If you click a link with an * to go through to a provider, we may get paid. This usually only happens if you get a product from it. This is what funds our team of journalists, and keeps us free to use. Yet there are two crucial things you need to know about this.
- This never impacts our editorial recommendations – if it's in, it's in there because we independently rate it best.
- You'll always get as good a deal (or better) than if you went direct.
For a more detailed explanation see How MSE is financed.
MSE weekly email
FREE weekly MoneySaving email
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today – it's spam-free!
Student credit cards
Everything you need to know
Updated 17 May 2023
Heading off to uni is a milestone – marking the start of real financial independence for many. Used right, student credit cards can be a useful budgeting tool that helps build your credit profile, but get it wrong and it can burn. This guide covers what student credit cards are and if getting one is the right option for you.
What is a student credit card?
A student credit card is just a credit card that accepts students, so usually just comes without the same income and credit score restrictions as traditional cards.
As you're likely to have a low (or no) income and little credit history, credit cards that accept students tend to have low credit limits (the total amount you can spend on them, for example £500), and some may have high interest rates.
How do student credit cards work?
The easiest way is to think of it as a borrowing card, so a way to spend money that's been lent to you. Here's how it works:
- You'll be allowed to spend a certain amount. If you're accepted for a card, your provider will set a maximum amount you can spend, which is called your credit limit.
- You then pay for things using the card. Make sure not to exceed your credit limit, or you'll incur fees. If you're looking to build your credit score, aim to use no more than 30% of your limit as this helps show you're not reliant on borrowing.
- The credit card company sends you a bill for the amount you owe every month. Make sure to pay this on time or again you'll incur fees, and a negative mark on your credit file. Your best bet is to set up a direct debit so your credit card company will automatically collect the amount from your bank account.
- Repay the bill IN FULL and that's it, though repay less and you'll pay costly interest on top. Your statement will show two key figures – the full amount and the minimum repayment, which is the lowest amount you must pay.
Pay the full amount by the due date and there's no cost. However, pay a lower amount and interest is added to your bill – based on the total amount you've borrowed.
For example, if you spent £200 and paid off £150, you'd owe £50 next month, plus interest on the full £200 you'd spent. Assuming an interest rate of 21.9% APR, that's roughly an extra £4, so your bill for next month would start at £54.
For more detail on how credit cards work, head to our full Credit card basics guide.
Advantages and disadvantages of getting a student credit card
Used right, a credit card comes with a number of easy and free benefits. However, get it wrong and you can be stung for years. Here are the main pros of getting a credit card, and how to avoid the cons.
Pros ✔️
- Free protection on anything that costs over £100. When you pay for something costing between £100 and £30,000 (so pay for just 1p on the card and you're covered), your purchase will be protected by Section 75 of the consumer credit act.
This means your credit card provider must take the same responsibility as the retailer if things go wrong, which is powerful if the retailer goes bust or won't play ball. See full details in our Section 75 guide.
- Can boost your credit rating. Managing a credit card well – staying within the credit limit and paying at least the minimum on time every month – helps to build your credit rating score as it shows you're a responsible person to lend to.
This makes you more attractive to lenders, which can make taking out a mortgage (or other credit such as a loan) easier and mean you qualify for the cheapest rates.
- Can be a good back up for emergencies. If you're waiting for your student loan to come in, and you're hit with an unexpected cost such as replacing a laptop or repairing your car, a credit card enables you to pay to keep you going. You then have more time to budget to clear the card as soon as you can, avoiding more expensive options such as payday loans.
- Can offer cheap borrowing and rewards. As we've said above, repay IN FULL and there's no cost at all. There are also many different types of credit card, with some offering 0% interest for a set number of months (so the cheapest way to borrow over the longer term) and others that pay cashback or reward points to use them.
You may not have the income or credit rating to get these cards now – or the need – but use a card to build your credit rating now and you'll boost your chances when you graduate.
Cons (what to watch out for)⚠️
- Never withdraw cash on a credit card. Most cards charge interest on ATM withdrawals from day, even if you repay in full, so it's expensive. Doing so also puts a mark on your credit report, which is usually seen as a red flag to other lenders that you can't manage your money well. So avoid it at all costs.
- Credit limits are usually low, so make sure you don't bust it. A low credit limit (typically £250 to £1,000) isn't a con, as it can help ensure you only spend amounts you can afford to repay (ideally IN FULL each month). However just be careful not to exceed this, as you'll be breaking the terms of your agreement, meaning you'll usually pay a fee and a negative mark is placed on your credit file.
- Beware just paying the minimum repayment. Credit cards can have very high interest rates, which makes it very expensive if you don't pay off in full each month. Opt to just pay the minimum and you could find yourself in debt for years. See the minimum repayment spiral for full help.
- Never miss a repayment. If you pay your credit card bill late or miss a repayment, not only will you be hit with interest, you'll have to pay a hefty fee and face the negative impact on your credit score.
To ensure you don't miss it, set up a monthly direct debit to automatically pay off the minimum amount (or a higher/the full amount if you can). If you know you won't be able to pay, contact your provider immediately and work with it to agree a different repayment plan.
MSE weekly email
FREE weekly MoneySaving email
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today – it's spam-free!
Things to consider before applying for a student credit card
You're probably thinking 'should I get a student credit card?' This is a personal call, but the answer largely comes down to whether you'll be able to manage it correctly, so how disciplined you are at sticking to your credit limit and repaying on time.
If you're confident managing money on a monthly basis, then a credit card can provide easy and free benefits. However, if you're worried how you'll keep up with repayments, or you already struggle with debt, then you should avoid (see our debt problems guide for help and where to find support) and consider alternatives instead.
Alternatives to student credit cards
If you're not sure a credit card is the right option for you – or you're not eligible for one that fulfils your needs (more on this later) – there are a couple of other options.
- A 0% overdraft on a student current account will be cheaper if you can't repay a card IN FULL. Many student accounts come with generous interest-free overdrafts, which will be cheaper than a credit card if you can't clear it at the end of each month. For example, if you needed to make a one-off large purchase in an emergency.
Banks typically compete for your business too, so some will often throw in some extras to encourage you to pick them. These range from railcards, to free cash – so if you're looking for perks, shop around until you find something you like. See our Student bank accounts guide for full help and our top-pick accounts.
- A credit card isn't the only way to boost your credit score, for example, registering to vote can help. There are some super easy ways to help increase your credit score (without or alongside a credit card) – like registering to vote. Find more easy ways to boost your credit score in our full Improve your credit score guide.
Am I eligible for a student credit card?
This can be tricky, as each credit card company will have a different set of eligibility criteria – and sadly there's no credit card that will guarantee to accept you.
However, you'll usually need to be aged 18 and live and study in the UK as a minimum. To improve your chances, already making regular payments for a financial product such as a phone contract can help, as can having some form of income.
While you don't need to have a job to qualify for a student credit card, you'll usually need to have some form of income (other than your student loan), which could be money from your parents, or salary from part-time or casual work. Student loans tend not to count as 'income' as they are a form of debt.
Use our Credit Card Eligibility Calculator to compare cards
What's the best student credit card?
As a student credit card is just one that accepts students, using our eligibility checker will allow you to compare cards in your personal best-buy table. That link takes you to the 'credit building' category, which shows cards that are more likely to accept those with low incomes and minimal credit history.
However, our tool sadly doesn't have every card in the market and certain cards are only available if you already have a student current account with them. This is usually because, in lieu of a credit history, the way you use your current account can give the bank a better insight into how you use your money.
Both HSBC (18.9% rep APR) and TSB (21.9% rep APR) do this, so if you're happy banking with them, they could be worth considering.
See our guide to getting your first credit card for more help.
Student credit card FAQs
More credit card top tips
We've a whole host of credit card top tips and tricks to help you get started. Below is a quick round-up of where we'd suggest you head next.
Suggestions for you
- Check which cards you might be accepted for using our credit card eligibility calculator.
- Just looking to make a one-off purchase? See whether a loan could be a better option.
- Read up on the basics of applying for and using your card with our How credit cards work guide.
- See the many other ways you can boost your credit score using our Improve your credit score guide.
MSE Forum
Have your say in our forum!
Spotted out of date info/broken links? Email: brokenlink@moneysavingexpert.com
-
Martin Lewis: Urgent warning for savers as base rate held at 5.25%
21 September 2023![]( "1764282989")
You should open a fixed savings rate NOW in case rates are cut, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has warned. -
Martin Lewis: Are you an E.on customer? Here's an easy way to cut what you pay for energy
21 September 2023![]( "333005096")
E.on Next's 'Pledge' tariff could be an easy way to cut your bills over the next year, according to MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis. -
NatWest and RBS to close at least 134 branches in 2023/24 – here's the full list, plus alternatives
21 September 2023![]()
The NatWest Group will shut at least 143 of its bank branches throughout 2023 and 2024 following its latest announcement. -
Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds to close 35 more branches in 2023/24 – here's the full list, plus alternatives
21 September 2023![]()
Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds, which are all part of the Lloyds Banking Group, have announced they'll close at least 35 more branches between them over the next 12 months. -
Second cost of living payment to be paid from 31 October – here's who qualifies and how much you'll get
20 September 2023![]()
Over eight million households on certain benefits and tax credits will receive their second cost of living payment from 31 October.
-
Martin Lewis: Is it time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents?
11 September 2023![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: Five things all new English university starters should know
4 September 2023![]()
The 2023 academic year is about to start, and it'll see the biggest shake-up to student finance in England for a decade. The changes are both subtle and massive. On the surface they look like a tweak, in practice they will increase the eventual cost of going to university by over 50% for many typical graduates.
MSE tools & calculators
Clever ways to calculate your finances
