Best credit cards for international students in the U.S.
Key takeaways
- International students who don’t have a Social Security number (SSN) can typically apply for a U.S. credit card if they have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- The best credit cards for international students will come with rewards on spending and no annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- If you’re unable to qualify for an unsecured credit card, consider applying for a secured credit card, which requires a security deposit to open an account
Applying for a credit card can seem daunting when you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN), and that’s especially true if you’re a non-citizen who is pursuing higher education in the U.S. After all, the lack of an SSN can put you out of the running for many of the best credit cards available, and having no credit history doesn’t help, either.
Fortunately, there are credit cards for international students available, and some of them don’t require a Social Security number or a lengthy credit history. Instead, they may require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN is commonly used by international students and other non-citizens for the purpose of federal income tax reporting.
Comparing the best credit cards for international students in the U.S.
| Card name | Welcome offer | Rewards | Ongoing APR | Bankrate score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card | None | 1% on eligible purchases or up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases when you make 12 on-time payments 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants |
18.24% - 32.24% (Variable) | 5.0.5 |
| Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | $50 cash bonus after spending $100 in the first three months. | Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases 1% cash back on all other purchases |
N/A | 4.6/5 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months. | 1.5% cash back on all purchases 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable) | 4.6/5 |
| Chase Freedom® Student credit card | Earn a $50 bonus after your first purchase within three months of account opening. | 1% back on all purchases | 19.74% Variable | 3.4/5 |
| Journey Student Rewards from Capital One | None | 1% cash back on all purchases — boosted to 1.25% for the month when the card is paid on time 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) |
29.99% (Variable) | 3.0/5 |
Top cards for international students in the U.S.
The key to getting a credit card as an international student is knowing which cards you may be eligible for and then figuring out what information you need to apply. Here are a handful worth considering that we curated based on rewards rates, features and eligibility for international students. It’s worth noting that each card on this list does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, making them accessible and practical options.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Choosing a credit card as an international student
Students building credit or hoping to earn rewards should compare several credit card options to find the right fit. For example, international students will want to give preference to credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. That way, they can use a credit card within the U.S. and when they head home for visits without worrying about racking up extra charges.
Other key benefits for international students include rewards for spending and no annual fees. Some credit cards for students also offer automatic credit line increases after making enough on-time payments.
However, if you’re struggling to get approved for the credit card you really want, you can also consider a secured credit card. This type of credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral, but your on-time payments will be reported to the three credit bureaus, so it can help you build your credit.
A secured credit card can be a great first step to establishing a credit history in the U.S. Not only can it help you build credit, but it can also help you access higher credit lines. Later on, you might be able to qualify for a better rewards credit card.
How to get a credit card as an international student
If you’re wondering how to get a credit card as an international student, there are some best practices that can increase your chances of success. Consider the following tips as you decide when to apply:
- Consider looking for credit cards in your home country first. If you go this route, make sure to look for a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
- If you want a U.S. credit card for international students, wait until you arrive in the United States. Many U.S. credit card issuers require a stateside address before approving your application.
- See if you can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Without an SSN, you’ll be more likely to get a U.S. credit card if you have an ITIN. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a page on its website with information for international students who want to apply for an ITIN.
- See if you can qualify for a Social Security number. Some students, including those with F-1 visas, may be eligible for an SSN, which could open the door to a wider variety of credit cards. Once again, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a dedicated webpage for students who want to apply for an SSN.
Frequently asked questions
The bottom line
Choosing a credit card as an international student in the U.S. comes down to finding the best one for you. If you prefer to dine out with friends, stream Netflix or Hulu and go to concerts, then choose a card that will reward that type of spending. However, plenty of credit cards for international students also offer unlimited, flat-rate cash back rewards for all spending, which can be a good choice if you don’t want to keep track of rewards categories. As long as the credit card issuer accepts ITINs as well as SSNs, you should be able to apply for a credit card from a U.S. card issuer and build your credit as a student in the U.S.
*The information about the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students and Journey Student Rewards from Capital One has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
