Best credit cards for international students in the U.S.

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.

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.

Best for credit limit potential

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

5

• Bankrate’s view

  Although it will take some time to make this card’s rewards rate competitive with other options, it may still be a great option for students because it incentivizes responsible credit habits and offers the chance at high credit limits. As a student, it’s difficult to credit limits that climb as high as $10,000. If you happen to qualify for a high limit, it may be easier to build credit because you’ll have more room to keep credit utilization low.

• Pros and cons

  

  Pros

  • Potentially high credit limits for eligible cardholders can help you build credit faster.
  • Increase your cash back rate with consistent, responsible credit habits.
  • Potentially low APR based on creditworthiness.

  

  Cons

  • Some cardholders may find more value with boosted rewards categories instead of a low flat rate.
  • Although your APR can be lower than average, it can also be one of the highest ones you’ll find.
  • Does not carry a welcome offer like several other cards on this list do.

Best for dining and entertainment

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5

4.6

• Bankrate’s view

  Possibly the best card for students available, this valuable cash back card rewards highly across a variety of categories that students are likely to make the most of. If you make routine purchases in its rewards categories you may outpace the rewards you would earn with a decent flat-rate rewards card.

• Pros and cons

  

  Pros

  • Cash back rewards in everyday categories that are popular among students.
  • Carries an attainable welcome offer that students can realistically earn.
  • Automatic credit line increases after just six months of responsible credit card use.

  

  Cons

  • Potentially high ongoing APR is based on your creditworthiness, so new cardholders may have a high APR to start with.
  • You won’t make the most of this card if you don’t make frequent purchases in its highest-earning categories, so a flat-rate card could suit you better.

Best for flat cash back

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5

4.6

• Bankrate’s view

  This card’s flat cash back is slightly higher than rates you’ll find on most student cards, making it an ideal choice if you value simplicity. It also carries the same credit line increases you’ll find on most other international student cards while remaining light on fees. You do have a chance of getting a high APR with this card, so if you aren’t sure you’ll be able to consistently pay on time you may consider a safer option.

• Pros and cons

  

  Pros

  • Earn cash back at a great flat rate no matter what you purchase.
  • Carries a welcome offer with a minimal spending requirement.
  • Automatic credit line increases in as little as six months for eligible cardholders.

  

  Cons

  • Not a great card for specific bonus categories that other cards may reward generously in.
  • Potentially high ongoing APR based on creditworthiness.

Best for earning additional rewards

Chase Freedom® Student credit card

Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5

3.4

• Bankrate’s view

  Although you won’t earn the highest amount of rewards with this card, it comes with an attainable welcome offer and a low APR. This card may be among the best options to start a smooth credit-building journey because it provides credit line increases as well as good standing bonuses, which can offset rewards you would earn with another card while incentivizing responsible credit habits.

• Pros and cons

  

  Pros

  • Comes with a welcome offer that anyone can earn by making just one purchase in the first three months.
  • Does not charge an annual fee, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious students.
  • Good standing bonuses are a unique perk on a student credit card that brings recurring value.

  

  Cons

  • Has a low cash back rate compared to other options.

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

3

• Bankrate’s view

  This can be a good card for international students building credit because it offers several security features and tools for monitoring your credit. It also boasts automatic credit line reviews and earns a passable flat cash back rate on all purchases. If you pay on time each month, you can even boost that rate to be slightly more competitive.

• Pros and cons

  

  Pros

  • Increase your cash back rate with on-time payments.
  • No annual or foreign transaction fees.
  • Automatic credit line increased after just six months for eligible cardholders.

  

  Cons

  • This card’s high ongoing APR could tumble you into debt if you miss payments.
  • Lacks student-centric perks and credits that bring value on other cards.

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

• Can you get a credit card if you are an international student?

  As long as the credit card issuer accepts Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) as a substitute for Social Security numbers, international students who have an ITIN are eligible to apply for credit cards. However, if a student has a very limited credit history or no credit history at all, it may be difficult to get approved. In that case, a secured card may be your best option.

• Can you get a credit card without a Social Security number?

  Yes. Some credit card issuers, like Capital One and Chase, accept ITINs in lieu of Social Security numbers for student credit card applications.

• Which credit card is best for international students?

  The best credit card for international students in the U.S. is one that is accessible to students who don’t have a Social Security number, has high rewards rates in the categories they spend in and charges no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

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.