7 Great Credit Cards for Students and Young Adults

Not so long ago, any college student who could sign his name could qualify for a credit card.

Smiling African American woman shopping online with credit card and laptop
(Image credit: iStockphoto)

Not so long ago, any college student who could sign his name could qualify for a credit card. But the Credit Card Reform Act mandates that applicants be evaluated on their own ability to pay the bill -- meaning they must have income or savings. Issuers can no longer look at overall household income when they consider an application.

Here are seven credit cards that offer good deals -- reasonable rates, generous rewards and no annual fee. All the rates are variable and will increase if the Prime Rate goes up. Each sends e-mail and/or text alerts to remind cardholders to pay on time -- and some include tips to help them develop good money management habits. Some issuers permit cosigners for student credit cards, but before you agree to that, see Kiplinger editor Janet Bodnar’s note of caution.

Senior Reporter, Kiplinger's Personal Finance