Are you a student planning to study abroad or frequently travel internationally? If yes, you need to equip yourself with the right credit card to make adjusting to a new environment easier and pocket-friendly. In this article, we will explore the best international credit cards for students to help you make the smartest choice for your financial needs.
Best International Credit Cards For Students Table of Contents
Why do students need an international credit card?
International credit cards offer numerous benefits catered to students' needs, such as low or no foreign transaction fees, competitive exchange rates, and various rewards or cashback on purchases. Plus, they also provide travel protection, insurance, and other perks that can make your overseas experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Top International Credit Cards for Students
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
This card is an excellent choice for students who value cashback rewards on their purchases. With the Discover it® Student Cash Back card, you can earn 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter (up to the quarterly maximum) and 1% cashback on all other purchases. Additionally, the card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a budget-friendly option for studying or traveling abroad.
2. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
This card is tailored towards student travelers, offering 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. You can also earn 25,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. The points can be redeemed for various travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it’s a solid choice for students who love traveling.
3. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
This credit card is designed specifically for students, including international students without a social security number. With the Deserve® EDU Mastercard, you can earn 1% cashback on all purchases and receive a complimentary 1-year subscription to Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles. The card also comes with no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards card offers straightforward cashback rewards, with 1.25% cashback on all purchases. Additionally, there are no foreign transaction fees, and this card offers travel accident insurance and secondary rental car insurance. Though there is no annual fee, it's essential to have a good credit score to qualify for this card.
5. Citi® Secured Mastercard®
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a secured credit card ideal for students with limited or no credit history. With a refundable security deposit, the card helps build credit while offering essential features, including no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. While it doesn't offer rewards, it's a useful tool for students looking to establish their credit while studying or traveling abroad.
Best International Credit Cards For Students Example:
Imagine you're a college student planning to study in Italy for a semester. You decide to apply for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students since it offers travel rewards and has no foreign transaction fees. After receiving the card, you spend $1,500 on flights and accommodation, earning you 2,250 points (1.5 points per dollar). By the time you arrive in Italy, you have enough points to help offset some of your travel costs, and you can continue earning points on your purchases throughout your stay.
When choosing the best international credit card for your student life, weigh the benefits that matter the most to you, such as rewards, travel perks, and fees. Whichever card you choose, using it responsibly will help build a strong credit history for your future. If you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with your fellow students and explore other personal finance guides on Flik Eco.
