Will applying for a credit card hurt my 650 credit score?

Most credit card applications result in a hard inquiry, which typically lowers your score by 5-10 points temporarily. The impact diminishes over 12 months and falls off your report after 2 years. Only apply for cards you're confident you'll be approved for.

650

Fair Credit · 7 cards matched

Best student cards for a 650 score.

Q: Is a 650 credit score good enough for a student card?

A 650 score is considered fair credit. Moderate — many options available including some balance transfer offers. We found 7 cards in this category that accept your score range.

These student credit cards accept applicants in your range. Ranked by rewards value and the likelihood you actually get approved.

Fair Credit

Moderate — many options available including some balance transfer offers

Apr 6, 2026

What 650 means.

A 650 score sits at the upper end of fair credit. You are approaching the threshold where many issuers start approving mainstream rewards cards. Some balance transfer offers may also be accessible, giving you tools to manage existing debt more efficiently.

Student for 650+ Scores

ENTRY
01
CHASE · VISA
Chase Freedom Rise
1.5% cash back on all purchases
— No annual fee and no credit history required— Flat 1.5% cash back on everything— Automatic credit line reviews after 6 months
FEE
$0
APR
24.49–31.24%
MIN SCORE
580
Apply →READ THE FULL REVIEW →
ENTRY
02
CAPITAL ONE · VISA
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
BONUS → $50 bonus ($50)
1.5% cash back on all purchases
— 1.5% cash back on every purchase— No annual fee— Earn $25 late payment forgiveness
FEE
$0
APR
19.24–29.24%
MIN SCORE
580
Apply →READ THE FULL REVIEW →
ENTRY
03
DISCOVER · DISCOVER
Discover it Student Cash Back
BONUS → $20 Good Grades bonus each year GPA is 3.0+ ($20/year + Cashback Match)
1% cash back on all purchases
— 5% rotating quarterly bonus categories— Cashback Match doubles all cash back in the first year— $20 statement credit each school year for GPA of 3.0 or higher
FEE
$0
APR
17.24–26.24%
MIN SCORE
580
Apply →READ THE FULL REVIEW →
ENTRY
04
DISCOVER · DISCOVER
Discover it Student Chrome
BONUS → $20 Good Grades bonus each year GPA is 3.0+ ($20/year + Cashback Match)
1% cash back on all purchases
— 2% back at gas stations and restaurants— Cashback Match doubles all cash back in the first year— $20 statement credit each school year for GPA of 3.0 or higher
FEE
$0
APR
17.24–26.24%
MIN SCORE
580
Apply →READ THE FULL REVIEW →
ENTRY
05
BANK OF AMERICA · VISA
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students
BONUS → $200 bonus ($200)
1% cash back on all purchases
— 3% back in the category of your choice— 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs— No annual fee
FEE
$0
APR
18.24–28.24%
MIN SCORE
580
Apply →READ THE FULL REVIEW →
ENTRY
06
BANK OF AMERICA · VISA
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students
BONUS → $200 bonus ($200)
1.5% cash back on all purchases
— Flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase— No annual fee— Designed for students building credit
FEE
$0
APR
18.24–28.24%
MIN SCORE
580
Apply →READ THE FULL REVIEW →
ENTRY
07
CHASE · VISA
Chase Freedom Student Credit Card
BONUS → $50 bonus after first purchase ($50)
1% cash back on all purchases
— No annual fee and no minimum credit history— 1% cash back on every purchase— $20 Good Standing reward each anniversary for first 5 years
FEE
$0
APR
22.49–29.24%
MIN SCORE
580
Apply →READ THE FULL REVIEW →

Try another digit.

580

Poor Credit

600

Poor Credit

620

Fair Credit

640

Fair Credit

650

Fair Credit

660

Good Credit

670

Good Credit

680

Good Credit

700

Very Good Credit

720

Very Good Credit

740

Very Good Credit

760

Excellent Credit

780

Excellent Credit

Frequently filed.

With a 650 credit score (Fair Credit), you have 7 student card options. Our top pick is the Chase Freedom Rise, which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases.