Best Credit Cards For International Students Of May 2024

Forbes compared dozens of options to find and rank the best credit cards for international students. Factors considered include:

• Ease of access for international students
• Earning rates on purchases
• Annual fees
• Introductory APR offers on purchases and/or balance transfers
• Welcome bonuses
• Statement credits
• Rewards redemption options
• Other ongoing card benefits

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards.

Like any credit card, international student credit cards come with pros and cons. On the positive side, many credit cards for students have no annual fee. Some also have no foreign transaction fees. The best options also offer rewards on every purchase as well a welcome bonus to get you started.

There are cons to international student credit cards, though. The most obvious of these is simply that there aren’t many options to pick from if you have no credit history and no social security number. One other negative aspect is that interest rates are often quite high on student cards. If you can’t pay your balance in full, it could get costly quickly.

The best time to apply for a credit card as an international student is when you are already established in the United States. Most cards require a U.S. address in order to apply. You’ll also want a tax identification number, which can be obtained with some types of visas.

Assuming you have residency and your paperwork in order, the right time to apply will depend on your personal circumstances. You’ll want to be sure you’ve found a card you’re happy with instead of rushing into a situation. You’ll also want a game plan for paying your credit card bills, whether that’s employment or a stable income from another source.

One of the first things to consider when choosing a credit card for international students is whether or not you have a social security number, individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) or neither. Unfortunately, if you don’t have either of these, you may not be eligible for a credit card. If you have a social security number, you may qualify for any student credit card.

Once you know which cards are offered to you, you’ll want to look at the defining features of each card you’re considering. The annual fee, interest rate and any introductory offers might impact your decision. Rewards can also be a big factor: Look at purchase categories, earning rates and redemption options for your card.

After you’ve found a credit card you’d like to apply for, you’ll want to gather your personal identifying and financial information for the application.

You will need a U.S. address, proof of employment or other funds and a taxpayer identification number to get a credit card as an international student with most issuers. If you don’t have these, you’ll need to look into obtaining them or contacting the card issuer in advance to confirm if you can apply without the information.

Though there aren’t a lot of options available, the best credit cards for international students still have key components that will appeal to local students as well. Student cards often offer easier approval without an established credit history and appeal thanks to characteristics such as not carrying an annual fee and earning rewards on every purchase.

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