How To Apply for a Credit Card If You’re a Student

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If you are a student or just starting to build up your credit, you may find it challenging to get approved for a credit card. In many cases, credit issuers will want to see some sort of proof that you are responsible enough to meet your debts and obligations before issuing you a line of credit. But what if you don't have any proof of income or credit history?

Fortunately, there are certain types of credit cards that are marketed as student credit cards for people in these situations. These student credit cards are specifically tailored to students or individuals with limited credit history.

The Card Act of 2009: Stricter Qualifications for Students

Before 2009, it was incredibly easy for anyone to get a credit card, including students and others with little or no income. The CARD Act of 2009 changed the game by limiting who could be approved for a credit card, essentially as a way to protect young people from falling into deep credit card debt.

The CARD Act states that anyone under 21 years old must prove they have a sufficient source of income or get a co-signer. If you meet those criteria, you can be approved for a credit card. But if you are a student with limited or no credit history and are looking for a credit card, you might not qualify for many of the premium credit cards out there. 

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How do I qualify for a credit card if I'm a student with no credit history?

If you are a student with no credit score, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind:

• Consider a "student credit card" — Many credit card issuers offer credit cards that are marketed as "student credit cards." The truth is that although these cards are marketed towards students, and often contain perks or benefits for students, you don't have to be a student to apply for and be approved for a student credit card. So if you are a young adult with limited credit history and not currently attending school, you may want to consider a student credit card as well.
• Keep bank records of any income — If you are a full-time student who is not earning income from a job, some banks may accept allowances and regular deposits from your parents towards your income. Leftover scholarship or financial aid money after paying for tuition and covered expenses can also be included. These can count as valid income sources on your credit card application as long as you have the monthly bank statements to show for it.
• Become an authorized user — Parents are able to add someone as an authorized user to one of their existing accounts. If your parents have good credit and regularly pay their bills on-time, putting your name on their credit card can give a boost to your own credit history before you venture out and apply for a card in your own name.

What if I'm denied a student credit card?

Here's what you want to do if you're denied a credit card as a student:

1. Check the details of the credit card you applied for — On most credit card landing pages, the credit issuers will give a range of expected credit scores for that card. If you don't have a credit score and are applying for a premium credit card that requires Good or Excellent credit, you're almost certainly going to be denied.
2. Call the credit card company for a reconsideration — Many credit card companies have reconsideration lines specifically for people who were initially denied. You can explain the situation to the credit analyst and see if they will reconsider your application.
3. Get a copy of your credit report — It's possible that there could be incorrect or inaccurate information on your credit report. If so, you'll want to correct that before applying again.
4. Explore other credit options — If you don't qualify for a student credit card, explore other alternatives for people with poor or no credit history. Secured credit cards, for example, require a security deposit that will become your credit line, and are easier to get approval for than unsecured credit cards.

Tips on Using Your Student Credit Card Responsibly

If you were approved for a credit card, congratulations! Managing your credit and your finances is an important first step on the path to a solid financial footing. If you are a student who is using a credit card for the first time, here are a few tips to help you manage your newfound credit:

• Strive to always pay off your credit card, in full, each and every month.
• Avoid buying items you cannot repay in full within a payment cycle.
• Make a budget and try to stick with your budget each month.
• Set up automatic payments from your bank account. This will make sure that you never forget to make a payment.

Following these tips can help you manage your credit more effectively, increase your credit score and increase your odds of a healthy financial future.

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