N
The Daily Insight Hub

How do credit cards affect college students?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on February 19, 2026

Aside from just costing young people serious wads of cash, credit card debt can have some other serious negative effects on college students. Those college students who carry major credit card bills could see their GPAs suffer.

Do I get tax credit for going to college?

More In Credits & Deductions The American opportunity tax credit (AOTC) is a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student.

Why do banks like to give a credit card to a college student and not just everyone who is age 18 22?

Credit Card Companies Love College Students They like to get you while you’re young for a couple of reasons. Credit card companies pay to sell credit cards to students because they’re banking on students making up for it in interest charges and fees.

Whats a good credit score for a college student?

700 or above
What Is Considered a Good Credit Score? Credit scores using the FICO® scoring model typically have a range of 300 to 850. For students—or anyone—a score of 700 or above is generally considered a good score.

Can a college student get a credit card?

Once a college student is ready to apply for a credit card, several options are available. Student credit cards are designed for first-time or younger users, with low credit lines, but sometimes have higher interest rates than a standard credit card. These cards may offer credit education tools such as free credit scores.

Which is the best credit card for college students?

Some secured cards offer tools, such as text alerts, that help students learn how to responsibly use the card, Schulz says. Student credit cards can be a good choice because they often accept students who have limited or no credit history, but are usually unsecured, so they don’t require a security deposit.

How does a secured credit card work for a college student?

With responsible use, the student can “graduate” to a regular credit card with more favorable interest rates and terms. A secured credit card works just like a regular credit card in every way. However, your credit limit is matched by your contribution of a security deposit, which acts as collateral.

What should my credit limit be as a college student?

Ideally, credit users should try to stay under 30% utilization. So if you have a $1,000 credit limit, keep the balance below $300. Once a college student is ready to apply for a credit card, several options are available.