5 Best International Student Credit Cards

International students can get a credit card in the U.S., but there may be specific considerations:

• Many credit card issuers require an SSN, which may not be available to all international students.
• Some cards, like the Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students, are designed specifically for international students and do not require an SSN.
• In the U.S., credit decisions are often based on a person’s credit history, which international students might not have when they first arrive.
• Some banks and credit unions may work with international students by using other factors like academic records or bank statements.

If unsecured cards are not an option, international students might consider secured credit cards. These require a security deposit, which reduces the risk for the issuer. Secured credit cards can be a good starting point for building credit, but they usually come with fewer rewards and benefits.

Choosing a credit card as an international student in the U.S. is a decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Identify what you want from the card: Is it for building credit, earning rewards, or managing everyday expenses? Knowing your specific needs is crucial in finding a card that aligns with your financial goals.

Look for cards that accept applications without a Social Security Number (SSN) or that are specifically tailored to international students. This step is vital, as not all cards will be accessible without an SSN or U.S. credit history.

Evaluate annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and interest rates. Choosing a card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees is generally a wise decision for international students to keep costs low.

Consider rewards that align with your spending habits, such as cash back on groceries or travel rewards. Look for additional benefits like free credit score access or student-specific perks.

Look for cards that offer tools to help you understand and build your credit. These tools can be highly beneficial for someone new to the U.S. credit system.

If unsecured options are limited, explore secured cards that require a deposit but help build credit. While not as attractive as unsecured cards, they can be a good starting point for credit building.

Look for online reviews and ratings, or consult with your university’s financial services department. Peer reviews and professional guidance can provide insights that might not be apparent from promotional materials.

Thoroughly read and understand the terms, including interest rates, penalties, and how rewards are earned and redeemed. This step is essential to avoid unexpected surprises or fees.

If a credit card is not feasible, explore other options like debit or prepaid cards.

Building credit history in the U.S. is important for anyone planning to stay in the country long-term, including international students. If obtaining a credit card is not feasible, there are still other methods to establish and build credit. Here are some alternatives:

A secured credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral and is generally easier to obtain. This is often an excellent starting point for building credit, even if it may not offer as many benefits as an unsecured card.

If you have a family member or close friend with established credit in the U.S., you could become an authorized user on their account. While this can be a viable way to build credit, it requires a high degree of trust between the parties, as the primary account holder’s credit behavior will affect your credit history as well.

A personal loan with a co-signer who has good credit may be an option. This method requires careful planning, as taking out a loan should align with your financial goals and ability to repay.

Some services will report your regular rent payments to credit bureaus, contributing to your credit history. This can be a natural way to build credit through an existing financial responsibility, though not all credit bureaus may consider rent payments.

Sharing a bank account with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sometimes help establish a credit presence. Similar to becoming an authorized user on a credit card, this method requires trust and shared responsibility.

Some financial institutions offer credit-builder loans specifically designed to help individuals establish credit. This is a targeted way to build credit but must align with your broader financial strategy.

Establishing a relationship with a financial institution by maintaining a checking or savings account can sometimes lead to credit opportunities. Building a relationship with a local bank or credit union can create opportunities for credit that you might not find elsewhere.

Some utility providers might report regular, on-time payments to credit bureaus. This option can vary widely by provider and location, but it’s worth exploring as it leverages regular monthly expenses.