If you are a student in a foreign country and are looking for a credit card for foreign students to manage your everyday expenses smartly, then look no further. Because credit cards not only help you to live your life easily but also help you to pay your education fees on time. One of the best ways to get a credit card as a foreign student is to apply in your country.
However, if you have already stepped into the U.S and are worried about getting a credit card, there are several ways to get a credit card as a foreign student. In the coming article, we will discuss how foreign students can get a credit card in the U.S. So, buckle up your belt and do not jump anywhere else to know more.
Best Credit Card For Foreign Students
Usually, it requires SSN and ITIN to apply for a credit card in the U.S, but we have brought some of the best credit cards for international students to apply without SSN/ITIN. Below, we have listed the cards for you. Have a look at it.
| Credit Card | SSN / ITIN Required | Annual Fee | Rewards | Credit History Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students | No | $0 | 1% cashback on all purchases | No | International students without SSN who want simple rewards |
| Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card | No | $0 | 1% cashback on all purchases, 15% at partner merchants, up to 10% on qualifying purchases | No | Students focused on building U.S. credit history |
| Capital One Savor Student Card | Yes (SSN usually required) | $0 | 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, streaming & groceries; 1% on other purchases; $50 bonus on first $100 in 3 months | Limited / Beginner | Students with SSN/ITIN who want higher rewards |
- Deserve EDU Mastercard For Students
The Deserve EDU Mastercard is one of the best and most popular cards for international students because it does not require an SSN. Applicants can apply by using a valid passport or a U.S. visa. Moreover, the card gives 1% cash back on all purchases. Additionally, the card incurs no foreign transaction fees, making it a suitable option for students who frequently shop internationally or travel abroad.
- EDU Mastercard doesn’t require any SSN; you can apply with a Passport or Visa.
- You may receive 1% cash back on every purchase.
- No annual fees
- No transaction fee, which makes it one of the best for global use
- Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card
FirstCard Secured Credit Card is especially designed for students and newcomers with no credit history. The FirstCard does not require an SSN and allows applicants to apply by using a passport. However, the card required a refundable security deposit, but the card reports to all major credit bureaus. This helps students build credit responsibly. Apart from this, its cashback and no traditional interest make it ideal for long-term credit building.
- No need for the SSN
- No need for a credit history
- Anyone can apply with a Passport
- The card requires a security deposit
- Offer 1% cashback on all purchases, 15% at partner merchants, and up to 10% cashback on qualifying purchases.
- Reports to all three credit bureaus, which helps to build individual credit history.
- No traditional interest. Best benefit for credit building.
- Capital One Savor Student Card
The Capital One Savor Student Card is best for foreign students who already have an SSN or ITIN. The card offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and groceries. Also, offer a plus 1% on other purchases. Capital One comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. This card can be an ideal choice for students with part-time income looking for higher rewards.
- No annual Fee
- Offer 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores.
- 1% cashback on all other purchases.
- Get $50 bonus when you spend $100 in the first 3 months.
- No foreign transaction fees, which makes it the best credit card for foreign students.
These are some of the best credit cards for international students who are planning to build credit history.
How Foreign Students Should Select a Credit Card
Below, we have mentioned some points that will help you choose an ideal credit card for foreign students. Have a look at it.
- Check SSN/ITIN Requirements :
- As a foreign student, if you don’t have an SSN, go for the card that accepts a passport or a visa for application.
- Decide Between Secured and Unsecured Cards
- Remember, a secured card requires a deposit, but it helps to build credit safely.
- Unsecured cards are ideal when you have a credit history.
- Consider Foreign Transaction Fee
- If you travel or shop internationally frequently, choose a card with no annual fee.
- Look for No Annual Fee
- This simply minimizes the unnecessary cost by choosing cards with $0 annual fee.
- Evaluate Rewards and Cashback
- Choose a card that matches your spending habits.
- Check Credit Bureau Reporting
- Before stepping ahead with any card, make sure that the card reports to all three major U.S. credit bureaus to build credit history.
- Compare Bonuses or Signup offers.
- Some cards offer cash back or bonus points for initial spending. Consider if it suits your budget.
Considering these simple points can help international students to land the best deal within their budget.
Key Factors to Look for When Choosing a Credit Card
There are some key factors that you should check before applying for a credit card for foreign students. Below, we have mentioned all the key factors for you. Have a look at it.
- Annual Fee – Remember, student credit cards often come with zero annual fees. This makes it ideal to build a strong credit score or history.
- Credit Reporting – Make sure the card you have chosen reports to all three U.S credit bureaus. Credit reporting is essential, especially when you are looking to build a good credit score or history for yourself.
- SSN/ITIN Requirements – prefer a card that accepts ITIN and a passport to apply for a credit card if you don’t have an SSN.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee – This is very important if you travel regularly and purchase from outside the U.S. This will save you valuable dollars.
- Ease of Application – Remember, several cards let you apply using a passport and a visa. However, others may require more documentation.
These are some of the factors to look for before applying for a credit card for foreign students.
Tips for Foreign Students When Using Credit Cards
Below, we have mentioned some of the best tips for students when using credit cards. This will help you make a better credit score.
- Apply Early – Remember, the sooner you open a credit card, the sooner you can build your credit score.
- Pay The Full Statement – Paying your full statement every month saves you from interest and helps you build an attractive credit score.
- Monitor Your Credit Score – Monitoring your credit score regularly helps you to keep it healthy. You can use free tools to check your credit score.
- Stay Aware of Fees – Even if foreign transaction fees are waived, it doesn’t mean there is no fee. There may be other fees that apply; to avoid any unwanted fees, know your card terms and conditions carefully.
- Use Card Wisely – Use your credit card for regular and predictable expenses rather than impulse expenses. Using your card wisely will help you save dollars and build a better credit history.
These were some of the best tips for foreign students who are looking to apply for a credit card for foreign students.
Challenges For Foreign Students to Get Credit Cards
There are some challenges that every international student faces whenever they apply for a credit card in the U.S. Below, we have mentioned some of the challenges. Have a look at it.
- Limited or No Credit History – As foreign students, likely students have no credit score or history to show before applying for a credit card.
- Lack of SSN Number – Some international students come to the U.S without an SSN number, which makes it difficult for them to get a credit card. However, there are several credit issuers that accept an ITIN or a passport.
- Income Proof Verification – If you don’t have any United States-based income proof, it may be tricky for you to get approved for a credit card application.
- Lack of Awareness – Many students come to the U.S without information about which cards are international student-friendly. Lack of awareness makes the situation worse for many students several times.
These are some of the challenges that foreign students face when applying for a credit card for foreign students.
Conclusion
Applying for a credit card as an international student can be tricky, especially when you have no credit history. However, there are several friendly credit card for foreign students, if one chooses available options wisely. Apart from this, before applying for a credit card as an international student, always check the card’s terms and conditions to know all the fees.
Knowing the terms and conditions makes you aware of all the charges and helps you to make a confident decision. Also, look for a card that offers attractive cash back and rewards points on every purchase. This helps you to save a handsome amount every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Discover student card have international fees?
No, Discover student credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. You can use them abroad without extra international charges. However, Discover’s global acceptance is limited in some countries, so always check merchant acceptance before traveling to ensure smooth usage.
2. How to get a credit card as an international student?
To get a credit card as an international student in the USA, follow these steps:
1. Get an SSN or ITIN – Many issuers require one.
2. Choose student-friendly cards that accept limited credit history.
3. Provide documents – passport, visa, I-20, and proof of enrollment.
4. Apply online with basic income details.
5. Consider secured cards if you’re new to credit.
3. Can an international student get a credit card
Yes, an international student can get a credit card in the USA. Many banks offer student or secured credit cards that accept limited credit history. You may need an SSN or ITIN, a passport, a visa, and proof of enrollment. Some cards also allow applications without an SSN.
Discalimer
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Hi, my name is Sachin. I am currently studying Economics in college and have a strong interest in personal finance topics like credit cards and loans. Along with my studies, I work as a content writer, where I create educational and easy-to-understand content to help readers better understand financial topics and make informed choices.
