Best Credit Cards for College Students With No Income in 2025
College life can be expensive, and having a credit card can be a smart way to manage finances and start building credit early. But what if you have no income? Can a college student still get approved for a credit card in 2025?
The answer is yes — if you apply for the right kind of card.
Many credit card issuers now offer student credit cards specifically designed for individuals with limited or no income. These cards are more lenient with eligibility requirements and are intended to help young adults start their financial journey on the right foot.
In this guide, we break down the top 5 best credit cards for college students with no income in 2025, how to qualify, what to look for, and tips to use them responsibly.
Why Do Credit Cards Ask About Income?
The Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires that lenders evaluate a person’s ability to repay debt before extending credit. This means they’ll ask for income — but it doesn’t have to come from a traditional job.
As a student, you can list:
- Parental allowance
- Financial aid refunds
- Work-study income
- Scholarships used for living expenses
- Spouse or household income (if accessible)
Even if you're unemployed, listing some form of accessible income (even under $500/month) can help you get approved for beginner cards.
What to Look for in a Student Credit Card
Before applying, make sure the card:
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Has no annual fee
- Offers tools like free credit score tracking
- Has a low credit limit to avoid overspending
- Provides cashback or rewards to make usage more beneficial
Top 5 Credit Cards for Students with No Income in 2025
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Why it's great: This is a well-rounded student credit card with no annual fee, generous cash back rewards, and credit score tracking. Discover is known for approving students with little or no income if they have some financial support.
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (like gas, groceries, or Amazon)
- 1% on everything else
- Cashback Match: All cash back earned in your first year is doubled
- No late fee on first missed payment
Best for: Students who want to earn solid rewards and start building credit history.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Why it stands out: Offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase — a flat and easy reward system. Capital One is known for user-friendly services and early approval for students.
- Unlimited 1.5% cashback on everything
- $0 annual fee
- Fraud coverage and free credit score access
- Credit line reviews after 6 months for potential increase
Best for: Students who want simple rewards and plan to use their card frequently.
3. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Why it’s unique: Deserve offers student cards without requiring a Social Security Number (SSN), making it ideal for international students. You don’t need a U.S. credit history to apply.
- 1% cashback on all purchases
- Free Amazon Prime Student (6 months)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cell phone protection (when you pay your bill with the card)
Best for: International students and those without a U.S. credit score or SSN.
4. Petal® 1 “No Credit Required” Visa
Why it’s different: Petal uses alternative data (like bank history and spending habits) to determine eligibility, not just credit scores. Ideal for students with no credit or income.
- Up to 10% cash back at select merchants
- $0 to $59 annual fee (based on your profile)
- Credit limits from $300 to $5,000
- Reports to all 3 bureaus
Best for: Students with no credit history who want high approval odds.
5. Chase Freedom Rise℠
Why it’s rising in popularity: Designed specifically for beginners, especially students and new adults. Chase recently expanded its approval criteria in 2025 to include low-income applicants with checking accounts.
- 1.5% unlimited cash back
- No annual fee
- Bonus for making timely payments
- Works well with a Chase checking account for better approval
Best for: Students who already bank with Chase or want a long-term relationship with a major bank.
How to Increase Your Approval Chances
- Open a checking/savings account with the card issuer first.
- Apply for student cards, not general credit cards.
- Have a co-signer if allowed (some cards still permit this).
- Use accurate, honest income reporting (do not lie — even a small amount helps).
Alternatives If You Get Denied
- Apply for a secured credit card (you provide a refundable deposit).
- Get added as an authorized user on a parent’s or relative’s card.
- Use credit-building apps like Kikoff or Chime Credit Builder.
- Wait and build a checking/savings account history for a few months.
Responsible Credit Card Use as a Student
- Pay on time every month (set auto-pay if needed)
- Keep utilization under 30% of your credit limit
- Don’t carry a balance — pay in full to avoid interest
- Check your credit score monthly with free tools
A $300 card today can lead to a $10,000 limit in just a few years if you use it properly.
Final Thoughts
Getting a credit card as a college student with no income is more possible than ever in 2025. Issuers now look beyond traditional jobs to evaluate applicants, offering beginner-friendly cards with real rewards and no fees.
Start small, be smart, and let your credit grow with you. Choose a card that fits your lifestyle and needs — and always pay it off. Your future self will thank you.