International students studying in the USA often face unique financial challenges, including building credit history and managing expenses in a new country. A credit card can be a valuable tool for managing finances, making purchases, and building credit. However, not all credit cards are suitable for international students, as many require a Social Security Number (SSN) or a US credit history. In this article, we explore the 10 best credit cards for international students in the USA, considering factors such as ease of approval, rewards, and benefits.
10 Best Credit Cards for International Students in the USA
1. Deserve EDU Mastercard
Overview
The Deserve EDU Mastercard is designed specifically for international students and offers a range of benefits tailored to their needs. It does not require a Social Security Number (SSN) or a credit history for approval, making it an excellent option for newcomers to the USA.
Features
No SSN or credit history required for approval.
Cashback rewards on all purchases.
Free Amazon Prime Student membership for one year.
Cellphone protection insurance.
Eligibility
International students enrolled in a US college or university are eligible to apply for the Deserve EDU Mastercard.
See Also: Top 10 Loan Apps in the USA (Updated 2024)
2. Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students
Overview
The Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students card is another excellent option for international students. It offers cashback rewards on purchases and provides access to Bank of America’s extensive network of ATMs and branches.
Features
Cashback rewards on purchases, with bonus categories.
Access to Bank of America’s online and mobile banking services.
Option to personalize card design.
Free FICO credit score access.
Eligibility
International students enrolled in a US college or university may apply for the Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students card.
3. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Overview
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a straightforward option for international students looking to build credit. While it does not offer rewards or benefits, it is relatively easy to qualify for, making it a good choice for those with limited credit history.
Features
No annual fee.
Access to Capital One’s CreditWise tool for credit monitoring.
Automatic credit limit increase potential after six months of on-time payments.
Eligibility
International students with limited or no credit history may qualify for the Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
4. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Overview
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a popular choice among international students for its generous cashback rewards and student-friendly features. It does not require an SSN or credit history for approval.
Features
Cashback rewards on purchases, with bonus categories that rotate quarterly.
Free FICO credit score access.
Good Grade Reward for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
No foreign transaction fees.
Eligibility
International students enrolled in a US college or university may apply for the Discover it® Student Cash Back card.
5. Citi Rewards+ Student Card
Overview
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is a great option for international students seeking rewards and benefits. It offers unique features such as rounding up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase and a 10% points back on the first 100,000 points redeemed each year.
Features
2X ThankYou® Points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and 1X points on all other purchases.
Round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
10% points back on the first 100,000 points redeemed each year.
No annual fee.
Eligibility
International students enrolled in a US college or university may apply for the Citi Rewards+ Student Card.
6. Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card
Overview
The Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card is a simple and straightforward option for international students. It offers cashback rewards on everyday purchases and does not require an SSN for approval.
Features
Cashback rewards on purchases, with bonus categories.
Access to Wells Fargo’s online and mobile banking services.
Cellphone protection insurance.
No annual fee.
Eligibility
International students enrolled in a US college or university may apply for the Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card.
7. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Overview
The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is designed to help international students build credit while earning rewards. It offers cashback rewards on purchases and provides access to Chase’s online and mobile banking services.
Features
Cashback rewards on purchases, with bonus categories.
Free credit score access.
Option to increase credit limit after five on-time payments.
No annual fee.
Eligibility
International students enrolled in a US college or university may apply for the Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card.
8. State Farm Student Visa Credit Card
Overview
The State Farm Student Visa Credit Card is a basic credit card option for international students. While it does not offer rewards or benefits, it is relatively easy to qualify for, making it suitable for those with limited credit history.
Features
No annual fee.
Access to State Farm’s online account management tools.
Option to add authorized users to the account.
Eligibility
International students with limited or no credit history may qualify for the State Farm Student Visa Credit Card.
9. U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card
Overview
The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card is a versatile option for international students seeking rewards and flexibility. It offers cashback rewards on purchases, with the ability to choose bonus categories that suit your spending habits.
Features
Cashback rewards on purchases, with customizable bonus categories.
No annual fee.
Access to U.S. Bank’s online and mobile banking services.
Cellphone protection insurance.
Eligibility
International students enrolled in a US college or university may apply for the U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card.
10. American Express Cash Magnet® Card
Overview
The American Express Cash Magnet® Card is a premium credit card option for international students. While it may have higher approval requirements compared to other cards on this list, it offers generous cashback rewards and benefits.
Features
Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases.
Access to American Express’s Membership Rewards program.
Option to pay over time with interest or in full each month.
No annual fee.
Eligibility
International students with a strong credit history may qualify for the American Express Cash Magnet® Card.
See Also: 10 Best Banks for International Students in the USA
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card as an international student in the USA is essential for managing finances and building credit. The ten cards listed above offer a range of options to suit different needs and preferences, from cashback rewards to benefits like cellphone protection insurance. By selecting a card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals, you can make the most of your time studying abroad and lay the foundation for a strong financial future.
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