How do I get a credit card as a college student with no income?

You can get a credit card as a college student with no income if someone adds you as an authorized user on their account. You might also qualify for your own student credit card, even without a job, if you receive a scholarship or an allowance that’s deposited into your bank account.

Ways to Get a Student Card with No Income

Open a joint account.

None of the top 10 credit card issuers allow you to apply with a cosigner, but a few may let you add a joint accountholder, either when you apply or after opening the account. Both cardholders are equally responsible for making payments on a joint account, regardless of whose income is used on the application.

Become an authorized user.

One of the easiest ways to get the benefits of a credit card without applying for one yourself is by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account. The primary cardholder can add you and give you your own card, but they are ultimately responsible for making the payments. You won’t have an account in your name, but you will have a card to use for purchases, and you’ll build credit so long as everyone with access to the card uses it responsibly.

Apply for a student card using other income sources.

Depending on the credit card company, you may be able to list parental support, scholarships, financial aid, or government assistance as income on your application. Under federal law, anyone under the age of 21 can only apply using individual income, but student cards are often flexible on what qualifies. An allowance may count, for example, though student loans do not qualify as income since they’re another form of debt. If you’re over 21 years old, you can qualify for a credit card using shared household income from a parent or partner.

Even though some form of income is required to open a student credit card, many student cards have lower qualifications than most general-consumer cards and are relatively easy to get.

Easy Credit Cards for Students to Get