Student credit cards are marketed specifically to college students, usually with lower income requirements and smaller starting credit limits than standard cards. They're one of the more accessible ways to start building a credit history while still in school.
How they're different from regular cards
Approval standards are generally more lenient, since issuers expect applicants to have thin or no credit history. In exchange, credit limits usually start low, and rewards — if offered at all — tend to be modest compared to cards aimed at established credit users.
How to use one without hurting your credit
- Pay the full statement balance every month, not just the minimum — interest on a student card is rarely a good deal.
- Keep your utilization low relative to your (small) limit; a $500 limit with a $450 balance can hurt your score even though the dollar amount is small.
- Set up autopay for at least the minimum so a missed due date doesn't damage a credit file that's just getting started.
What happens after graduation
Most issuers let you keep the same account and simply ask you to update your income and employment information — you don't need to close it and open a new card.
