How to get a credit card as an international student

As an international student, you’re probably busy immersing yourself in new experiences. But between studying, exploring and taking weekend road trips, don’t forget to consider your personal finances. 

If you’re planning to stay in the U.S. after you finish school, you may not be aware of how helpful it can be to build good credit. When used responsibly, a credit card can be a useful tool for building credit. Learn more about how to apply for a credit card as an international student and what options may be available to you.

What you’ll learn:

• It’s possible for international students to get a U.S. credit card, but options may be limited for students with little or no credit history in the U.S.

• You may need a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for a U.S. credit card.

• There are credit cards specifically designed for college students that offer the ability to earn rewards and build credit with responsible use. 

• Secured credit cards are another option for people with no credit history. Secured cards look and function the same as unsecured credit cards, but they require a one-time deposit to open an account.

It’s possible for an international student to get a credit card in the U.S. But there may be a few additional steps. 

When credit card issuers consider credit applications, they typically review the applicant’s credit history. That’s the case whether the applicant is from the U.S. or not. If you don’t have U.S. credit reports, or if you have thin credit, it’s more difficult for issuers to determine whether you’re qualified. 

Plus, some issuers may require a SSN or an ITIN to apply for a credit card. It’s worth checking with individual card issuers about their requirements.

Credit card issuers may ask for a SSN when you apply for a card. If you don’t have a SSN, you may be able to use your student visa to help you get one. 

Students with F-1 or other student visas may qualify for a SSN. But you may need to get authorization and have a job lined up first. A part-time job at your school or elsewhere may be enough. Your student adviser or school’s international student services office may be able to help.

If you can’t get a SSN, you may be able to request an ITIN. Some credit card issuers allow applicants to use an ITIN instead of a SSN on card applications.

Another option is becoming an authorized user on a trusted loved one’s credit card account. If the authorized user and the primary cardholder use the account responsibly, it can help both people build good credit. But the opposite is also true. 

It’s important to note that credit card issuers don’t have to report authorized users’ activity to the credit bureaus. Capital One does, but there’s no guarantee other issuers will. And if that information isn’t reported, it won’t affect your credit one way or the other.

Every student’s situation is different. And a credit card that’s available to one student may not be an option for another. But here are a couple types of credit cards that may be good fits for students: 

• Student credit cards from Capital One: Capital One offers credit cards designed with students in mind. When used responsibly, students can use them to build credit and earn rewards while in school. 

• Secured credit cards: A secured credit card can be a great first step to establishing credit. A secured card looks and functions much like a traditional, unsecured credit card. But with a secured card, you have to pay a one-time, refundable security deposit to open an account.

If you’re an American looking to study abroad, a Capital One student credit card may also be a good fit for you.

Savor Student and Quicksilver Student offer the ability to earn rewards and build credit with responsible use. They also have great features to help give you peace of mind while you’re in another country. Those features include security alerts, a card lock feature in case your card is lost or stolen, and no foreign transaction fees. View important rates and disclosures.

International students may need to put in a little work to qualify for a credit card. But the opportunity to fund your purchases, build credit and earn rewards might be worth it. Building good credit can help you down the road when you apply for a job, rent an apartment or apply for a mortgage.

If you’re still working on your credit and want to explore more options, check out these credit cards for people with less-than-perfect credit. You can also check for pre-approved card offers before you apply. Pre-approval is quick and won’t hurt your credit scores.