usually don’t have regular jobs or a steady income, which can make it difficult to get a credit card. This is because credit card applications typically require proof of income, showing how well you can handle debt.
But there are special credit cards just for students that have lower income requirements. These cards accept applicants without a regular income because they understand that students often rely on various sources of financial support. To get approved, students can use their monthly allowance from parents as proof of income. Other acceptable sources include money from scholarships, grants, personal savings, a partner’s income, or investment income.
Another option for students with no income is a secured credit card. With these cards, you need to make a security deposit as collateral for approval.
We’ve gathered the best Credit cards for students with no income, outlining their requirements, top features, and rates. Lets explore 5 Credit cards for students with no income in 2024.
Credit cards for students with no income in 2024
1. Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
The Discover It® Student Cash Back credit card is great for students with no credit history. It gives you rewards, like cashback, and there’s no yearly fee. Plus, you can check your free FICO scores, track cashback rewards, and get free alerts for your Social Security Number security through the Discover mobile app.
If you refer a friend, and they get the card, you can earn a statement credit. You also get a welcome bonus, which is not common with other student credit cards.
For the first six months, there’s a 0% APR on purchases. After that, the minimum APR is 17.99%. If you want to transfer a balance, there’s a special intro APR of 10.99% for the first six months. When you finish school, you can update your income info, and you might be eligible for a higher credit limit.
Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old, enrolled in college, a U.S. citizen, and have a Social Security Number. Also, you need to have income that can be confirmed, whether it’s from a part-time or full-time job.
Benefits
Get 5% cash back on your everyday spending at Amazon, certain grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. You also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, as a welcome offer, Discover will automatically match all the cashback rewards you earn in the first year.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No yearly fee
- No extra charges for transactions in other countries
- Get cash back rewards
- You don’t need a high credit score to apply
Cons
- Rewards are not as high as some other similar cards
- Not as widely accepted as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express
2. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a solid choice for students. It doesn’t have annual fees or extra charges for transactions in other countries, making it student-friendly. You don’t need a high credit score to qualify, and the online pre-approval process is quick.
For the first 18 months, there’s a 0% interest rate on purchases, and for the initial six months on balance transfers. After that, the APR ranges from 17.99% to 27.99%, with a 3% fee on each balance transfer.
This card comes with good rewards, especially for travel. If you spend at least $1,000 in the first 90 days, you’ll earn 25,000 online bonus points, which can be used as a $250 credit towards purchases. Additionally, you earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, and these rewards never expire.
Eligibility
You need to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and currently enrolled as a student.
Benefits
You get 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on anything, and your rewards never expire.
Pros and Cons
Pros
You get 1.5 reward points for every purchase, and there’s no yearly fee or extra charge for transactions in other countries. You also get a bonus of 25,000 points, and for the first 18 months, there’s no interest on purchases.
Cons
There is a 3% fee for transferring balances, and there is no travel insurance included.
3. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card is great for students. It doesn’t have any yearly fees, and you can earn cashback rewards without needing a credit history. This card is perfect for students who want to build their credit while enjoying rewards.
For the first six months, there’s no interest on purchases, and the same goes for balance transfers for the initial six months with a low 10.99% rate. After that, the interest rate is between 17.99% and 26.99%.
The card also provides a 24-hour travel assistance benefit, and there are no extra charges for transactions in other countries, which is helpful for students traveling internationally.
Eligibility
You must be 18 years or older, have a Social Security Number, and maintain a stable income.
Benefits
- Get 1.5% cash back on everything you buy
- Get 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases
- Get $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring your family and friends
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Get 1% – 2% cash back on what you buy
- You don’t need a credit history
- No interest on purchases for the first six months
- No yearly fees or extra charges for transactions in other countries.
Cons
- There’s no bonus when you start.
- Fee for transferring balances
4. Deserve® EDU Mastercard
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard is a good choice for 18-year-olds because you can apply without needing a security deposit or a cosigner. It’s also an excellent credit card for international students since you don’t have to have a Social Security number to qualify. Along with its low credit requirements, this card offers some cool perks.
You can get a year of Amazon Prime Student membership if you spend $500 in the first three billing cycles. Additionally, you earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. The Deserve® EDU Mastercard doesn’t charge an annual fee, and it has a variable APR of 22.99%.
Eligibility
- You need to be at least 18 years old.
- You must be enrolled in a college or university in the U.S
- No specific credit score required
Benefits
Get 1% cash back on everything you buy, and enjoy a one-year Amazon Prime Student membership when you spend $500 in the first three billing cycles.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You can apply without needing a Social Security number.
- No yearly fee
- No cosigner or security deposit is needed.
- Enjoy cell phone protection up to $600.
Cons
- Late payment fees can go up to $25.
- High interest rates
5. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured credit card is a good choice if you don’t have a high credit score. It gives you nice cashback rewards, and your starting card limit is between $200 and $5,000, depending on your security deposit.
You earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and 3% cash back in one of these categories: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement. After spending $2,500 in any category, you’ll get 1% back on purchases.
You also get free checks of your FICO credit score and can switch to an unsecured card while getting back your security deposit. To increase your chances, try to keep your balances low and make your payments on time.
Eligibility
- You need to be 18 years or older.
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Needs a security deposit
Benefits
Earn up to 3% cash back on gas, online shopping, dining, travel, or home improvement. Get 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 in purchases, and after that, earn 1%.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No yearly fee
- Get up to 3% cash back rewards
- Enjoy a flexible credit limit
Cons
- Deposit of at least $200
- No bonus for new users
FAQs for Credit cards for students with no income in 2024
Q1. Can students without income get a credit card?
Yes! Students can use various sources of financial support, like their parents’ allowance, scholarships, or grants, as proof of income for approval.
Student credit cards are more lenient with income requirements, making them easier for students to obtain in such situations.
Q2. Can I get a secured credit card if I’m a college student without a job?
Yes, it’s possible. While most cards typically need a minimum income for approval, secured credit cards can be obtained by college students without jobs. These cards require a security deposit, and if the cardholder can’t make a payment, the amount spent can be taken from the deposit, reducing the risk for the card issuer. This flexibility allows for lower income requirements.
Students can also use other sources of financial support, like parental allowance or scholarship money, as proof of income for companies that require it. For the most accurate information, it’s recommended to reach out to the specific credit card company you’re interested in.
Q3. What’s the easiest credit card for students to get approved?
Student credit cards are usually the easiest for students. They’re flexible with income and credit requirements, and often come with good rewards and no extra fees, making them great for students.
Secured credit cards are also a straightforward choice. Approval is mainly based on your ability to pay the security deposit, usually starting at $200. Most of them don’t have a minimum credit requirement.