Studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing experience for many students, but it comes with its fair share of challenges, including managing finances. One way to make things a bit easier is by choosing the right credit card for your overseas adventure. In this blog post, we'll highlight the best credit cards for study abroad students and share tips on how to make the most of them.
Best Credit Cards For Study Abroad Students Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Study Abroad Credit Card
When searching for the perfect credit card for your study abroad experience, consider the following factors:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Look for cards that don't charge additional fees for transactions made in foreign currencies. This can save you 1-3% on each purchase.
- Travel Rewards and Benefits: Select a card that offers travel-related perks, like points or miles for flights, hotel stays, dining, and other expenses. Some cards also include benefits like travel insurance and airport lounge access.
- Wide Acceptance: Make sure the card you choose is widely accepted in the country where you will be studying. Visa and Mastercard are often the most widely accepted cards globally.
- Low or No Annual Fee: Saving money is crucial for students, so opt for a card with a low or no annual fee.
- Student-friendly Features: Some cards are designed specifically for students and offer features like low-interest rates and tools to help build credit.
Best Credit Cards for Study Abroad Students
After taking all these factors into account, here are our top picks for the best credit cards for students studying abroad:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
This card is a popular choice for travelers due to its excellent rewards program and travel perks.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 2x points on travel and dining, 1x points on everything else
- Transfer points to numerous airline and hotel partners
- Travel insurance and assistance benefits
- $95 annual fee (waived for the first year)
2. Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students
Designed specifically for students, this card offers travel rewards without an annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 1.5x points for every dollar spent, with no limit
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, followed by a variable APR
- No annual fee
3. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
This card is an excellent choice for students who want a no-annual-fee card that still provides solid travel rewards and benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 1.25x miles per dollar on every purchase
- Redeem miles for any travel expense or transfer them to airline partners
- Travel insurance and assistance benefits
- No annual fee
Best Credit Cards For Study Abroad Students Example:
Imagine you're studying abroad in Paris, and you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You booked your flight using your card, and now you're earning 2x points on your dining experiences at quaint French bistros and on your daily metro rides. When you need a weekend getaway, you can transfer your points to airline and hotel partners for a free flight or hotel stay. Throughout your study abroad experience, you avoid paying foreign transaction fees, which saves you a significant amount of money.
Choosing the best credit card for your study abroad adventure is crucial in managing your finances, maximizing your rewards, and enjoying perks that can enhance your experience. Each of the cards mentioned above offers unique benefits, so carefully consider your needs and preferences before making a decision. And remember, Flik Eco is here to help you along your financial journey – be sure to explore our other guides and resources on personal finance and investing for millennials. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who may benefit from it and thank you for choosing Flik Eco!