8 things you should know before applying for a credit card in college
Editor's Note
During my sophomore year of college, I received a Wells Fargo student credit card application in the mail. I initially got the card for emergencies and to kick-start building my credit.
Truth be told, I didn't know what it meant to get my first credit card in my name. But the card has been the right addition to my wallet as I have learned about the value of credit cards.
So here are some tips that I think everyone should know before submitting that credit card application in college.
Related: The best credit cards for college students
How to use your credit card in college
Build your credit
Starting a credit line in college can help you establish a good credit score.
The length of your credit plays a vital role in determining your financial power. A person with a long credit history showing on-time payments is deemed more trustworthy to creditors and lenders.
Good credit habits can make you more likely to be approved for your first apartment or car.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Plan for emergencies
There's an old saying "expect the unexpected."
Having a credit card in college allows you to use it as a safety net to help when those unexpected inconveniences happen, such as a flat tire or the need to catch a last-minute flight back home.
Just be sure to pay your balance on time so that you don't incur interest.
Earn rewards
There are many perks of having a credit card, including purchase and travel protections. You can also earn cash-back rewards, depending on the card you choose. These can be redeemed to your savings account or for traveling for cheap.
There are plenty of do's and don'ts once you do receive your card, so understanding the 10 commandments of credit card rewards is essential.
Related: 5 mistakes to avoid when you get your first credit card
How to apply for a credit card
Check your credit score
Knowing and understanding your credit score will help you understand your chances of approval for your first credit card. There are plenty of cards that will approve college students who may not have established credit, such as secured cards that allow you to build credit with your deposit acting as your line of credit.
There are a few ways to check your credit score. Depending on your bank, you may have access to your FICO score at no cost. If your bank doesn't have this feature, you can visit AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also receive one free annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax).
Gather application documents
Different cards have different requirements but you'll definitely need two things — proof of age and proof of identification.
To obtain a card completely in your name, you typically have to be 18 years old. If you are under the age of 21, you must also be able to prove that you can make payments on your own. If not, you will likely need a co-signer. That co-signer should have a good credit score and must be able to show that they have enough income to make payments in case you miss one.
To prove your identity, some issuers may require that you have documentation that shows your U.S. address. Others may require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Related: How to apply for a credit card
Submit your application and wait
Depending on the credit card issuer, you can submit your application online, in person, over the phone or by mail.
After applying for a credit card, the next step is to await the decision. According to federal guidelines, issuers are required to notify you of approval or denial within 30 days of your application submission. While you're waiting on a response, think about how you'll use the card, create a budget and set up a repayment plan. For example, I use my credit card for gas, groceries and dinner with friends.
If you are denied, keep a lookout for a letter detailing the reason.
Set a repayment plan
One of the best ways to make the best of your card is to only charge what you can afford. For your repayment strategy, be sure to budget for at least making the minimum payments. However, keeping your credit utilization as close to 0% if possible is recommended as it will boost your credit score.
Related: The beginner's guide to credit cards
Types of college credit cards to consider
When comparing the different types of credit cards, it is important to think about how you can benefit from the card in the first place.
You may choose a secured card if you're building or repairing your credit or a cash-back credit card if you would like to receive a percentage of the money that you spent back.
Understand that there is no perfect credit card, but there may be one that meets your goals more than others, such as building credit or earning rewards.
Related: Why there's no such thing as the 'best' credit card
Student credit card
A student credit card is the easiest card to be approved for as a college student applying for their first card with little to no credit history. Student credit cards work the same way as most credit cards. However, one big difference is that many don't have the features and rewards that credit cards do.
Still, some student cards earn valuable rewards. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card for instance, is one of our top recommendations for most college students for this reason.
Cardholders can earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). For example, if I were to spend $200 on dinner, I would earn $6 cash back that can be used toward another purchase.
Secured credit card
A secured credit card is a great option if you're building or repairing credit or if you're having trouble getting approved for a rewards card. The card is backed up with your cash deposit that will serve as collateral on the account. That means that the user has extra security in case the cardholder cannot make a payment.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is our top secured credit card that earns rewards. With no annual fee, you can earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants. And, as a cardholder, you can also check your FICO score for free.
The information for the Discover it Secured credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
As a college student, I understand that the word "credit" can trigger many emotions — fear of messing up your credit early on or excitement for adulthood. Credit cards often come with negative misperceptions, especially when it comes to college students.
But think of it this way: Opening a credit card in college is a great way to build your credit history. It can have a positive impact on the milestones that you may want to achieve after graduating, such as purchasing your first house or car.
Remember to be patient with yourself, as the world of credit can be overwhelming for newbies.
And lastly, always do your research and use your card responsibly.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees