Your First Card.
Your First Score.
Zero Guesswork.
Built for the moment between lecture halls and late-night ramen — when a credit score is still a blank page waiting to be written.
$0
Annual fee, forever
1.5%
Cash back on everything
700+
Avg score by graduation
2 min
Application, no hard pull first
Will applying hurt my credit score?
The #1 thing students Google before they apply. Short answer: checking your rate won't touch your score.
The Answer
A soft pull lets you check your eligibility and estimated rate without any impact to your credit score. Only a hard inquiry — which happens when you formally submit an application — can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
Typically 2–5 points, and it fades within 12 months. If you're starting from zero, the positive history you build by using the card responsibly will far outweigh that initial dip within your first semester.
Only after you review your pre-approved offer and choose to accept. You'll see your estimated limit and APR before anything hits your report — no surprises.
What actually happens if I miss a payment?
Nobody plans to miss one. But knowing the real consequences — and the grace window — changes everything.
Grace Period
25 days
After due date before it hits your report
The Answer
Yes — 25 days after your due date before a missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus. A late fee applies immediately, but your score is protected during that window. One call to us and we can often waive the first late fee.
Paying the minimum keeps your account current and protects your credit score. You'll accrue interest on the remaining balance, but your on-time payment history — the most important factor in your score — stays clean.
Yes. Set autopay for the minimum, statement balance, or a custom amount. We'll text you three days before each due date as a backup reminder. Most students who set this up never miss a payment.
Do I need a co-signer to get approved?
International students and first-years often assume they can't apply alone. You probably can.
The Answer
Yes. Swipe is built for exactly this moment. We evaluate your application based on enrollment status, income (including part-time jobs and stipends), and a few other signals — not just a credit score that doesn't exist yet.
Yes. You'll need a U.S. address, a Social Security Number or ITIN, and a valid student visa. Many international students use Swipe specifically to start building a U.S. credit history before graduation opens career doors.
A co-signer can strengthen your application if you have no income and no SSN yet. They share responsibility for the account, so choose someone you trust. Either way, we'll tell you clearly before you commit.
What is a credit limit and how does mine grow?
Your starting limit is a floor, not a ceiling. Here's the exact path to a higher one.
Credit Limit
$500
Starting. Grows with you.
The Answer
Most students start between $300 and $1,000 depending on income and enrollment status. This is intentional — a lower limit makes it easier to keep utilization under 30%, which helps your score grow faster.
After six months of on-time payments, you're automatically reviewed for an increase. You can also request one through the app. We look at your payment history, income updates, and how you've used the card — not just your score.
No. Our limit increase reviews are soft pulls. A higher limit also improves your utilization ratio, which typically boosts your score.
How do I actually hit 700 by graduation?
Four years, a clear playbook, and one card used correctly. This is what the math looks like.
Credit Score
Goal720
By graduation · 4 years of on-time payments
The Answer
Pay on time, every time. Payment history is 35% of your FICO score. One on-time payment per month for four years of college builds a track record that most people in their 30s wish they'd started earlier.
Keep your balance below 10% of your limit for the best score impact — below 30% at minimum. On a $500 limit, that means keeping your reported balance under $50. Pay in full each month and this takes care of itself.
Students who open a Swipe card freshman year and follow the basics — on-time payments, low utilization, no new applications every semester — typically reach 700–740 by graduation. The free guide has a semester-by-semester breakdown.
How does Swipe stack up?
Side-by-side, no asterisks hidden.
| Card | Annual Fee | APR | Credit Check | Rewards | Co-signer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swipe StudentYou | $0 | 19.99% | Soft pull first | 1.5% cash back | Optional |
| Discover it® Student | $0 | 18.24%–27.24% | Hard pull | 5% rotating | No |
| Capital One Quicksilver Student | $0 | 19.99%–29.99% | Hard pull | 1.5% cash back | No |
Rates accurate as of Feb 2026. APRs vary by creditworthiness.
The Student Credit Starter Guide
Everything we wished existed when we got our first card. No fluff, no upsells — just the playbook.
01
Credit Scores Demystified
What the number actually means, how it's calculated, and why your first move matters most.
02
The 30% Rule & Other Myths
Which credit card "rules" are real, which are outdated, and how to use utilization to your advantage.
03
From Zero to 700 by Graduation
A semester-by-semester playbook for building a score that opens doors before you leave campus.