Getting a credit card as a student?

cpercy

Hi,

I'm a student in my third year of uni and I'm looking to build my credit score. I have no debts and already have a savings account and an ISA that I pay into. I'm just wondering how easy it would be to get a credit card to start building my credit?

My income consists of student bursaries, student loans and some money from my family. I have a part-time job which is cash in hand so I'm assuming I couldn't put that down as income when applying for a credit card.

I've been pre-approved for cards such as Capital One but I'm just wondering if they ask for proof of income, if student bursaries etc count? Would it be better to wait until I am employed?

eskbanker

Read up on MSE's tips for building/improving credit status: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards/

Check out your credit files to see what they look like, at https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/check-free-credit-report/

Then put your data into https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/ to see which cards are most likely to accept you, and go for it! Your current account provider is often worth trying.

When applying, carefully read online help and guidance about exactly what income can and can't be included.

PRAISETHESUN

You should use an eligibility checker to see what cards you may be accepted for as has been suggested. In my experience Capital One didn't ask for formal proof of income but they probably reserve the right to do so.

An option might be to have a chat with bank staff at/near your university (particularly if there is a branch on campus) as they would likely be well versed in these issues and could possible provide some more useful information on student current accounts/credit cards.

rainbowskies

If you have a student bank account, check with the guys at the branch because the bank may also have a student credit card available. It will be easier to get.

jonesMUFCforever

IMO the days when banks opened credit cards for students with no verifiable extra income other than grants/student loans are long gone.
My daughter was refused by Lloyds because she did not have sufficient income from her part time job.

[Deleted User]

And yet our DD got one from Lloyds last year with no income except student loan/bursary?
OP keep in mind you don't have a credit "score" just a credit history do you have a mobile on contract?