The best free credit cards for students compared

Finding the best credit card for students can be challenging, as traditional credit cards often require a credit check, which can be problematic for students with irregular or low income. This article provides an overview of the best credit cards that are also suitable for students and their features.

For students without their own income, applying for a traditional credit card can be difficult since it usually involves a financial background check. Many banks therefore reject applications from students with irregular or low income. In such cases, debit cards and prepaid credit cards are useful alternatives.

In addition to classic credit cards, there are several other types of cards that offer almost the same functions as credit cards but are easier for students without income to obtain. This applies, for example, to debit and prepaid cards. A prepaid card works on a balance basis, meaning that money must be transferred to the card in advance. This type of card has the advantage of only allowing spending of the preloaded amount, avoiding debt traps.

Debit cards operate on a similar principle. They are directly linked to your checking account, meaning that when paying with a debit card, the money is immediately withdrawn from the account. Unlike credit cards, debit cards do not involve borrowed money but use your own funds. Both types of cards differ from traditional credit cards, which can be overdrawn with "borrowed money."

Since many students do not have a regular or substantial income, free credit cards are particularly attractive to them. Below, we have compiled the most popular and best free credit cards and compared their features.

The DKB offers a fee-free account with a free debit card for all users under 28 years old. Those over this age can still maintain a fee-free account if at least 700 euros are deposited monthly. When this amount is deposited monthly, all users of the debit card achieve the so-called "active status." Active status has the advantage that customers can withdraw money worldwide in other currencies almost everywhere for free. Without active status, a currency conversion fee of 2.20% is charged for these transactions.

The card also supports payment apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay. The DKB debit card does not have a fixed limit of its own. A change in the overdraft credit can be requested under Service in banking. This means that the card can be overdrawn up to a certain limit under contract, but high interest rates apply. The overdraft interest rate is 10.50% per year, and with active status, it drops to 9.90% per year.

With the free Revolut Standard account, you get a free virtual Visa debit card, while the physical card costs a one-time fee of 7.99 euros. Revolut is particularly worthwhile for students who have a lot of contact abroad. In addition to standard transfers and standing orders, foreign transfers in over 30 currencies are free. Moreover, up to five ATM withdrawals per month are free. From the 6th ATM withdrawal, a fee of 2% of the selected amount is charged. In addition to the credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay can also be used as payment methods with the Revolut account. The account can be conveniently managed via a banking app, which also offers free cryptocurrency trading.

Unlike the previous models, the card from the Norwegian internet bank "Bank Norwegian" is a "real" credit card. Accordingly, the credit card can only be applied for if the students have taxable, regular income. A credit check is also performed when applying. The card can be applied for without an account with Bank Norwegian, allowing students to keep their existing account without switching banks.

As a real credit card, the Bank Norwegian card offers numerous travel insurances, which are particularly attractive for students who travel a lot. Additionally, there are no fees for transactions or withdrawals in Germany and foreign currencies.

The awa7 card, issued by Hanseatic Bank, is also a "real" credit card. It is free for all age groups for life, meaning there are no fees after several years. This is a credit card without a checking account, so no account or bank switch is necessary upon contract conclusion. A credit check is also performed when applying for the card.

The card is particularly suitable for students who need to travel abroad frequently, as there are no fees for foreign currencies. Withdrawals and deposits of cash abroad and domestically are also free. Google Pay and Apple Pay are supported.

Additionally, many cost-effective insurances can be added if needed, such as a package with international health insurance, flight and luggage delay insurance, etc., for 5 euros per month. However, a disadvantage of the credit card is that interest charges (19.62% debit interest or an effective annual interest rate of 21.49%) apply.