The Best Credit Cards for College Students

Reader Comments
Back to blog

In order to keep an extremely high score you must live beyond your means at least as a college student. just buying a college book here and there and paying it off will not boost your score. paying for parents items and getting money back is a fantastic way to boost your credit score.

Ben of PA 10:00AM June 17, 2011

I disagree with the comment that you have to live beyond your means to have a high credit rating. You do have to use your card, but just pay it off every month in full and on time. That will give you a high credit rating.

Caroline Olson of OR 11:12AM April 15, 2010

Everything above is true, but the only way to build your credit to extremely high levels (700-850) is to live a bit beyond your means. That DOES NOT mean go lease a Lexus you can't afford. But it does mean use your credit card to buy things for people (family and close friends) with good credit ratings, so that you can build your credit rating. Your parents thinking of buying some appliances? Use YOUR credit card to pay for it, and have them pay you back. Things like that.

requan of NY 8:05AM January 09, 2010

Spend as much time as you can looking for the right card. Discuss with your parents or with an adult you know is good with their money - they usually have great advice on where to start.
If you already have a checking account that you use, consider setting up a credit card at that same bank. If they know you and you're a working student, the probability of being approved is much higher.
Never buy anything that you won't be able to pay off and save using it for mainly emergencies.

Sarah of IL 7:18PM October 18, 2009

Only use your card if your 100% sure you can pay it back. My sister would only use her card if she already had the cash to pay for it, then set it aside to pay the bill later.

Jessica Ramirez of FL 3:56PM September 03, 2009

or just be responsible and dont put your weekend tab on your credit card use it for essentials to establish your credit like everyone else in the world? ive had one all through college and its just fine

.... of CA 10:10PM April 10, 2009

I got a college credit card 6 months no apr blah blah no annual fee. Everything I buy goes on my card and I mean everything. I pay for my 1.5 k monthly bills though so if you get a credit card only get it if you have money. If you don't you will probably just f yourself like every person my age does.

Joe Pesci of IN 2:24PM March 03, 2009

The only thing I would add to this is:
You don't own credit cards; they own you. Keep this in mind. If you are a college student or a parent with a college age student, keep in mind that we all want good credit scores, but don't make your credit score your god.
Cash is king. Learn to pay yourself first. Seek ways to save money, create the proper emergency fund (by today's standards - not yesteryear) and seek to have a strong and sound financial position. You will - over time - make more and less money. The key is taking that money from checking to savings.
Good luck.
Loyd Ford
www.STICKYASSET.com/blog

Loyd Ford of NC 11:38AM January 14, 2009

Are no credit cards.

Ali of FL 6:53PM September 26, 2008

You neglected to mention some sites that are created just for students. We operate www.StudentPlatinum.com and provide credit card comparison tools along with useful articles, blogs and a forum to post and answer questions. There are other sites offering students targeted advice and cards, including CollegePlastic.

Edvisors Online Education of MA 8:56AM June 09, 2008