Is there a PNC student credit card?

A student credit card is a card designed specifically for college students with limited credit history or better. Student credit cards are easier to get than the average credit card, and they usually have $0 annual fees, rewards, and minimum credit limits of $300 or so. Some student credit cards offer low introductory APRs, but the regular APR on student credit cards tends to be above average.... read full answer

Students generally have less credit history and less income than professionals and older adults. However, they come with assumed future earning potential. So, credit card companies are more willing to approve a student with no credit history than a non-student newcomer. Student credit cards work just like regular credit cards. They’re just aimed at students.

Notable Student Credit Cards

It’s important to remember that student credit cards are definitely real credit cards. So, make sure to use your student credit card responsibly. The high APRs can be a big extra weight if you carry a balance.

What You Should Know About Student Credit Cards

1. Overview

Student credit cards can help students with fair, limited, or no credit build their credit history. The right student card can also teach responsible credit card habits to people who are new to the game. For example, some give bonus rewards for on-time bill payments and/or good grades.

2. Requirements

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a student credit card, just like with any other credit card. If you’re under 21, you’ll need independent income and won’t be able to use shared household income. Money from even a part-time job will help your approval odds.

Plus, you’ll most likely be asked about your school information on the application. Limited or no credit history usually is not an issue with student cards, but if you already have bad credit, you may not get approved. In that case, you may want to aim for a secured credit card, like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.

3. Card perks

Student credit cards tend to offer $0 annual fees and rewards on purchases. These perks aren’t always available on credit cards for people with less-than-good credit. Some student credit cards even offer an initial bonus or a low introductory APR.

4. Reasons to get a student credit card

The main reason why you should get a student credit card is to build credit inexpensively. Most student cards come with no annual fees and accept people with no credit history. Plus, student cards tend to have better rewards and lower APRs than other starter credit cards.

Another good reason to get a credit card as a student is to have some additional security in case of emergency situations.

5. Risks of getting a student card

Missing payments and racking up debt are the biggest concerns when it comes to credit cards as a college student. But there are easy ways to minimize the risk while still reaping all the benefits.

For example, you’ll be less likely to miss any due dates if you set up automatic payments from a bank account. You could also pay any annual fee the card may have and then lock the card away somewhere safe – to resist the temptation to overspend. You’ll still build credit that way.

6. How to apply for a student card

You can generally apply for a student credit card online or at a branch. In some cases, you can also apply over the phone, depending on the card.

Keep in mind that you will need to provide your annual income and your Social Security number (or an applicable alternative for international students). Some other personal information might be required as well, along with information about your school.

Alternative Options for Students Under 18 Years Old

If you’re under 18 and you’re interested in getting your first credit card, you can become an authorized user on someone else’s account. This can help you build credit and be well-positioned when you’re old enough to qualify for your own credit card account.

To get a credit card for the first time, you should first check if you have any credit history, then compare cards and pick the best offer before applying. In order to be eligible to apply for your first credit card, you must be at least 18 years old and have enough income to afford monthly credit card payments. Below, you can learn more about the process of picking, applying for and getting your first credit card, step by step.... read full answer

How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time

1. See if you have a credit report and score

   You could have more credit history than you think, perhaps from being an authorized user on a family member’s credit card. You can check your latest credit score and credit report for free on WalletHub to see. This will help you determine how good of a credit card you should shoot for.

2. Determine whether student credit cards are an option

   College students can usually get better first credit cards than other people with no credit. Their youth and above-average expected income make them attractive to banks and credit unions. If you’re enrolled in school, check out the best student credit cards.

3. Compare secured and unsecured starter cards

   Secured credit cards have the highest approval odds, but they require you to place a refundable security deposit. The amount of that deposit typically becomes your spending limit. Unsecured cards are harder to get but have no deposit.

4. Limit your search to cards with the lowest fees

   Focus on weeding out cards with expensive non-refundable fees. A no annual fee credit card with no security deposit is best. But a low-fee secured card isn’t bad, either. You can get back your deposit when you close your account.

5. Choose the best remaining offer for your needs

   If several credit cards are tied for the lowest fees and highest approval odds, consider the terms that are next most important to you. If you plan to pay your bill in full every month, that will probably be rewards. If not, you may want to focus on interest rates.

6. Confirm you have enough income

   If you’re at least 21 years old, you can list household income and assets that you have reasonable access to on your credit card application. Applicants who are 18-20 years old can only list independent income and assets, but even having a part-time job should provide enough income to get a credit card for the first time.

7. Submit your credit card application

   Apply online for the fastest decision. You may even be approved instantly if you clearly meet the issuer’s criteria. You should receive your card within 7-10 business days of being approved.

   Learning how to get a credit card for the first time is a rite of passage for young adults after turning 18 years old. And it’s a lot easier than you might think. The key is to choose wisely, by focusing on offers for people with limited credit and secured credit cards, which provide nearly guaranteed approval.

Key Things to Know About Choosing Your First Credit Card

High approval odds are among the most important things to look for in your first credit card. The sooner you get approved, the sooner you can begin building your credit standing. Getting rejected for a credit card sets you back, both in terms of time and possible damage to your limited credit.

Low fees are another key feature to seek out when getting a credit card for the first time. Starter credit cards generally don’t offer rewards or interest rates worth paying high annual or monthly fees for. So it’s best to make your first credit card one with a $0 annual fee and always pay your monthly bill in full to avoid interest charges.

Tips for Using Your First Credit Card

It’s really important to remember that learning how to get a credit card for the first time and getting approved are only the beginning. You also need to use that card responsibly, which means spending within your means, paying your bill on time every month, and keeping your credit utilization below 30%.

If you can avoid racking up costly credit card debt and hurting your credit score with missed payments, your first credit card will be a huge asset. It will add positive information to your major credit reports each month. That will gradually improve your credit standing. And better credit will make it easier to rent an apartment, buy or lease a car, find a job, get approved for good loans and lines of credit and save on car insurance premiums, among other things.

You can track your progress for free on WalletHub, the only site with free credit scores and reports that are updated daily. We’ll even tell you exactly what you need to do to improve your credit score at a given time, plus provide personalized credit card recommendations. You can use them to find your first credit card and then graduate from it when the time is right.