The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Student credit cards are designed for students and recent graduates looking to establish good credit habits while pursuing their education. You typically have to be a student in order to qualify for such cards, and in fact, many issuers will verify your college enrollment.

In addition to verification of your student status, you'll also need to meet age and income requirements to get a credit card. If you are under 21 and don't have an independent income, you'll need a parent or a trusted adult to co-sign for you.

Student credit cards work like any other credit cards and may come with similar perks such as welcome bonuses, protections, rewards, or incentives for paying your monthly bill on time. So it's good to research available options.

Based on your needs and goals, you may want to have a student credit card with lowest fees, with rewards, or one with perks or special offers to the students. When you compare your options, do not forget to pay attention to the recommended credit as some student credit cards require good or excellent credit to qualify.

You will also need to gather proof of your income and proof of your enrollment at an academic institution. Once you have all information handy, you can submit your application.

To minimize the risk of being denied, you can look for prequalification options. Many major issuers have tools that allow you to see whether you pre-qualify for their cards or not. However, prequalification does not guarantee approval, it simply shows your chances of being approved.