Looking to build your credit while you're in college, but worried about your less-than-perfect credit score? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the top credit card options specifically designed for college students with bad credit. Whether you need a card for everyday expenses or want to establish a solid credit history, these starter credit cards will help you navigate the world of credit with ease. Get ready to take control of your finances and pave the way for a stronger financial future!

Get The Best Credit Card For College Students With Bad Credit

Secured Credit Cards

If you're a college student with bad credit, getting approved for a traditional credit card might seem like an impossible task. That's where secured credit cards come in! These cards are specifically designed to help individuals with poor or limited credit history build their credit, and they can be a great option for students who are looking to establish a positive credit history. Two popular secured credit cards for college students are the Discover it Secured and the Capital One Secured Mastercard.

Discover it Secured

The Discover it Secured credit card is an excellent choice for college students who want to build credit responsibly. With this card, you can put down a refundable security deposit, which then becomes your credit limit. What sets the Discover it Secured apart from other secured cards is that it offers cashback rewards. You'll earn 2% cashback on gas stations and restaurants up to a certain limit each quarter, and 1% cashback on all other purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cashback you've earned at the end of your first year!

This card also comes with some extra perks. Discover provides free access to your FICO credit score, allowing you to keep track of your progress as you build credit. Additionally, they offer fraud protection and will monitor your account for any suspicious activity.

Capital One Secured Mastercard

Another solid option for college students with bad credit is the Capital One Secured Mastercard. It's a straightforward card that can help you boost your credit score with responsible use. With this card, you'll be required to make a refundable security deposit to set your credit limit. The amount of your deposit will determine your credit line. By using this card responsibly and making on-time payments, you'll be on your way to improving your credit score.

Like the Discover it Secured, the Capital One Secured Mastercard also offers opportunities for credit limit increases. After making your first five monthly payments on time, you may be able to access a higher credit line without having to provide an additional deposit. This can be a fantastic incentive to practice responsible credit card use.

Student Credit Cards

If you're a college student looking to build credit, student credit cards may be your ticket to financial independence. These cards are specifically designed for students and often have more relaxed requirements than traditional cards. Here are two popular student credit cards to consider: the Discover it Student Cash Back and the Citi Rewards+ Student Card.

Discover it Student Cash Back

The Discover it Student Cash Back card is an exceptional choice for college students who want to earn rewards while building credit. It offers an impressive cashback program, making it suitable for those who plan to use their credit card for day-to-day expenses. With this card, you can earn 5% cashback on rotating categories that change quarterly, such as gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. Additionally, you'll earn 1% cashback on all other purchases.

Discover has a unique feature called Good Grade Reward. If you maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you'll receive a $20 statement credit each school year for up to five years. This incentive encourages students to prioritize their studies while reaping the benefits of their responsible credit card use.

Citi Rewards+ Student Card

The Citi Rewards+ Student Card offers a rewarding experience for college students who want to earn points on their everyday purchases. This card is known for its unique round-up feature, which allows you to earn more points on small purchases. Here's how it works: every time you make a purchase, Citi will round up your transaction to the nearest 10 points. For example, if you make a $4 coffee purchase, you'll earn 10 points instead of just 4.

In addition to the round-up feature, the Citi Rewards+ Student Card also offers a generous welcome bonus. If you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening your account, you'll receive a substantial number of bonus points. This can be a fantastic way to kick-start your rewards earnings.

Credit Union Student Credit Cards

Credit unions are nonprofit financial institutions that prioritize their members' best interests. If you're a college student, joining a credit union and obtaining a student credit card from them can be a smart move. Here are two credit unions that offer student credit cards: Lanco Federal Credit Union and University Federal Credit Union.

Lanco Federal Credit Union Student Visa Credit Card

The Lanco Federal Credit Union Student Visa Credit Card is an excellent choice for students who want to build credit while enjoying a low-interest rate. This card offers a competitive APR, making it ideal for individuals who tend to carry a balance from month to month. By using this card responsibly, making on-time payments, and keeping your credit utilization low, you can establish a positive credit history.

One of the benefits of obtaining a credit card from a credit union like Lanco Federal is the personalized service they provide. Credit unions often have a more community-focused approach and may be more willing to work with you if you experience financial difficulties. This can be reassuring for college students who are just starting their financial journey.

University Federal Credit Union Student Visa Credit Card

The University Federal Credit Union Student Visa Credit Card is specifically designed for college students and offers various features to help you build credit. This card has no annual fees and a reasonable APR, making it suitable for individuals who are mindful of their expenses. Additionally, University Federal Credit Union provides extensive credit education resources to help you understand credit scores, budgeting, and credit card best practices.

By using this credit card responsibly and making timely payments, you can establish a healthy credit history while still being a responsible student. With the University Federal Credit Union Student Visa Credit Card, you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your financial responsibility and lay the foundation for a strong credit profile.

Purchase The Top Credit Card Options For College Students With Bad Credit

Retail Store Credit Cards

If you're a college student who frequently shops at specific retail stores, getting a retail store credit card can be a smart move. These cards often come with attractive rewards and perks that can enhance your shopping experience. Here are two popular retail store credit cards that may be worth considering: the Amazon.com Store Card and the Target REDcard.

Amazon.com Store Card

The Amazon.com Store Card can be a fantastic option for college students who frequently shop on Amazon. This card offers special financing options on eligible purchases, allowing you to pay off your larger expenses over time without accruing interest. Additionally, cardholders may qualify for exclusive discounts and promotional offers on Amazon.com.

One of the key benefits of the Amazon.com Store Card is the ability to earn Amazon Rewards points. For every purchase you make with this card, you'll earn points that can be redeemed for future Amazon.com purchases. This can be a great way to maximize your savings and get more value out of your spending.

Target REDcard

If you're a fan of Target, the Target REDcard could be a perfect fit for you. This store credit card offers a range of benefits that can help you save money and enjoy a more rewarding shopping experience. One of the most significant perks is the 5% discount you'll receive on every eligible purchase at Target, both in-store and online. This can add up to substantial savings, especially if you frequently shop at Target for your dorm or apartment essentials.

The Target REDcard also offers other advantages, such as free two-day shipping on eligible items from the Target website and an extended return period. Furthermore, as a REDcard holder, you'll gain access to exclusive deals, promotions, and early access to select sale events.

Prepaid Debit Cards

Another option to consider if you're a college student with bad credit is a prepaid debit card. Unlike traditional credit cards, prepaid debit cards require you to load funds onto the card before making purchases. Here are two well-known prepaid debit card options suitable for college students: American Express Serve and Walmart MoneyCard.

American Express Serve

The American Express Serve prepaid debit card offers flexibility, convenience, and control over your spending. With this card, you can easily load funds through direct deposit, by linking a bank account, or by adding cash at participating retailers. Once you've loaded your card, you can use it for purchases just like a regular debit or credit card.

One of the standout features of the American Express Serve card is its free ATM withdrawals. You can withdraw cash from over 30,000 MoneyPass ATMs nationwide without incurring any fees. Additionally, this card provides free online bill pay and mobile check deposit, making it a convenient option for managing your finances.

Walmart MoneyCard

The Walmart MoneyCard is an attractive choice for college students who frequently shop at Walmart or prefer the convenience of this retail giant. This prepaid debit card can be loaded with funds either at a Walmart store or through direct deposit. Once loaded, you can use the card to make purchases in-store or online, pay bills, get cashback at checkout, and withdraw money at Walmart MoneyCenters and ATMs.

One of the advantages of the Walmart MoneyCard is the option to earn cashback rewards. When you use your card to shop at Walmart.com, you can earn up to 3% cashback on your eligible purchases. This can help you save money while establishing a responsible spending pattern.

Credit Builder Loans

If you're looking to build your credit history from scratch or rebuild it after past challenges, a credit builder loan can be an effective tool. Credit builder loans work differently from traditional loans, as the money you borrow is typically held in a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD) while you make the monthly payments. Here are two credit builder loan options to consider: the Self Credit Builder Account and the MoneyLion Credit Builder Plus.

Self Credit Builder Account

The Self Credit Builder Account is a unique financial product that combines the features of a savings account and a credit builder. With this account, you'll make monthly payments over a specific period of time. These payments are reported to the credit bureaus, helping you build a positive credit history. At the end of the term, you'll receive the money you deposited into the account, minus any interest and fees.

An advantage of the Self Credit Builder Account is that it doesn't require a hard credit inquiry, making it accessible to individuals with bad credit or no credit history. This allows you to focus on improving your credit without the fear of further damaging it. Additionally, as you make your monthly payments, the Self account may notify credit bureaus of your progress, contributing to the improvement of your credit score.

MoneyLion Credit Builder Plus

The MoneyLion Credit Builder Plus program offers a comprehensive approach to credit building. With this program, you'll have access to a suite of features designed to improve your credit. It includes a credit builder loan, a credit monitoring tool, and various other perks to help you establish a strong credit profile.

When you join the Credit Builder Plus program, you'll start by taking out a credit builder loan. The funds from that loan are held in an interest-earning Credit Reserve Account. As you make your monthly payments, they will be reported to the credit bureaus, helping you build a positive payment history. At the end of your loan term, you'll receive the funds from your Credit Reserve Account, minus any interest and fees.

Find The Perfect Credit Card For College Students With Bad Credit

Authorized User

If you have a family member with good credit who is willing to help you build yours, becoming an authorized user on their credit card can be a viable option. When you become an authorized user, you'll receive a credit card in your name, linked to their account. By using the card responsibly and making on-time payments, you can improve your credit score over time.

It's important to have open communication with the primary cardholder to establish clear expectations and guidelines for using the card. It's also crucial to ensure that the primary cardholder has a history of responsible credit use. Becoming an authorized user can be a beneficial strategy, as it allows you to piggyback on their good credit and benefit from their positive credit history.

PayPal Credit

PayPal Credit is a digital credit line that offers flexibility and convenience for college students with bad credit. With PayPal Credit, you can make purchases instantly and pay for them over time. It's a convenient option for online shopping, as you can use it on a variety of websites that accept PayPal as a form of payment.

One of the significant advantages of PayPal Credit is that it offers promotional financing options. Depending on the purchase amount and the merchant, you may qualify for no-interest financing for a specific period. This can be particularly helpful if you need to make a larger purchase, such as a new laptop or textbooks, and want to pay it off over time without accruing interest.

Secured Lines of Credit

Apart from secured credit cards, secured lines of credit can also be a valuable tool for building credit. Similar to a secured credit card, you'll be required to provide a security deposit that serves as collateral for the line of credit. By making timely payments and demonstrating responsible credit use, you can gradually improve your credit score.

Secured lines of credit are usually offered by your bank or credit union. It's recommended to inquire with your financial institution about the availability of a secured line of credit and explore the terms and conditions to determine if it's a good fit for your credit-building needs.

Top Credit Card Options for College Students with Bad Credit

Credit Card Alternatives

While credit cards can be a fantastic tool for building credit, some individuals prefer alternatives that avoid the potential risks associated with credit card debt. Here are two credit card alternatives that can help you manage your finances responsibly: the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard and the Venmo Card.

PayPal Prepaid Mastercard

The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard is an excellent alternative for college students who want the convenience and security of a prepaid card from a trusted financial services provider. With this card, you can load funds onto your account and use it for purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted. It's a practical option for those who prefer to avoid the potential risks of overspending associated with credit cards.

One of the standout features of this card is the ability to transfer money from your PayPal balance instantly. If you receive payments through PayPal, you can easily access your funds and use your prepaid card for everyday expenses. Additionally, the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard comes with options for direct deposit, mobile check capture, and online bill pay, providing convenience and control over your finances.

Venmo Card

Venmo has become a popular platform for college students to split bills, repay friends, and manage their finances. The Venmo Card takes this convenience a step further by allowing you to link your Venmo account to a physical debit card. With the Venmo Card, you can easily access your Venmo balance and use it for everyday purchases.

This card offers a variety of features designed to provide a seamless spending experience. You can manage your card directly within the Venmo app, get cashback at select merchants, and receive real-time transaction notifications. The Venmo Card doesn't require a credit check, making it accessible to individuals with bad credit or limited credit history.

In conclusion, as a college student with bad credit, there are various options available to help you build a positive credit history. Whether you choose secured credit cards, student credit cards, credit union student credit cards, retail store credit cards, prepaid debit cards, credit builder loans, becoming an authorized user, utilizing PayPal Credit, secured lines of credit, or exploring credit card alternatives such as the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard and the Venmo Card, the key is to use your chosen financial tool responsibly. By making timely payments, practicing good financial habits, and staying within your means, you can pave the way to a stronger credit profile and a more secure financial future.

Top Credit Card Options for College Students with Bad Credit