Best Credit Card For High School Students in 2026

Other Options to Consider

‍

Chime Card™

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3069", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "101", "bestForText": "No Credit Check", "headerHint" : "SECURE YOUR PATH TO BETTER CREDIT" } ]]

‍

‍

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3059", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Student Credit Builders", "headerHint": "No Annual Fee"} ]]

‍

‍

‍

How to Choose a Credit Card for High School Students

‍

Getting a credit card while still in high school can be a savvy way to start building a credit history, but choosing the right card is crucial to starting off on the right financial foot.

‍

While flashy rewards or sign-up bonuses can be tempting, the biggest pitfalls to avoid are high annual fees and punishingly high interest rates. Many cards designed for students have no annual fee, but it's still crucial to read the fine print to understand all potential costs and the APR before you commit.

‍

Key Factors

‍

• Annual Fee: Prioritize cards with no annual fee, as many student-specific options are available that help you avoid this unnecessary cost.
• Interest Rate (APR): A low Annual Percentage Rate is crucial, as it will minimize the cost of interest charges if you can't pay your balance in full each month.
• Credit Reporting: Confirm that the card issuer reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which is essential for building your credit score.
• Eligibility Requirements: If you are under 21, federal law requires you to either have a co-signer or show proof of independent income, so check the issuer's requirements before applying.
• Rewards: While secondary to fees and interest rates, rewards like cash back on purchases can be a nice perk for responsible spending.
• Secured vs. Unsecured: If you have a limited credit history, you may need to start with a secured card, which requires a cash deposit that acts as your credit line.

‍

What to Watch Out For

‍

Beyond the obvious costs, a common pitfall is treating credit as free money and only making the minimum payment each month. This habit can quickly lead to a cycle of debt as high interest charges accumulate on the remaining balance. Be sure to read the fine print for other costs, like late fees, and always have a plan to pay your bill in full.

‍

Decision Flow

‍

Choosing your first credit card can be broken down into a simple decision-making process based on your personal circumstances and goals. Start by considering your eligibility and credit history, as this will narrow down your options significantly.

If you’re under 21 without independent income, your path will likely involve a parent or guardian. Becoming an authorized user on their account or having them co-sign on a student card are the most common starting points. If you have no credit history, a secured credit card is an excellent choice. It requires a security deposit, making it easier to get approved, and is designed specifically for building a credit file from the ground up.

Once you know what type of card you can get, think about your primary goal. If your main objective is simply to build credit, prioritize a card with no annual fee that reports to the three major credit bureaus. The rewards are secondary to the habit of responsible use. However, if you want to earn rewards, consider your spending habits. For varied spending, a card with a flat cash back rate is simple and effective. If most of your money goes toward specific categories, like gas for your car or dining out, look for a card that offers bonus rewards in those areas to maximize your return.

‍

Maximize Your Return with High School Students

‍

Here are a few tips to help you maximize your credit card rewards on everything your high school student needs:

• Stack your rewards: Combine credit card rewards with store loyalty programs or online shopping portals to earn multiple times on a single purchase.
• Activate quarterly bonuses: Don't forget to activate your card's rotating bonus categories each quarter to earn elevated rewards on relevant purchases like school supplies or gas.
• Redeem for maximum value: Analyze your redemption options, as transferring points to travel partners often yields a higher value than cashing them in for statement credits.
• Utilize shopping portals: Before buying online, click through a cash-back or points-earning portal to add another layer of earnings on top of what your card offers.
• Leverage targeted offers: Check your card issuer's app or website for special merchant-specific deals that can provide extra statement credits or bonus points on your spending.

‍

Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

‍

Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your best card at checkout, helping you maximize rewards and unlock hidden perks. Get started for free.

‍

Other Things to Consider

‍

Beyond the card itself, it's crucial to consider your broader financial habits. A store-specific card might be a good fit if you frequently shop at one retailer, but it's only one part of your financial toolkit. The most important habit is to treat your credit card like cash, meaning you should never charge more than you can comfortably pay off at the end of the month. This discipline is equally important for managing other obligations like "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) plans, as multiple small payments can quickly add up. Establishing these responsible practices early will set the stage for long-term financial success.

‍

Our Methodology

‍

We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

‍

Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

Can a high school student get a credit card?

‍

Yes, but there are age and income requirements. If you're 18 or older, you'll need to show proof of independent income, but if you're under 18, you can often be added as an authorized user on a parent's or guardian's account.

‍

Do I need a job to get a credit card in high school?

‍

You need to demonstrate an ability to repay what you borrow, which usually means having a source of income. This can include part-time job wages, a consistent allowance, or other regular funds you have access to.

‍

What is an authorized user?

‍

An authorized user is someone added to a primary cardholder's account who can make purchases with a card in their own name. While the primary cardholder is responsible for the bill, this can be an excellent way for a young person to learn responsible credit use and potentially build a credit history.

‍

‍

‍

‍