Credit cards for students
- Build your credit history by using your card responsibly
- Check your eligibility in under 60 seconds with no impact on your credit score
- Cashback with selected retailers.
Representative 37.9% APR (variable)
Vanquis doesn’t currently offer a student-specific credit card. However, students may be eligible for a Vanquis Credit Card, subject to eligibility criteria.
What’s a student credit card?
A student credit card can help you start building credit while you’re at college or university. But they usually have higher interest rates and lower credit limits than other cards. This is because students are seen as higher-risk borrowers.
Used responsibly, student credit cards can help you start building credit early. This could improve your chances of being approved for products like car loans, mortgages and phone contracts, and may help you access better interest rates in the future.
Benefits of a credit card with Vanquis
Cashback on everyday spending
Earn cashback at participating retailers through Vanquis Rewards when you use your linked Vanquis Credit Card.
Choose your card colour
Pick a card colour once your application has been accepted.
A credit limit to suit you
After our initial eligibility check, we’ll set a credit limit that’s both suitable and manageable. If you manage your account responsibly, you may be able to increase it over time.
No annual fee
With a Vanquis Credit Card, you won’t pay an annual fee. Depending on how you use your card, other charges may apply, including fees for cash withdrawals, balance transfers, non-sterling transactions, late payments, or going over your credit limit.
Contactless payments
You can make secure payments with contactless, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, whether you’re shopping in-store or online.
Manage your account in the Vanquis ap
Check your balance, make payments, and keep track of your account anytime in the Vanquis app.
Representative 37.9% APR (variable)
Am I eligible for a credit card?
To apply for credit in the UK, you’ll usually need to be living, working or studying here.
Being a student doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get a credit card. While you may not have a regular income from employment, you may still be eligible if you have another source of income and can afford the payments.
Before applying, try our eligibility checker to see whether you’re likely to be accepted without affecting your credit score.
To qualify for a student credit card, you’ll typically need to be:
- Aged at least 18 years old
- A UK resident
- Studying at a UK university or college
Used responsibly, a student credit card can help you build your credit history. Making payments on time and staying within your credit limit can have a positive impact, while missed payments could harm your credit score.
Our expert says
“A student credit card can be a useful way to start building your credit history while you’re studying. Used responsibly, it can help you manage everyday spending, like shopping and subscriptions.
“You’ll also get access to features like cashback rewards and purchase protection on eligible purchases. It’s important to only spend what you can afford to repay and, where possible, pay your balance in full each month to reduce interest charges and help build positive borrowing habits.”
Riccardo Coppola, Head of Credit Risk Strategies, over 10 years’ experience in financial services.
That colour looks great on you
Vanquis Credit Cards come in a range of different colours
You’ll be able to choose your card colour once your application has been accepted.
How do student credit cards work?
A student credit card can be a useful way to manage your finances, letting you make purchases now and pay them off over time — as long as you use it responsibly.
Just like with a regular credit card, you can use your student credit card to spend money up to a pre-arranged credit limit. And if you pay the full statement balance each month before the due date, you won’t pay interest on your purchases.
As a student, you might not have an established credit history. This can make it harder for banks to tell whether you’re good at managing your money. Because of this, interest rates are often higher and credit limits lower on student credit cards, compared to those offered to people in full-time employment or with a strong credit history.
Student credit cards could be a flexible way to manage your finances if used in the right way. We don’t currently offer a specific credit card for students.
What are the pros and cons of a student credit cards?
Pros:
- Build your credit history: Using a credit card responsibly while studying can help you build a positive credit history, which may improve your chances of being accepted for future borrowing.
- Rewards, perks and special offers: Some student credit cards offer rewards, perks or cashback on everyday spending. For example, Vanquis offers cashback with selected retailers.
- Purchase protection on eligible purchases: Certain credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000 may be covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This could help you get some or all of your money back if something goes wrong.
- Could help you be more responsible with credit: Staying within your credit limit and making payments on time can help you build responsible borrowing habits.
Cons:
- Interest charges can add up quickly: If you don’t pay off your balance in full each month, you’ll usually be charged interest. This can increase the overall cost of borrowing.
- Additional fees may apply: Some transactions, like cash withdrawals, overseas spending, or late payments, may incur fees. Always check the terms and conditions before using your card.
- Missed or late payments can affect your credit score: Falling behind on payments could negatively impact your credit score and make it harder to access credit in the future.
Can a student get a credit card?
Yes, students can get a regular credit card – but it might be harder than getting one that’s designed specifically for students. With regular credit cards, lenders often carry out stricter checks on your income and credit history before deciding your interest rate and credit limit.
Because students don’t always have extensive credit histories or substantial income, getting approved on a regular credit card (that typically has lower interest rates and higher credit limits than student cards) could prove difficult.
Using a student credit card responsibly
Creating a budget can help you keep track of your income and essential expenses while studying. If you choose to use a student credit card, only borrow what you can afford to repay and make your payments on time to help avoid debt and protect your credit score.
If you’re worried about money, consider seeking free independent advice from StepChange or Citizens Advice.
Check your eligibility
- Build your credit history by using your card responsibly
- Check your eligibility in under 60 seconds with no impact on your credit score
- Cashback with selected retailers.
Representative 37.9% APR (variable)
Frequently asked questions
How long can you have a student credit card?
This varies between lenders. You may be able to keep your card after graduation, although some providers could move you to a different credit card product. Check your provider’s terms for details.
Can an international student get a credit card?
Yes, international students may be able to get a credit card in the UK, but eligibility depends on the lender’s criteria. Providers will usually look at factors such as your age, UK address, income, and credit history. If you’ve recently moved to the UK and have little or no UK credit history, your options may be more limited. Some lenders offer credit cards designed for people who are new to credit.
What is the minimum income for student credit card?
There isn’t a set minimum income for student credit cards. Eligibility differs between lenders, and approval is based on more than just how much you earn. Lenders may also consider things like your credit history, existing commitments and whether you can comfortably manage repayments. Checking your eligibility before applying can help you understand your chances of being approved.
Can I get a PhD student credit card?
Yes, if you’re studying for a PhD, you may be eligible for a student credit card, provided you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Requirements vary between lenders, but you’ll usually need to be aged 18 or over, have a regular income and be a permanent UK resident.
If you’re unsure which card is right for you, try our eligibility checker to see if you’re likely to be approved without affecting your credit score.
Does a student loan count as income?
Student loans are not considered as income because they’re a form of borrowing rather than money you’ve earned.
Are there student credit cards for 17 year olds?
No. In the UK, you usually need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card. If you’re 17 and preparing for university, a student bank account might be a good option until you’re old enough to apply.
Do student loans affect my credit score?
Student loans aren’t subject to a credit check and don’t appear on your credit file. In the UK, they’re offered by a non-profit organisation called The Student Loans Company, which doesn’t base its decisions on income or credit history. This is also true if you’re an older student taking out an Advanced Learner Loan.
Can I withdraw cash using my student credit card?
While you can usually withdraw cash using a credit card, it’s generally best to avoid doing so unless necessary.
Cash withdrawals can be viewed negatively by lenders and may be recorded on your credit file. They often come with additional fees, and interest is usually charged from the date of the withdrawal. Before you take out cash with your credit card, check the terms and conditions. This way, you’ll know any fees or charges that might apply.
Can a student get a credit card without an income?
In short, yes. Compared with mainstream credit cards, the income criteria for student credit cards are usually more relaxed because you’re in full-time education.
However, lenders will still assess your ability to make repayments. This might include income from part-time jobs and regular support, like student loans, grants, or help from parents or guardians.
If you do have a regular income, you may want to consider a non-student credit card, as it could offer different features or benefits. For help with this, see our guide to applying for first-time credit.
Can I get a student credit card with no credit history?
Yes, it’s possible to get a student credit card with no credit history. Student credit cards are designed for people who may be new to borrowing, although approval isn’t guaranteed and lenders will still assess your application.
If you’re looking to build your credit history, simple steps such as registering on the electoral roll, making payments on time and checking your credit report for any errors can help.
Can I get a student credit card with bad credit?
Yes, it may be possible to get a student credit card if you have bad credit, but your options could be more limited. You may be offered a lower credit limit or a higher interest rate because lenders may view you as a higher-risk borrower.
Before applying, it’s worth checking the eligibility criteria and reading the card’s terms and conditions. Some lenders offer eligibility checkers that can give you an indication of your chances of being approved before you apply.
If you’re concerned about your credit history, there are steps you can take to improve your credit score over time.
Are there alternatives to student credit cards?
Yes. An interest-free student overdraft may be useful for short-term borrowing, while a credit builder credit card may help you build your credit history. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to borrow responsibly and keep up with payments.
What happens to your student credit card after graduation?
This will depend on your lender. Some lenders may allow you to keep your existing card, while others may move you onto a different credit card or ask you to apply for a new one. If you’re unsure what will happen to your account, it’s best to check your lender’s terms and conditions or contact them directly.
As our Vanquis Credit Builder Credit Cards aren’t just for students, it’s unlikely your graduation would impact your access to the card.
If you continue to use your card responsibly, such as making payments on time and staying within your credit limit, you can continue to build your credit history after graduation.
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