Credit cards for students

What is a student credit card? 

A student credit card is a normal credit card that is available to students. By issuing you with a credit card, the card provider understands that, as a student, you’re likely to have a low or variable income.  

You may also have a poor or thin credit history, meaning you have either missed payments in the past or have never borrowed money at all.  

How do student credit cards work? 

If you are accepted for a credit card, you could be subject to a lower credit limit. A credit limit defines how much you’re permitted to borrow on a card. Lower credit limits should be easier for you to manage and carry less risk for the card provider.  

Your lack of credit history may make it difficult for credit card providers to predict whether you’ll be a responsible borrower. They may be unwilling to increase your credit limit if your income is different each month, as they won’t know if you’ll be able to pay back what you owe. 

Another factor to keep in mind for credit cards is the interest rate (the APR). This is the amount you’ll owe if you don’t pay off the card’s full balance. Use our credit card calculator to see how long it could take to pay back a card with interest.

Am I eligible for a student credit card? 

Eligibility criteria vary between providers, but being a student doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not eligible. If you're over 18 and live in the UK, then you may be eligible for a credit card. 

When deciding whether to provide you with credit, credit card providers look for signs that you’ll be able to pay it back. These will include: 

• Having sources of income (such as salary from a part-time job, or any support you get from your parents). 
• Keeping up with other forms of credit, like your phone plan.  

If you are rejected for a credit card, give it some time before starting a new application. Multiple applications in a short period of time can harm your credit score. 

You can build your score without using a credit card – small steps like checking your credit report for mistakes or getting on the electoral roll can make a difference.  

You can try applying for a credit card again once your credit score has improved. 

What to consider before applying for a credit card as a student 

If you’re a student, it's likely that this would be your first credit card.  

A credit card is like a debit card, but the money you spend is borrowed from a credit card provider. If you don’t pay off the full amount, you’ll owe the provider interest.  

Another thing to keep in mind is that credit cards charge a fee for withdrawing cash, so it’s best to stick to your debit card when using an ATM. 

Before applying for a credit card, ask yourself these questions:

1. Can I afford it? Paying back your full credit card balance every month means you'll avoid paying any interest.
2. Is my credit report up to date? Credit card providers check your history of managing credit when considering your application. Contact a credit reference agency like Equifax or Experian to check your credit score and make sure the details are accurate.
3. Can I use it responsibly? If you start to miss repayments or go over the credit limit, it may be more difficult to borrow in the future. 

How to use a student credit card 

This is how you use a credit card:  

1. Apply for a credit card Applying for a card leaves a mark on your credit report, so it’s best to know if you’ll be accepted beforehand by using an eligibility checker. 
2. Once approved, you’ll receive your card Make a note of your credit limit, which shows how much you can borrow on your card. 
3. Use your credit card to make purchases You can make purchases online and in-store with a credit card. Stay within your limit, and make sure you’re only spending what you can afford to repay.
4. You’ll receive your bill monthly Setting up a Direct Debit will make it easier to make your payments on time.
5. Pay back your balance in full If you pay off less than you spent, the rest will be owed back with interest.

Advantages and disadvantages of credit cards for students 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Building your credit score If you’re looking to borrow any more credit, like for a mortgage, using a credit card responsibly can show lenders that you are able to pay back what you borrow.	High interest rates The interest rate on your student credit card is most likely on the high side, as it’ll be the first line of credit you take out. If you pay in full every month, you’ll avoid paying interest.
Purchase protection Buying anything that costs between £100-£30,000 using a credit card means you get Section 75 protection – if you buy something and it doesn’t turn up, or it is damaged, you may be able to claim the cost back on your card.	Lower credit limit Credit limits will be a little lower, as the aim is for you to build credit rather than take on larger amounts of debt. If eligible, you may be able to increase your credit limit over time if you use your card responsibly.
Unlock funds monthly  A credit card is paid off monthly. If you’re paid weekly or bi-weekly at a part-time job, this can be especially helpful in spreading costs for the month.	Taking on debt  Make sure you can afford to pay it off before taking a credit card out. If you can’t pay off the full amount, you’ll owe it back with interest.

Does a student loan count as income when applying for a credit card? 

Student loans aren’t normally counted as income when providers check for credit card eligibility, as it’d be using one form of debt to cover another. 

What happens to your student credit card after you graduate?  

You’ll still be able to use your student credit card after you graduate. Additionally, you may be eligible for a larger credit limit or a lower interest rate after years of responsible use.  

Can you get a credit card as a student with no income?  

If you don’t have a consistent source of income (other than a student loan), like a part-time job, it’s less likely you’ll be accepted for a credit card.