College students don’t often have any credit.  Since they have no need of credit cards or loans in high school they tend not to have any credit history.  After college or even while they are in college students try to establish some form of credit.  Since credit cards are the easiest form of credit to establish and the most helpful at the college level students usually apply.  There are a variety of reasons a credit card is helpful.  Travel plans require some type of credit card whether it is an ATM card or a regular credit card.  Then there are the expenses of college like paying for books, groceries, tuition, and other college expenses.  Student loans only help so much before the student is in need of some type of help.  With credit cards the college student is able to pay off the debts at a slower pace.  Many of the cards will waive the income minimum that they generally require for regular cards.  In order for a college student to get a credit card they must look for special things.  While the income is overlooked this is because the credit card is specifically created for college students.

In other words, when you look online for a credit card for college students you should be looking for that specific card.  It would be like searching for airline miles credit cards.  So for credit cards and college students there will be a few things you must do in order to get the card.  Some of the cards will require a parental or other co- signer.  This eliminates some of the risk the student poses.  Since students may not have any income or very little the card wants to know that the minimum balance will be paid. 

With credit cards and college students you will also discover the limits are going to be a little low.  Most credit cards for college students offer credit limits of 250 dollars.  This is a safe range to where the college student would be able to get a little help on things, but not so much that they would never be able to pay it back.  Like all credit cards the potential for the credit limit to increase over time is there.  As long as the college student shows they are in good standing for credit. 

The other thing with credit cards and college students is the interest rate.  While there will not be an annual fee, the interest rate will be a little high.  Typically for first time credit individuals like college students an interest rate of 16% or higher will be awarded.  This will depend on the company and the college student credit card you are applying for.  Most parents feel the need to help their student get a card because of the expenses they may incur.  Wiring money can take a while to get to the student.  Some parent’s of college students have elected to just add the student as an authorized user, but if you want a little more control getting your own may be best.