Introduction:
Studying abroad in the United States is an exciting journey filled with new experiences and opportunities. As an international student, one of the essential aspects of settling into life in the USA is managing your finances effectively. A credit card tailored to the unique needs of international students can be a valuable tool for building credit, managing expenses, and even earning rewards.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 credit cards specifically designed for international students in the USA. Whether you’re looking for a card with cashback rewards, low fees, or travel benefits, there’s an option on this list that’s right for you. From building credit history to making the most of your time abroad, let’s dive into the details of each credit card and help you make an informed decision.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back:
Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent choice for international students looking to establish credit history while earning rewards on their everyday purchases. With this card, you can earn cashback on rotating categories like groceries, gas stations, restaurants, and more. Plus, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned at the end of your first year, making it a lucrative option for new cardholders.
One of the standout features of the Discover it® Student Cash Back card is its accessibility to students with limited credit history. International students may find it challenging to qualify for traditional credit cards, but Discover takes a more inclusive approach, making it easier for students to get approved. Additionally, there’s no annual fee, and cardholders have access to a free FICO® credit score, allowing them to monitor their credit journey and make informed financial decisions.
2. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students:
For international students who love to explore new destinations, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students offers excellent travel benefits and flexibility. With this card, you can earn unlimited points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.
One of the key advantages of this card is its lack of foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international students who frequently travel between their home country and the USA. Additionally, there’s no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for students on a budget. Plus, Bank of America® offers a competitive APR, providing financial flexibility for students who may need to carry a balance from month to month.
3. Capital One® Platinum Credit Card:
The Capital One® Platinum Credit Card is designed for students who are new to credit and are looking to build a solid credit history. This card doesn’t require a high credit score for approval, making it accessible to international students who may have limited or no credit history in the USA.
One of the benefits of the Capital One® Platinum Credit Card is its potential for credit line increases over time. By using the card responsibly and making on-time payments, students can demonstrate their creditworthiness and potentially qualify for higher credit limits in the future. Additionally, there’s no annual fee, allowing students to focus on building credit without worrying about extra costs.
4. Citi Rewards+SM Student Card:
The Citi Rewards+SM Student Card offers a unique rewards structure that makes earning points on purchases even easier. With this card, every purchase is rounded up to the nearest 10 points, maximizing your rewards potential. Plus, you can earn bonus points on eligible purchases at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year, making it an attractive option for students looking to maximize their rewards.
In addition to its rewards program, the Citi Rewards+SM Student Card offers no annual fee and a competitive APR, making it a practical choice for students on a budget. Plus, cardholders have access to Citi Entertainment, which provides special access to purchase tickets to concerts, sporting events, and more.
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students:
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is specifically designed for international students studying in the USA. One of the key advantages of this card is that it doesn’t require a Social Security number or credit history for approval, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
With the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students, you can earn cashback rewards on every purchase, including 1% cashback on all eligible purchases and 3% cashback on travel and entertainment. Plus, there’s no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and cardholders have access to exclusive benefits such as cell phone protection and 24/7 customer service.
6. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card:
Backed by the reliability of Chase, the Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card offers valuable benefits for students looking to build credit responsibly. With this card, you can earn cashback rewards on every purchase, with bonus cashback categories that rotate quarterly.
One of the standout features of the Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is its $50 bonus after your first purchase, providing instant value for new cardholders. Additionally, there’s no annual fee, and cardholders have access to credit education resources to help them learn how to manage credit wisely.
7. Wells Fargo Cash Back CollegeSM Card:
The Wells Fargo Cash Back CollegeSM Card is designed to help students manage their expenses while earning cashback rewards on everyday purchases. With this card, you can earn cashback on gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases, making it a practical choice for students’ essential expenses.
One of the unique benefits of the Wells Fargo Cash Back CollegeSM Card is its cellphone protection, which provides coverage for damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card. Additionally, there’s no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and cardholders have access to online tools and resources to help them manage their finances.
8. State Farm® Student Visa® Credit Card:
The State Farm® Student Visa® Credit Card offers rewards on every purchase, making it a valuable tool for students looking to maximize their spending. With this card, you can earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, travel, and more.
One of the standout features of the State Farm® Student Visa® Credit Card is its insurance benefits, including rental car insurance and travel accident insurance. Plus, there’s no annual fee, and cardholders can choose from a variety of card designs to personalize their experience.
9. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card:
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is designed for students who prioritize simplicity and savings. With this card, you can enjoy a low introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, providing financial flexibility when you need it most.
One of the key benefits of the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is its cellphone protection, which provides coverage for damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card. Additionally, there’s no annual fee, and cardholders have access to online banking tools and resources to help them manage their finances effectively.
10. TD Cash Credit Card:
The TD Cash Credit Card offers cashback rewards on dining and groceries, making it an attractive option for students’ everyday spending. With this card, you can earn cashback on dining purchases, including restaurants, fast food, and coffee shops, as well as groceries, making it easy to earn rewards on your essential expenses.
One of the standout features of the TD Cash Credit Card is its generous sign-up bonus, which provides extra value for new cardholders. Plus, there’s no foreign transaction fee, making it a practical choice for international students who may travel frequently between their home country and the USA.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right credit card as an international student in the USA is an important decision that can impact your financial journey for years to come. Whether you’re looking to build credit, earn rewards, or simply manage your expenses, there’s a credit card on this list that’s tailored to your needs.
From cashback rewards to travel benefits to low fees, each credit card offers unique advantages that can help you make the most of your time studying abroad. By considering factors such as rewards structure, fees, and eligibility requirements, you can find the perfect credit card to support you on your academic journey in the USA.
So take the first step towards financial empowerment and apply for your ideal credit card today. With the right card in your wallet, you can navigate your finances with confidence and focus on what matters most – your education and your future.