Not long ago, credit-card issuers would offer free food and other enticements to students simply for filling out a credit-card application, but lenders now are prohibited from luring students with freebies like fresh pizza, candy, T-shirts, water bottles, Frisbees and backpacks. The Credit CARD Act of 2009 dictates that no one under 21 can get a credit card without either a co-signer or proof that they have enough income to cover regular payments. For many students, a credit card may no longer be an option.