Best Credit Cards for Students With No Credit History (USA, 2025)
Starting from scratch? Here are top credit cards that accept students with little or no credit history — perfect for building credit while getting rewards safely.
Why Student Credit Cards Are a Great Starting Point
If you’ve never had a credit card or loan before, student credit cards offer a common path to build credit history. They often come with no annual fee, lower approval requirements, and sometimes cashback rewards. With responsible use — on-time payments and low balances — they help you establish a strong credit foundation early on. ([source: Bankrate & Forbes reviews])
Top Credit Cards for Students With No Credit History
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | No credit history needed • 5% rotating cash back categories + unlimited 1% on others • Cashback match first year • No annual fee |
| Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | No credit history required • 1.5% flat-rate cashback • No annual fee • Simple, beginner-friendly |
| Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | No credit history required • Higher rewards on groceries, dining & entertainment • $0 annual fee — good for regular student spending |
| Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students | Designed for students with no US credit history (including international students) • Mastercard network • No annual fee • Reports to credit bureaus |
| Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card with Cashback | Secured card option for those who struggle to get unsecured approval • Reports to bureaus • Cashback rewards • Good fallback if unsecured cards are denied |
How to Choose the Right Card for You
- If you plan to spend small & pay on time — go for flat-rate cashback (like Quicksilver Student).
- If you expect variable spending (food, groceries, streaming) — consider Savor Student or Discover Student for their category bonuses.
- If you have no credit history or are an international student — Deserve EDU is designed with that in mind.
- If you can’t get unsecured approval — use a secured credit builder like Firstcard to start building responsibly.
- Always check the card’s terms: interest rate (APR), fees, and whether they report to all three major credit bureaus.
Tips to Build Credit Quickly and Safely
- Always pay your statement balance on time and in full — Avoid carrying a balance.
- Keep credit utilization low — ideally under 30% of your credit limit.
- Use the card for regular small purchases (e.g. groceries, subscriptions), not big impulse buys.
- Set up autopay or payment reminders to avoid missing deadlines.
- Don’t apply for multiple credit cards in a short period — too many “hard inquiries” can hurt your score.
- Keep your first card open — history length helps build credit over time.
Why These Cards Work for Students
- No annual fee — good for students on budget.
- Low or no credit history requirement — easier approval.
- Rewards (cashback) — helpful for everyday expenses.
- Credit reporting builds your history and score when used responsibly.
Things to Watch Out For
- High interest rates if you carry a balance — always pay in full.
- Some reward categories require activation or have spending caps.
- Approval is not guaranteed — secured cards may still be needed if denied.
Final Recommendation
If you have no credit history, start with a student card like Discover it® Student Cash Back or Capital One Quicksilver Student — both are beginner-friendly, have no annual fee, and offer rewards. If you’re an international student or don’t yet qualify, consider Deserve EDU or a secured credit builder. Use the card responsibly: pay in full, use regularly, and keep balances low. Over time you’ll build a solid credit foundation for future financial opportunities.
