Let’s be real. The idea of credit cards in college can feel overwhelming (to say the least). Like, “I’m trying to survive midterms and figure out how the heck FAFSA works, and now I’m supposed to build credit too?”
I get it. But starting early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. And, that doesn’t mean you need to become a credit guru overnight, but learning to build credit while you’re still in a low-stakes environment is a cheat code. So, let’s chat through it.
What Is Credit and Why Does It Matter
Your credit score is a three-digit number (usually from 300 to 850) that tells lenders how “risky” you are. The higher the number, the better.
Here’s what affects your score:
35%: Payment history
30%: Amounts owed (how much of your limit you’re using)
15%: Length of credit history (starting early will give you a longer history)
10%: New credit (how often you apply for cards or loans)
10%: Credit mix (do you only have credit cards or other accounts too?)
Good credit can help you get approved for apartments, lower your car insurance, qualify you for better travel rewards cards down the road, finance a car or house one day, and so on.
Basically, credit is your financial reputation. And starting early helps you build trust with banks and lenders, even if you're only spending $12 a week on oat milk lattes right now.
😄 Pro Tip: You can check your score using free tools online like your bank’s mobile app (which is what I use!).
Getting Approved for a Starter Card
Ah, the golden question: How do you even get your first credit card if you don’t have credit?
Here are three great beginner options:
If your parents (or a very generous sibling) are willing to add you as an authorized user to their credit card, you can essentially piggyback off their credit history. You’ll get your own card, but they’re still responsible for payments. If they have good credit, you’ll likely benefit — without needing to apply on your own.
Apply for a Student Credit Card
These are cards made specifically for students (often with lower credit requirements, no annual fee, and beginner-friendly perks). Think cash back on dining, grocery stores, and sometimes even streaming. We’ll chat through some options in a second.
Try a Secured Credit Card
This one requires a deposit upfront (usually a few hundred dollars), which acts as your credit limit. It’s not super flashy, but it’s a great way to start building credit if you can’t qualify for a traditional card yet.
Best Cards for Building Credit as a Student
There are tons of beginner-friendly options out there. A few to look into:
Bilt Mastercard (rates & fees) — especially if you're in student housing, but more on that below
Don’t stress too much about earning massive rewards right now. The goal is to get your foot in the door and use the card responsibly.
Building Credit Responsibly in College
This is the most important part — actually using your credit card the right way.
Use it like a debit card: Only spend what you already have in your bank account, and never use your credit card to buy something you wouldn’t buy with cash.
Pay Your Bill in Full, On Time, Every Time: Late payments hurt your credit score. Interest charges hurt your wallet. Avoid both by setting up auto-pay for the full balance every month.
Keep Your Credit Utilization Low: If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance under $150. That’s called credit utilization, and keeping it under 30% is key to maintaining a healthy score.
Stay Organized: Use calendar reminders or budgeting apps to track due dates, credit limits, and spending. The more proactive you are, the less stressful it all becomes.
💡 Pro Tip: Bilt for Student Housing and Loans
If you live in an American Campus Communities property, Bilt now lets you earn points on your rent payments without a transaction fee (rates & fees), and up to 100,000 points per calendar year — even for a dorm! You can also redeem Bilt Points toward student loan payments. Every 1,000 points equals $10 toward eligible loans. Use the Bilt Card for rent, stack up those points, and choose whether to travel or pay off your loans. Or both.
Start Early… But Only If You’re Ready
If you feel confident that you can use a credit card responsibly, then go for it. Starting early helps you build credit history, learn good habits, and unlock better financial tools down the line.
But if you know yourself well enough to say, “Yeaaah… maybe I’m not ready for that kind of responsibility,” that’s okay, too. No travel perk is worth the debt spiral. If a credit card feels more like a temptation than a tool, stick with cash or other safe ways to build credit (like being an authorized user).
The key is learning in a low-pressure environment and not putting yourself in a financial hole just to get a welcome offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card with no credit history?
Yes, student cards, secured cards, or becoming an authorized user are all great ways to get started.
What’s the best credit card for college students?
It depends on your needs, but the Discover Student Cash and Savor Student Cash are both popular picks. The Bilt Card is also great for rent payments and travel points.
Will applying hurt my credit?
When you apply for a new card, a small drop in your credit score is normal, but it will recover quickly, especially if you’re using your card responsibly.
Should I get more than one card?
Eventually, maybe. But when you’re just starting out, focus on one card and use it wisely.
Can I earn travel rewards as a student?
Yes, Bilt lets you transfer points to airlines and hotels, and many student cards offer cash back that you can save toward future trips. Again, this is all about getting started.
Bottom Line
Building credit in college isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional.
Start with one card. Pay it off every month. Use it for things you were already going to buy. And keep learning. The sooner you start, the easier it becomes.
And before you know it, you’ll be booking your first trip with points, while your friends are still figuring out what a FICO score even is. 😉
