What Credit Card Should I Get As A College Student?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you're looking to build credit, and especially if you can continue to pay off your balance in full each month, getting a student credit card may be a good idea. First, student generally don't come with very high credit limits , so you can't really count on them for much.

Can a full time college student get a credit card?

Student credit cards are designed for college students and are generally easier to get than other kinds of credit cards. The issuer may ask for proof of enrollment and of your income. Depending on your age and income, you may need a co-signer to qualify.

Should a college student get a credit card explain?

If you're looking to build credit, and especially if you can continue to pay off your balance in full each month, getting a student credit card may be a good idea. First, student credit cards generally don't come with very high credit limits , so you can't really count on them for much.

Why credit cards are bad for college students?

Average Credit Card Debt for College Students

The reason is that credit card debt is painful for anyone, but it's especially troublesome when you're still in college because you're most likely to already have student loan debt . ... Your credit score will start to go up as your balance starts going down.

How many college students have credit card debt?

Key Takeaways. On average, college students have over $3,280 worth of credit card debt. 64.8% of college students have some form of credit card debt. The most common credit card mistakes college students make are only paying the minimum amount (44.7%) and missing a payment (37.6%).

Can a college student get an American Express card?

There actually aren't any American Express student credit cards . That's because American Express (a WalletHub partner) requires good or excellent credit for all of its cards, and most students have no credit.

What credit score do you start with?

Your Credit Score Doesn't Start at Zero

If you haven't yet built a credit history, there's no information on which to base that calculation, so there's no score at all. Once you begin to establish a credit history, you might assume that your credit score will start at 300 (the lowest possible FICO ® Score ).

Is it easier to get a student credit card?

It's much easier to get approved for a student credit card than other cards , but student credit cards still have minimum approval requirements. ... You are, in fact, a student over the age of 18. You're a US citizen or resident with a Social Security Number. You have some documentable income (a part-time job is fine)

What is the average credit limit for a college student?

College students tend to have below-average credit scores. Here's how you can build credit. A recent study found that in 2019, college students reported having an average of five credit cards . The average monthly balance was $1,423.

Can a college student get a credit card with no job?

Being unemployed doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting a credit card. Credit card issuers are more interested in your income than your job. ... You can meet the income requirement even without a job by including on your application any income you have access to. Even if your income comes up short, rest easy.

Are credit cards good or bad for college students?

College students lack the necessary income to remain balance-free, and tend to pay the minimum monthly payment. Unless you're the rare college student who has the income to afford to pay off the credit card balance every month, you shouldn't be using credit cards .

What is the credit limit for college graduates capped at?

The maximum amount you can borrow depends on factors including whether they're federal or private loans and your year in school. Undergraduates can borrow up to $12,500 annually and $57,500 total in federal student loans. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually and $138,500 total .

What's the average credit card debt?

As we've already seen, there is approximately $20 billion of credit card debt that is attracting interest. That means there is around $1500 average credit card debt in Australia, for every card that is issued.

What percentage of college students have at least $1000 in credit card debt?

1. Of college students with credit cards, 36 percent have $1,000 or more in credit card debt (EVERFI).

Can you get an American Express card at 18?

With a good credit score, students can apply for most Amex cards. ... But if you're at least 18 years old and have a good credit score, you can apply for any American Express credit card . If you don't meet application requirements, look into becoming an Amex authorized user to build credit and eventually get your own card.

How old do you have to be to apply for an American Express card?

American Express: 13 years old . Capital One: No minimum age. Discover: 15 years old.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.