Starting your credit journey as a student can be challenging—especially if you have bad credit or no credit history. But don’t worry, there are several credit cards designed specifically to help students build credit responsibly.
Whether you’re looking for a secured card with low fees or an unsecured option with rewards, we’ve rounded up the best credit cards for students with bad credit in 2025.
Top Picks: Best Student Credit Cards for Bad Credit
| Card | Type | Annual Fee | Rewards | Credit Needed |
| Discover it® Secured | Secured | $0 | 2% gas/dining, 1% other | Poor/None |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | Secured | $0 | 1.5% on all purchases | Poor/None |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® | Secured | $35 | None | No credit check |
| Petal® 1 Visa | Unsecured | $0 | Up to 10% at select merchants | Fair |
| Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® | Unsecured | Varies | 1% on select purchases | Poor |
Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards: What’s the Difference?
If you’re just starting out or rebuilding credit, this is an important distinction:
Secured Credit Cards
Require a refundable cash deposit that acts as your credit limit. They are easier to get approved for and help you build a credit history.
Unsecured Credit Cards
Don’t require a deposit but usually require a higher credit score or income.
Still not sure which is right for you? Read our full guide on Secured vs Unsecured Student Cards
What to Look for in a Student Credit Card
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| No or Low Annual Fee | Keeps costs down while building credit |
| Reports to All 3 Bureaus | Ensures your responsible use boosts your score |
| Upgrade Path | Lets you transition to better cards without closing accounts |
| Rewards | Stretch your spending while building credit |
| No Credit Check (Optional) | Ideal if your credit is poor or nonexistent |
Looking for more options with no credit history?
Check out our Best Student Credit Cards with No Credit Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a student credit card if I have bad credit?
Yes! Many secured and some unsecured cards are designed for students with limited or poor credit histories. Options like the Discover it® Secured or OpenSky® Visa are commonly approved. Read our Discover it® review →
What’s the easiest credit card for a student to get?
Secured cards are typically the easiest. OpenSky® doesn’t even require a credit check, making it very accessible.
Are there student credit cards with no annual fee?
Yes. Several great cards like the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Petal® 1 Visa offer no annual fees.
What credit card can I get with a 500 credit score?
Most secured cards accept students with scores around 500 or no score at all. Cards like First Progress, Capital One Platinum Secured, and OpenSky® are good starting points. See our Capital One Platinum review →
Tips to Build Credit as a Student
- Make at least the minimum payment on time every month.
- Keep your credit utilization below 30% of your limit.
- Avoid opening too many new accounts too quickly.
- Set up autopay or reminders to avoid missed payments.
- Monitor your credit with free tools like Credit Karma or your bank.
Still Not Sure Which Card to Pick?
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