See if you qualify for a credit card from top providers
See if you qualify for a credit card from top providers
- Including Barclaycard and Amex
- Check a range of cards in minutes
- No impact on your credit score
- One fast and simple form
Approval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow.
Student credit cards work in the same way as standard credit cards but you need to be enrolled in part-time or full-time study. To apply for a card you will need to provide your student number and proof of enrolment.
Student credit cards tend to have low credit limits and no annual fees, to help make them more affordable. Typically they have basic features that are designed to help you learn how to manage money without incurring massive costs.
Typically, they also require you to have a student bank account with the lender offering the card. For example, to be eligible for a TSB Student credit card, you’d need to be an existing account holder with TSB. That being said, there are some cards, like the Ocean credit card, that consider applications from students – albeit you meet the eligbility criteria.
Student credit cards can help you manage your expenses and free up cash flow when you’re studying. They can also lay the foundation for future lending options such as car loans or mortgages or rewards credit cards. This guide looks at exactly how a student credit card works, the pros and cons and how to find the best card for you.
The cost of a student credit card varies depending on the specific features of individual cards. The main features to consider are:
Student credit cards come with a wide range of other features that vary depending on the specific card you choose. Some of the key details to consider include:
Student credit cards offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to cash flow but they’re not right for everyone. Consider the following key questions before applying to decide if this option will suit your circumstances.
If you can manage your expenses well, a student credit card could be a useful tool to help build a positive credit report or help with cash flow when you’re waiting for your student loan, or part-time job paycheck to clear. But if you struggle to manage your money or find that you can’t afford everything you want, then it may be better to stick to using your own money. Make sure you have a student bank account, or have upgraded an existing bank account to a student one, to take advantage of the financial benefits and support that they offer.
Whether or not you’ve had a credit card before, these simple tips will ensure you know what to do and what not to do when you get your student credit card:
If you decide to get a credit card, it’s important to make sure you find an option that’s right for you. Comparing credit cards allows you to see features of different products side-by-side so that you can find one that will suit your needs. We’ve outlined the main factors you’ll need to consider below.
Since there isn’t a great number of student cards on the market and if you’re not already with AIB, TSB or HSBC, you won’t be able to get a student credit card in the UK. A great alternative to student credit cards are credit builder cards.
These cards are designed for people with no or poor credit history. Credit builder credit cards typically also have a more lenient eligibility criteria, making them easier to get accepted for compared to ‘normal’ credit cards. However, because of this, these cards often have lower credit limits and higher interest rates.
After comparing student credit cards to find the right option for you, the next step is to apply. You can do this online in about 20 minutes via the lender’s secure application page. Before filling out your information, make sure you meet the credit card application requirements. These can vary, but generally include:
If you meet these application criteria, you can fill out the online form. You’ll need to provide a range of details, including:
Once you have filled out the online application, review all the details and hit “submit”. You should get a response within a few minutes. The credit card company will also be in touch if they need further information in order to complete the application process. If you’re approved, you should get your new card within a couple of weeks.
You’ll need to activate it and then you can start using it. From textbooks and stationery to tuition fees and everyday expenses, there’s a whole range of costs that are specific to students. Now that you know more about student credit cards, you can compare your options and decide on the right types of accounts to suit your needs while you’re studying.
Under 18? Find out what your credit card options are
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