What to state as income on a student credit card application

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If you’re a student and interested in starting to build credit, a student credit card can help. There are quite a few options out there, and applying is easy—if you know how to fill in key information.

Credit card issuers want to know your income to make sure you’re able to keep up with minimum payments on your credit card, as required by regulations from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Consequently, your income will not only help determine if you’re approved or not, but it will also determine how big your credit line will be, making it one of the most important items on your application.

This may present an obstacle if you’re a full-time student, so it’s important to know what counts as income to give you the best chance of getting that new credit card.

What can a student include as income when applying for a credit card?

You may think that you won’t be able to report any income if you’re a student and don’t have a job. However, you can claim more than just your own income.

In fact, when applying for a credit card as a student, you may include any current or reasonably expected income that proves you have the ability to pay the issuer back. This includes both your direct income and any third-party income that you have access to.

That said, those under 21 are treated differently from those 21 and above.

Eligible income for students under 21

The CFPB has established special restrictions for banks providing credit cards to those under the age of 21. These restrictions require that they either have an independent ability to make minimum payments or have a co-signer who is at least 21 and agrees to become liable for the debt on the account.

This typically means that students age 18-20 can only report:

Personal income from current work or regular allowances.

Residual amount from scholarships and other financial aid (not student loans) after paying tuition and other college expenses.

Eligible income for students 21 or older

If you’re over 21, you are no longer required to have a co-signer and are allowed to include more sources of income, including those to which you only have a “reasonable expectation of access.” This means that you may include:

Personal income, including current or expected wages, salary, bonus pay, tips and commissions from either full-time, part-time or casual employment.

Income from self-employment, including freelance work or side hustles, like private tutoring, provided you can show proof of that income in the form of a bank statement or other verifiable document.

Allowances and gifts from your parents, family or other third parties.

Income from a spouse or partner.

Scholarships, grants and other financial aid, but only what’s left after your tuition and other covered college expenses.

What doesn’t count as income?

Knowing what income you shouldn’t include in your application is as important as knowing which you should. In this sense, you should avoid reporting:

Borrowed money such as your student loan. Although money is technically coming into your account, it’s debt, not income.

False or nonexistent income. Besides being turned down, lying on your application counts as fraud and you could be fined or worse.

Any income you don’t have access to, such as garnished wages for child support or alimony.

What is the minimum income to be approved for a credit card?

While a higher income will generally give you a better chance of being approved for a credit card, there’s no set amount of income that will guarantee approval. As stated above, what matters to the issuer is that you can afford minimum payments on your credit card. That comes down to how much disposable income you have after paying for necessities, like rent.

If you don’t have a lot of disposable income, you shouldn’t be discouraged, nor should you feel tempted to lie in your application. As little as $100 could be enough to be approved for your first credit card, albeit with a low credit limit.

Always keep in mind that a credit card is meant to be a tool to make paying easier and to help you with emergencies and small purchases, not as a way to pay for things you can’t afford.

What to do if you don’t have enough income for a credit card

If you apply for a credit card and you’re not approved, there are other options you can explore:

Become an authorized user

Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card is a bit easier than getting a card with a co-signer. It will give you access to a shared line of credit and will also help you build up your credit score. The primary cardholder remains responsible for making any payments on the card, and their positive financial habits can give you a financial boost without you actually having to do anything. However, if the primary cardholder falls behind on payments, your credit score will likely take a hit, too. Be sure to set up clear guidelines for what your responsibilities will be to the primary cardholder before you are added as an authorized user.

Get a secured credit card

Getting a secured credit card is an option if you want to have your own credit card account but don’t have a strong credit history yet. You apply for a secured card in the same way you would a traditional credit card. However, there are some important differences. For starters, it is easier to get approval for a secured credit card because you’ll be required to make a deposit. Your credit line will come from this deposit, which is usually refundable when you close the account or upgrade to an unsecured card. It may sound similar to a debit card because it is. The difference is that a using secured credit card can build credit, and using a debit card won’t.

Get a debit card

Having a credit card is a great way to build credit, but now may simply not be the time to get one. As a student, you have lots of responsibilities. If you don’t want to add a credit card payment to that list, getting a debit card is another way to go. Most debit cards can be used to make card payments and purchases online. You will just have to make sure you have the cash in your account for any purchases you want to make. You won’t, however, have to worry about paying anything off at a later date. You also won’t have to worry about added interest on any of your purchases.

Get a co-signer

A credit card co-signer takes on equal responsibility for your credit card and can offer their income for your application. The co-signer will also have equal responsibility for any charges and payments on the card. Unfortunately, the list of credit card issuers that allow co-signers is very small these days. Most major issuers have phased out this option, but some smaller credit unions and banks still allow it.

The bottom line

To be eligible for a student credit card, you need to show your income is high enough to make timely payments. The list of what can count as income will depend on whether you are under 21 years old. If you’re over 21, any money that comes into the account monthly should qualify, as long as it’s verifiable.

If your credit card is not approved, you have other options, such as getting someone to co-sign your card, applying for a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. Responsible use of any of these alternatives can help you build your credit history, and boost your score, to improve your odds of approval in the future.

How to Get a Student Credit Card

Easier to qualify for than a traditional credit card, a student credit card can give you a useful payment option for school costs and emergency expenses. And, using your card and making all of your payments on time will help you establish good credit for the years ahead.

Key Takeaways 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.

Using your card responsibly can help you build a good credit score.

How to Get a Student Credit Card in 6 Steps

Getting a student credit card is easier than you may think. You can usually apply online and be approved (or not) within minutes.

To make sure the application process goes as smoothly as possible, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Credit Report

Before applying for a credit card, make sure to review your credit reports for accuracy. If there is incorrect information, especially anything that puts you in a bad light, that can make it difficult to qualify for a credit card. The information in your credit reports is also used to calculate your credit score.

There's no need to pay for a credit report. You can view your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—for free at

If you do discover an error, you should dispute it with that credit bureau. You can find instructions for how to do that on the bureaus' websites.

2. Compare Student Credit Cards

There are many different student credit cards on the market. When comparing your various options, pay particular attention to these details:

Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The APR on student cards can be quite high. If you carry a balance from month to month, the APR will affect how much interest you have to pay and how your debt grows over time.

The APR on student cards can be quite high. If you carry a balance from month to month, the APR will affect how much interest you have to pay and how your debt grows over time. Fees. Some cards charge annual fees, setup fees, or monthly maintenance fees. There are many cards today without these fees, so search around to avoid wasting money.

Some cards charge annual fees, setup fees, or monthly maintenance fees. There are many cards today without these fees, so search around to avoid wasting money. Rewards. Some student credit cards allow you to earn rewards on certain purchases, such as gas or groceries. Depending on the card you choose, you could earn cash back, airline miles, or points you can redeem for gift cards or merchandise. If you're interested in rewards, look for a card with a rewards program that aligns with your spending habits.

3. Review the Issuer's Eligibility Requirements

Student credit card eligibility requirements can vary from issuer to issuer. But in general, you'll have to meet the following requirements:

You must be at least 18 years old

You must be currently enrolled in college

You must have a source of income or a co-signer

You must have a Social Security number

4. Collect Documentation

Depending on the card issuer, you may have to provide proof of income and college enrollment. To save time, collect documentation in advance. That could include your W-2 tax forms, a recent pay stub, and your college acceptance letter or transcripts. The issuer may not require you to submit the actual documents, but you can use that paperwork to fill out the application.

5. Ask a Parent or Relative to Co-Sign Your Application, if Needed

If you are under 21 and without sufficient income of your own, you'll need someone who has a reliable income and good credit to co-sign your credit card application. A co-signer can be a parent, relative, or even a close friend, as long as the person is over 21.

Before asking someone to co-sign an application, be aware that the co-signer is responsible for making payments on your card if you fall behind, so it's not a responsibility they (or you) should take lightly.

6. Submit Your Application

You can usually complete a student credit card application online. Once you submit it, you'll typically receive a decision within a few minutes. If your application needs further review, it can take longer to process, but if you're approved, you will find out quickly and your card will be mailed to you.

If the card issuer rejects your application, it will send you a letter explaining why you were denied. This is formally known as an adverse action notice, and while it may be disappointing to receive, it can also point you toward what you need to do before applying next time.

A debit card from a bank or credit union can also be convenient to have in your wallet, but it won't help you build a credit history. Debit cards don't report your transactions to the credit bureaus because no credit is involved.

How to Improve Your Odds of Qualifying for a Student Credit Card

Here are some things you can do to increase your chances of being approved for a card:

Get a part-time job. While juggling classes and work can be difficult, having a source of your own income will make you a more attractive applicant. Even a part-time job where you work just a few hours a week can help.

While juggling classes and work can be difficult, having a source of your own income will make you a more attractive applicant. Even a part-time job where you work just a few hours a week can help. Make all of your payments on time. If you're responsible for paying any bills, set reminders or sign up for automatic bill payment so you never miss their due dates. Your payment history plays a big role in determining your credit score.

If you're responsible for paying any bills, set reminders or sign up for automatic bill payment so you never miss their due dates. Your payment history plays a big role in determining your credit score. Ask a relative to add you as an authorized user. If you have a parent or relative with good credit and an active credit card, ask them to add you as an authorized user. Even if you're not given a card to use, being added to their account will let you piggyback onto their credit history, building your credit.

Once you get your student credit card, remember to practice good credit habits. That means making payments by the due date—ideally paying the balance in full each month—and keeping your outstanding balances low. By doing that, you can build your credit and have a solid credit score already established by the time you leave college.

The best college student credit cards of December 2022

A good credit score is essential when you're making many of the major life decisions that you face after graduation, such as renting an apartment or applying for an auto loan. Opening a college student credit card is a smart way to start building credit early while also taking advantage of rewards and special financing offers. There are numerous college student cards available, each providing unique benefits for different types of students — from travelers and foodies to commuters and international students. Some cards are lenient with credit history requirements, meaning you may qualify with no credit history at all. You do have to be 18 to apply for a credit card and need to have a steady source of income. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, don't stress. We did the research for you. Select analyzed 14 college student cards, digging into each card's perks and drawbacks, to find the best of the best based on your spending habits. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best cards.) Here are Select's picks for the top college student credit cards:

Best college student credit cards

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Best for cash back

Discover it® Student Cash Back Learn More On Discover's secure site Rewards Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Welcome bonus Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year

Annual fee $0

Intro APR 0% for 6 months on purchases

Regular APR 16.74% - 25.74% Variable

Balance transfer fee 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Foreign transaction fee None

Credit needed Fair / New to Credit *See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply. Pros Cash-back program

Generous welcome bonus Cons Cash-back categories must be activated each quarter

Cash-back program limits earnings: Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back in various categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%

You must be a U.S. citizen and college student to apply for this card Learn More View More

Who's this for? The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a well-rounded card with no annual fee that offers college students enrolled in a two- or four-year college the chance to build credit, while earning rewards. You must be over 18 and a U.S. citizen to apply. Cardholders can enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (such as gas stations or restaurants), on up to a $1,500 maximum each quarter (then 1%). All other purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back automatically. There are no foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good choice for students studying abroad. If you need to finance textbooks or dorm room essentials, you can take advantage of the introductory 0% APR for the first six months on new purchases. After the intro period, there's a 16.74% - 25.74% variable APR. We always recommend you pay your balance on time and in full in order to avoid interest charges.

Best for restaurants and entertainment

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Learn More Information about the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication. Rewards Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024, unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus Limited time: Earn a one-time $100 cash bonus after you spend $100 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

Annual fee $0

Intro APR 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR 17.99% - 27.99% variable

Balance transfer fee 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months

Foreign transaction fee None

Credit needed Fair See our methodology, terms apply. Pros 3% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases

Ability to redeem rewards at any amount, unlike some other cards with $25 minimums

Competitive special financing offer on both new purchases and balance transfers

No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S. Cons 3% balance transfer fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months Learn More View More

Who's this for? The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out for offering high rewards on some of the most common spending categories for students. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One Travel; 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores; and 1% cash back on everything else. In addition, SavorOne Student cardholders can earn 8% cash back on Vivid Seats through January 2023. The card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Just be sure to pay off your bill in full each month as the card has a high interest rate and late payment fees can be up to $40. New cardholders can currently earn a $100 cash bonus by spending $100 in the first three months from account opening. Other perks include travel accident insurance, extended warranty coverage on eligible items, complimentary concierge service and access to premium experiences such as sporting and events.

Best for travel

Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students credit card Rewards Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases

Welcome bonus 25,000 bonus points after you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward qualifying travel purchases

Annual fee $0

Intro APR 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases

Regular APR 16.24% to 26.24% variable

Balance transfer fee Either $10 or 3%, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee None

Credit needed Good/Excellent See our methodology, terms apply. Pros No annual fee

Points can be redeemed for flexible travel expenses, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars or baggage fees

No limit or expiration on points

Strong welcome bonus of 25,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days

Intro 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases

No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for this card Cons Promotional 0% APR does not apply to balance transfers

No student-centric benefits or incentives to practice responsible credit behavior Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $466

$466 Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,528 Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus View More

Who's this for? The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students is a great choice for college students who plan on studying abroad or traveling during breaks. The rewards program is geared toward travel, and cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. You can redeem rewards as a statement credit to cover the cost of qualifying travel purchases — a simple way to reduce the cost of taking a spring break vacation or buying a plane ticket home. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal card for students studying abroad. Cardholders with a Bank of America checking or savings account can see added value with this card. You receive a 10% customer points bonus simply by having a Bank of America account. That increases the rewards rate to 1.65 points per $1 spent. Cardholders can redeem their rewards at any time and at any amount, including when shopping on Amazon. This card also comes with a longer-than-average special financing offer of no interest for 15 billing cycles (then 16.24% to 26.24% variable APR). A full year of no interest is a great way for you to pay off new purchases over time, without incurring interest charges. You must be 18 or older and enrolled in school (college, vocational or trade school) to qualify for this card.

Best for gas stations

Discover it® Student chrome Learn More On Discover's secure site Rewards Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Welcome bonus Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.

Annual fee $0

Intro APR 0% for 6 months on purchases

Regular APR 16.74% - 25.74% Variable

Balance transfer fee 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Foreign transaction fee None

Credit needed Fair / New to Credit *See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply. Pros Cash-back program

Generous welcome bonus Cons Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%

You must be a U.S. citizen and college student to apply for this card Learn More View More

Who's this for? If you want all the perks of a Discover card but you don't want to deal with activating bonus rewards categories each quarter, you should consider the Discover it® Student chrome. It has a strong rewards program for college students frequently filling up their gas tank or dining out, with 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. Like the Discover it Student chrome, this card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good choice for students studying abroad. If you need to finance textbooks or dorm room essentials, you can take advantage of the introductory 0% APR for the first six months on new purchases. After the intro period, there's a 16.74% - 25.74% variable APR. We always recommend you pay your balance on time and in full in order to avoid interest charges. You must be a U.S. citizen over 18 and enrolled in a two- or four-year college in order to qualify for this card.

Best for small purchases and supermarkets

Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card Learn More Information about the Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card has been collected independently by CNBC and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication. Rewards Earn 2X ThankYou® points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus Earn 2,500 bonus points after you spend $500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $25 gift card at

Annual fee $0

Intro APR 0% APR for the first 7 months on purchases

Regular APR 14.49% - 24.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer fee 3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum

Foreign transaction fee 3%

Credit needed Good See our methodology, terms apply. Pros All purchases round up to the nearest 10 points

Get 10% points back on all of your redemptions for the first 100,000 ThankYou® Points you redeem each year

Welcome bonus worth $25 gift card Cons 3% fee on purchases made outside the U.S.

Short intro 0% APR period on new purchases Learn More View More

Who's this for? College students who make frequent, small purchases should consider the Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card, which offers a unique "round up" feature. For every purchase you make, points are rounded up to the nearest 10 points. So, a $2 coffee earns 10 points and a $21 dinner earns 30 points. This clever feature allows you to maximize rewards without any additional action on your part. In addition to rounding up, you get 10% of your points back for the first 100,000 ThankYou® Points you redeem per year. If you redeem 25,000 points in a year, you get 2,500 of those points back — enough for a $25 gift card. You can redeem points for gift cards, travel rewards or shop with points on Amazon and Best Buy. This card also has a strong rewards program for supermarket and gas station spending with cardholders earning 2 ThankYou® Points per dollar spent up to a $6,000 annual maximum (then 1 point per dollar spent). You must be at least 18 and currently enrolled in college to qualify for this card.

Best for international students and no credit history

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students Learn More On Deserve's secure site Rewards 1% cash back on all purchases

Welcome bonus None

Annual fee $0

Intro APR None

Regular APR 22.49% variable

Balance transfer fee N/A, balance transfers are not available

Foreign transaction fee None

Credit needed N/A See our methodology, terms apply. Pros One year of Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles (valued up to $59)

No social security number needed to apply, perfect for international students

No credit history required, great for credit newbies

No foreign transaction fees Cons No special financing offers

No welcome bonus Learn More View More

Who's this for? The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is the rare college student card that is geared toward international students. It also doesn't require applicants to have any credit history or a social security number, so it's a good option for students who lack these typical application requirements. You must be over 18, enrolled in college and have a U.S. bank account. While this card has one of the more barebones rewards programs with 1% cash back on all purchases, cardholders do get a year of Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles on their EDU card — valued at $59. This is a great money-saving perk that will let you enjoy free two-day and same-day shipping, discounts at Whole Foods and access to Prime Video and other Amazon Prime perks. This card is also good for people with little or no credit history, and it doesn't require you to have a cosigner or make a security deposit. Cardholders cannot make balance transfers or take out cash advances. Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.

FAQs

Should college students have credit cards?

It's important for college students to have credit cards as they can help build credit history, raise your credit score and teach you how to manage money. When used responsibly, student credit cards can save you money through the rewards you earn on your purchases. Student credit cards also provide more security through their various built-in protections.

What makes a student credit card different from other credit cards?

The main difference between student credit cards and traditional credit cards is that student credit cards are easier to get approved for with limited or no credit history. Student credit cards also sometimes offer special perks geared specifically toward students, such as a free Amazon Prime Student membership and lower fees.

How can a student with no income get a credit card?

A student with no income can get a credit card by applying with a qualified cosigner or by being added as an authorized user under a parent's card. If they are over 21 years of age, students are also able to apply for credit cards using their household income.

How old do you have to be to get a student credit card?

The minimum age to apply for any credit card, including student credit cards, is 18.

Do you have to be a student to get a student credit card?

As the name implies, you typically need to be a student to open a college student credit card. Card issuers will generally require proof of college enrollment to qualify.

Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for students, Select analyzed 14 of the most popular credit cards available for college students looking to build credit. We compared each card on a range of features, including: credit limit, rewards program, introductory and standard APR, welcome bonuses and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit score and customer reviews when available. We also considered any special student-centric programs that offer incentives or extra rewards. Because it's unusual for college student cards to have robust rewards programs, we did not analyze how many rewards points you can earn in the first year. For students who are looking to build their credit history and develop strong financial skills, it's more important to practice good credit card habits — spending within your means, paying your balance on time and in full — than try to optimize your points balance. For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Cash Back, click here. For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student chrome, click here. Information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.