Introduction
Embarking on a journey as an international student in the USA is both exciting and challenging. Among the myriad of tasks and decisions to make, managing finances stands as a critical aspect of student life. A credit card tailored to the needs of international students can be a valuable tool in navigating financial responsibilities and building a solid credit history. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top 10 credit cards specifically designed for international students in the USA. From cash back rewards to low fees and special perks, these credit cards offer a range of benefits to help students make the most of their time abroad. Let’s explore the options and empower international students to make informed choices about their financial future.
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Cashback Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum, and 1% on all other purchases.
No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of cash back rewards without worrying about an annual fee.
Free FICO® Score: Stay informed about your credit health with free access to your FICO® Score.
Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent choice for international students seeking to earn rewards while building their credit history. With rotating cashback categories and no annual fee, it offers a hassle-free way to earn rewards on everyday purchases.
2. Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Build Credit History: Start building your credit history with responsible use of this secured credit card.
Security Deposit: Establish your credit limit with a security deposit as low as $200.
No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of a secured credit card without paying an annual fee.
Citi® Secured Mastercard® is ideal for international students who are new to credit and looking to establish a positive credit history. By making timely payments and managing credit responsibly, students can gradually improve their credit score with this card.
3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Travel Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases.
Introductory Offer: Enjoy a bonus offer of 25,000 points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is an excellent option for international students who enjoy traveling or frequently make purchases in foreign currencies. With no foreign transaction fees and generous travel rewards, it’s a great companion for students exploring the world.
4. Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Unlimited Cash Back: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
Credit Building: Designed for those with average credit, this card can help you build credit history with responsible use.
CreditWise®: Monitor your credit profile and receive alerts about changes with CreditWise® from Capital One.
Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for international students looking for a straightforward cash back rewards program. With unlimited cash back on every purchase and helpful credit-building tools, it’s an excellent option for students aiming to improve their credit score.
5. Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®
Rewards for Responsible Use: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, and an additional 0.25% cash back when you pay on time.
Credit Building: Establish and build credit history with responsible use of this student credit card.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees.
Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® is designed for students who want to earn rewards while building their credit history responsibly. With bonus cash back for on-time payments and no foreign transaction fees, it’s an excellent option for international students studying abroad.
6. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
International Students Welcome: Designed specifically for international students with no Social Security number required.
No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of a credit card without paying an annual fee.
Amazon Prime Student Offer: Receive a $100 Amazon Prime Student subscription credit after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is an excellent choice for international students who may not have a Social Security number but still want access to a credit card. With no annual fee and a generous Amazon Prime Student offer, it’s a great option for students looking to save on their purchases.
7. Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card
Cash Back Rewards: Earn 3% cash rewards on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases for the first six months, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Good Grades Reward: Earn $20 cash rewards each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to five consecutive years.
Cell Phone Protection: Receive up to $600 protection on your cell phone against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card.
Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card offers generous cash back rewards and unique perks tailored to college students’ needs. With rewards for good grades and cell phone protection, it provides added value for international students managing their finances in the USA.
8. State Farm® Student Visa® Credit Card
Low Introductory APR: Enjoy a low introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months.
Rewards Points: Earn one reward point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift cards.
Roadside Assistance: Access 24/7 roadside assistance services, including towing, tire changes, and more, at no additional cost.
State Farm® Student Visa® Credit Card offers a range of benefits, including a low introductory APR, rewards points, and roadside assistance. With flexible rewards options and valuable perks, it’s an excellent choice for international students looking for a versatile credit card.
9. TD Cash Credit Card for Students
Cash Back Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining purchases, 2% cash back at grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees.
Contactless Payments: Enjoy the convenience and security of contactless payments with your TD Cash Credit Card.
TD Cash Credit Card for Students offers competitive cash back rewards and convenient features like contactless payments. With no foreign transaction fees, it’s an excellent option for international students studying abroad or traveling during school breaks.
10. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
Introductory Offer: Receive a $50 bonus after your first purchase within the first three months from account opening.
Credit Monitoring: Access Credit JourneySM, a free tool from Chase that helps you monitor your credit score and track your progress.
No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of a student credit card without paying an annual fee.
Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is designed to help students build credit while earning rewards. With an introductory bonus offer and access to credit monitoring tools, it provides valuable support for international students managing their finances in the USA.
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card as an international student in the USA is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on your financial future. By considering factors such as rewards, fees, and credit-building opportunities, students can select a credit card that aligns with their needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to earn cash back rewards, build credit history, or access special perks, there’s a credit card on this list to suit your preferences. Take the first step towards financial empowerment and apply for one of these top 10 credit cards for international students in the USA today!