Top 8 Credit Cards For International Students In The USA

• Secured and unsecured credit cards are available
• Secured credit cards can be a good way to build credit
• For unsecured credit cards, a social security number is usually needed

A credit card can be a very useful tool for international students in the USA. However, applying for one in the USA can be a daunting experience. It is often easier to apply for a credit card in one’s home country. Any bank can offer Mastercard or Visa credit cards that can be used in the USA.

However, if you plan on working in the USA after your course is over, it may be worth the effort to build American credit and get a card issued by a bank in the USA.

One of the major challenges in this process is getting a Social Security Number. This can be obtained by an international student on a J1, M1 or F1 visa. To get a credit card, students must also usually have a part-time job on or off-campus.

Credit Cards For International Students – Why Get Secured Credit Cards

The first type of credit card an international student gets is usually a secured credit card. For this type of card, the student must first deposit a certain amount of money that can be used as a line of credit. For example, depositing $500 can give the students a $500 credit line.

This is not the same as a prepaid card. This means that is will earn interest as long as the money is untouched and all your bills are paid on time. Banks near the school you are enrolled in are most likely to give you a secured credit card.

Paying your bills on time and maintaining a positive credit line can help build a good credit history. After 6-12 months, maintaining a good credit history can make you eligible for an unsecured credit card. This does not need a deposit and can be availed from the same bank or a different bank.

Best Credit Cards for International Students In The USA– A Complete List

Some of the best credit cards for international students are:

1. Journey Student Rewards From Capital One

This card has no annual fees or foreign transaction fees. Students can pick the monthly due date that works best for them and get access to a higher credit line after maintaining a positive credit for 5 months.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Max Late fee: $39 
• Balance Transfer Fee: 0
• Grace Period: 25 days
• Security: Smart chip and signature

2. Discover It Student Chrome

The card has no signup fees and you also have the opportunity to earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. If you get a GPA higher than 3.0 you will also get a $20 statement credit each year. This offer is valid for 5 years.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Max Late fee: $39 
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee and  up to 5% fee on future balance transfers
• Grace Period: 23 days
• Security: Smart chip and signature

3. Bank Of America Travel Rewards Credit Card For Students

This card can be added to your phone wallet to pay with apps such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay. The card also has fraud monitoring, $0 liability guarantee, paperless statements, and overdraft protection. Spending a minimum of $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening the account will give you 25,000 bonus points.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Max Late fee: $39 
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
• Grace Period: 25 days
• Security: Smart chip and signature

4. Deserve Edu Mastercard For Students

International students can apply for this card even if they do not have a social security number. Students can get credit up to $5,000 and cellphone insurance up to $600. Students will also get an Amazon Prime Student Membership. It may be used anywhere where Mastercard is accepted. 

• Annual Fee: $0
• Max Late fee: $25 
• Balance Transfer Fee: Balance transfer not permitted
• Grace Period: 23 days
• Security: Smart chip and signature

5. Bank Of America Cash Rewards Credit Card For Students

The card gives the student an extended warranty. Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver insurance as well as Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance.

Students can earn 1% cashback on purchases, 2% at all wholesale clubs and grocery stores and 3% in any category of choice. This includes online shopping, gas, travel, dining, etc. A cash reward of more than $25 can be redeemed as a check, statement credit or deposit in your savings/checking account.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Max Late fee: $39
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
• Grace Period: 25 days
• Security: Smart chip and signature

6. Bankamericard Credit Card For Students

This card can be added to mobile for payments through apps, has overdraft protection, an option for paperless statements and $0 liability guarantee. However, it does not offer any rewards.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Max Late fee: $39
• Balance Transfer Fee: $0
• Grace Period: 25 days
• Security: Smart chip and signature

7. Capital One Secured Mastercard

This partially secured credit card offers a $200 starting line of credit in return for a refundable security deposit that could be as low as $49 depending on the applicant’s creditworthiness. After making 5 monthly payments on time, the applicant may be eligible for a higher credit line. The card is accepted worldwide.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Max Late fee: $39
• Grace Period: 25 days
• Security: Smart chip and signature

8. Green Dot Primor Visa Classic Secured Credit Card

The card offers students a credit line ranging from $200 to $5,000 and a fixed interest rate of 13.99% on all purchases. There is no penalty rate and thus the card is a good way to build credit.

• Annual Fee: $39
• Max Late fee: $29
• Grace Period: 25 days
• Security: No Smart chip

Be sure to pick a good credit card for international students if you are studying in the USA.

Also See

• How To Identify Scams Targeting International Students?
• Top 10 Mistakes International Students make in the USA and How to Avoid Them?
• Top 10 International Money Transfer Apps For Students And Expats
• What Is The Cost Of Living In Australia For Immigrants And International Students?
• Checklist For International Students Going To The US
• University Living – An Easy Way For Overseas Students To Find Accommodation