As an international student in the U.S., having a credit card can open up many opportunities. Not only can you earn rewards on everyday expenses, but you can also begin to establish and build your credit history by responsibly managing the card. However, selecting the right credit card can be challenging, especially if you don’t yet have a U.S. credit history. Credit card companies often check for a credit history and may ask you to start with a secured card if you don’t have one in the U.S. yet. This guide explores some of the top credit card options for international students, allowing you to focus on your studies with a reliable card in your wallet.
Our Pick for International Credit History
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
American Express doesn’t have a student-specific card, but it offers a rewards card without an annual fee, which could be appealing to students. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is particularly beneficial for students who frequently shop at supermarkets and commute by car, as it offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations.
Cost Overview:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 19.24% to 29.99% |
Key Takeaways:
- No annual fee.
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations.
- Utilize foreign credit history for application via Nova Credit.
Final Thoughts:
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is an excellent choice for students who want to earn rewards on daily expenses without an annual fee, especially those who can leverage their international credit history.
Our Pick for Student Rewards Cards
Discover it® Student Cash Back
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is one of the top choices for international students in the U.S. It offers a variety of rewards, including bonuses for good grades, and minimal fees. Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases at a rotating list of merchants and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Cost Overview:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 16.24% to 25.24% |
Key Takeaways:
- No annual fee.
- 5% cash back on rotating categories.
- Requires SSN for application.
Final Thoughts:
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is ideal for students who are already working and can provide an SSN, offering significant rewards without an annual fee.
Our Featured Pick for Motivating On-Time Payments
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®
The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® offers cash back rewards and incentivizes on-time payments with extra cash back. You can apply using an ITIN or SSN.
Cost Overview:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 26.99% |
Key Takeaways:
- No annual fee.
- Extra cash back for on-time payments.
- Late payment fee of up to $39.
Final Thoughts:
This card is excellent for students looking to build credit and earn rewards, especially if they can consistently make on-time payments.
Our Featured Pick for Frequent Travelers
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students offers a generous intro points bonus and flat-rate rewards on every purchase. Earn 1.5 points per dollar and a 25,000-point intro bonus with $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of account opening.
Cost Overview:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 16.24% to 24.24% |
Key Takeaways:
- No annual fee.
- 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.
- Apply using an ITIN or passport.
Final Thoughts:
This card is perfect for students who travel frequently and want to earn rewards on every purchase without needing an SSN to apply.
Our Featured Pick for Everyday Purchases
Citi Rewards+SM Student Card
The Citi Rewards+SM Student Card offers rewards for everyday purchases, earning 2 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent annually at supermarkets and gas stations. Additionally, purchases are rounded up to the nearest 10 points.
Cost Overview:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 17.49% to 27.49% |
Key Takeaways:
- No annual fee.
- 2 points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations.
- Rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
Final Thoughts:
This card is ideal for students who frequently shop at supermarkets and gas stations, offering substantial rewards for everyday purchases without an annual fee.
Having Trouble Getting Approved? Try a Secured Card Instead
If you’ve been denied a student card as an international student, consider a secured credit card. Secured credit cards are designed for individuals who are rebuilding their credit or have no credit history. You’ll need to provide a refundable security deposit, which typically determines your credit limit.
Cost Overview for Secured Cards:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | $49 to $199 |
| Annual Fee | Varies by card |
| APR | Varies by card |
Key Takeaways:
- Requires a refundable security deposit.
- Helps build credit with responsible use.
- May lead to an increased credit limit or refund of the security deposit over time.
Final Thoughts:
Secured credit cards can be a valuable tool for international students looking to build or rebuild their credit. With responsible use, you can establish a positive credit history and potentially transition to an unsecured card in the future.
Conclusion
Navigating the U.S. credit card landscape as an international student can be challenging, but with the right information and options, you can find a card that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for rewards on everyday purchases, incentives for on-time payments, or travel rewards, there are credit cards designed to meet your unique situation. Remember to consider secured cards if you face approval challenges, as they can help you build a strong credit history over time.