Credit cards are available for international students, even if the student is not a citizen of that country. There are several options: Bank of America, Citibank, Bank of America and Discover it(r). These cards provide a range of benefits and are popular with students.
Citibank
There are several credit cards available to international students. The Deserve EDU Student Mastercard is free of any annual fees or security deposits and gives you 1% cash back for purchases. This card is only for international students, who do not possess an ITIN or authorization to work here. The card is issued through WebBank and does NOT require a Social Security number. There is no annual fee or credit score requirement.
Citibank offers several types of student credit cards. Some of these cards are easy to apply for while others can be difficult. Some of them are only available for students who have been accepted at certain institutions. Others cards require a very high credit score.
Bank of America
Bank of America has a range of credit cards available for international students. These cards can be more appealing than a standard student card, as they do not have an annual fee and offer 1% cashback for purchases. If you don't have a social safety number or SSN, an ITIN or SSN will be required. Capital One's Platinum card does offer no annual fees but has limited rewards.
Chase Sapphire Reserve may be the right card for you if it's your first time on a long-term trip. This credit card does not have an annual fee or foreign transaction fees. It also has the option to increase your credit limit after you have made five on-time monthly payments. The annual percentage rate is typically around 20%.
Discover it(r)
Students can earn 5% cashback with the Discover it(r) Credit Card. The card also gives you 1% cashback on all other purchases. Purchases made at restaurants or gas stations are eligible for cash back. Students can also use the Discover it Student Card to earn rewards and keep track of their spending.
The rewards rate is high and there is no annual fee. You don't need to have a minimum credit score. Whether you're going abroad or staying at home, this card is an excellent option if you're a student on a budget. Discover will match any cash earned in the first year after you open your card.
Chase Freedom Student
Chase Freedom Student credit is a great option for international students studying abroad. This card is eligible for 1% cashback on all purchases. However, you don't need to spend a particular amount in order to receive it. Activating the credit card will automatically enroll you in a ninemonth program that provides 50% off select purchases. The card does not have an annual fee. However there are other terms and conditions.
Chase Freedom Student credit cards are a great choice for students with low disposable income who don't intend to spend a lot on luxury goods. It doesn't have an annual fee and there are no minimum spending requirements. You will receive a $50 bonus if you make your first purchase within the next three months. You will also receive a $20 bonus when you reach your fifth year anniversary.
Capital One
If you're an international student, a Capital One credit card is one of the best options. The card offers cashback rewards and was designed with international students. This card does not have foreign transaction fees or annual fees. The card gives you 1.25% cash back on purchases. You could also be eligible for a credit increase after five consecutive monthly payments. This credit card may not suit you if you do not have stable sources of income.
As an international student, you may not have much credit history yet. Fortunately, the Capital One Journey Student Credit Card comes with no annual fee. It does not require a SSN and offers 1% cashback. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is another option for international students. It has no annual fees and doesn't require an SSN.