Compare the best student credit cards of 2019

Interested in getting a credit card while you’re studying? Learn about your options and compare student credit cards here.

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Compare student credit cards

Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
Updated September 22nd, 2019
Name Product Purchases Annual/monthly fees Credit limits Rep. APR Incentive Representative example
Min. limit £300, max. limit not specified.
12.9% p.a. (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).
0% for 3 months reverting to 17.9%
Min. limit not specified, max. limit £350.
17.9% p.a. (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 17.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 17.9% APR (variable).
Min. limit £350, max. limit £350.
18.9% p.a. (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £350 at a purchase rate of 18.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 18.9% APR (variable).
Min. limit £250, max. limit £500.
18.9% p.a. (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £500 at a purchase rate of 18.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 18.9% APR (variable).
Min. limit £250, max. limit £500.
18.9% p.a. (variable)
Min. limit not specified, max. limit £500.
18.9% p.a. (variable)
Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away.
Representative example: When you spend £500 at a purchase rate of 18.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 18.9% APR (variable).
Min. limit £500, max. limit £1,000.
19.9% p.a. (variable)
Representative example: When you spend £1,000 at a purchase rate of 19.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 19.9% APR (variable).

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What is a student credit card?

A student credit card allows you to borrow money up to a certain amount every month. You can then choose to pay off the balance over time (with interest charges), or in full at the end of each statement period. Student credit cards work in the same way as other credit card options but are designed specifically with students in mind. You usually need to be enrolled in part-time or full-time study to apply and will need to provide your student number and proof of enrolment during the application. Student credit cards tend to have low credit limits and no annual fees to help make them more affordable. They also typically have very basic features that are designed to help you learn how to manage money without incurring massive costs.

How much will a student credit card cost?


  • Annual fees. Most student credit cards come with a low annual fee or no annual fee, to help keep account costs down. If you are considering a credit card with an annual fee, factor the cost of an annual fee into your budget and check the terms and conditions for any annual fee waivers that are available for students.
  • Purchase rate. This is the standard variable interest rate that’s applied to new purchases made on the card. Student credit card purchase rates range around 22% p.a, and are often higher. Interest rates on student credit cards are typically higher than regular credit cards as they’re designed to help you learn about the lending process and build up a credit record. The higher your purchase rate, the more interest you will have to pay if you carry a balance on your card.
  • Cash advance rate. This is the standard variable interest rate that’s applied to cash advance transactions such as cashpoint withdrawals, gambling purchases, payment for foreign currency and even some bill payments. The cash advance rate is typically the highest interest rate on a credit card and is applied immediately from the time a cash advance transaction is made.
  • Cash advance fee. If you use your credit card for a cash advance transaction, you may also be charged a fee of around 2% to 3% of the total transaction cost. For example, if you used your credit card to withdraw £500 from an ATM, the cash advance fee would be £10-£15. The high cost of cash advances means they should be avoided as much as possible when you have a credit card.
  • Foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards charge a fee when you use them to make purchases overseas or with an international retailer online. This fee is usually between 2% and 3.5% of the total transaction. You can avoid this cost by considering credit cards with no foreign transaction fees or other options such as travel money cards.

Features of student credit cards


  • Interest-free days. If you regularly pay off your balance in full by the due date on your statements, you will usually have an interest-free period for each statement cycle, generally around 55 days. The interest-free days generally start at the beginning of your statement period.
  • Low credit limits. Student credit cards usually have a limit of around £500. The credit limit you get depends on the card, the lender and your individual circumstances. A lower credit limit is generally easier to pay off from month to month and reduces the risk of serious debt.
  • Other features. Student credit cards could come with a range of other features, including mobile payments, low or 0% interest rate introductory offers and Mastercard or Visa benefits, plus promotional extras such as vouchers or tickets. Keep an eye out for these features when you’re comparing student credit cards to find one that offers great value for you.


Will a student credit card suit your needs?



If you can manage your expenses well, a student credit card could be a useful tool to help with cashflow when you’re waiting for your student loan to come in, or for your part-time job paycheck to clear. But if you struggle to manage your money or find that you can’t afford everything you want, then it may be better to stick to using your own money. Make sure you have a student bank account, or have upgraded an existing bank account to a student one, to take advantage of the financial benefits and support that they offer.

Tips for using a student credit card



How to compare student credit cards


  1. Consider your individual circumstances. This includes your study commitments, your income from work, student loans and other benefits, and your ongoing expenses. You should also consider your current money habits to decide whether or not you will be able to effectively manage a credit card.
  4. Don’t just go for the card your bank offers you. Most student bank accounts will come with the option of a credit card. If your existing bank offers one as part of their student banking package, you don’t have to take it. Consider its features and interest rates and be sure to compare it with other cards on the market before committing to it. If it won’t work for you, shop around.

How to apply for a student credit card

After comparing student credit cards to find the right option for you, the next step is to apply. You can do this online in about 20 minutes via the lender’s secure application page. Before filling out your information, make sure you meet the credit card application requirements. These can vary, but generally include:

Eligibility requirements checklist

  • Residency status. You’ll need to be a UK resident to apply for a credit card in the UK.
  • Savings or everyday bank account. In some cases, you may be required to have an everyday bank account or savings account with the same bank that issues the credit card. Banks offering specialist student credit cards might want you to have your student account with them, as well.

The documents and information you’ll need to provide


  • Other financial information. You may be asked to include details of any assets and debts that you have, including savings accounts or other credit card debt. You may also be asked to estimate your ongoing financial commitments, such as rent, bills and grocery costs. This helps the issuer determine whether or not you can afford to manage a credit card.

What happens after I’ve applied?


Under 18? Find out what your credit card options are

Frequently asked questions about applying for student credit cards and using them

Compare credit card by type or benefit


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