Best Credit Cards For International Students In Usa

Studying abroad in the United States is an exciting and life-changing experience. But in the midst of adapting to a new environment, it's easy to overlook one critical component: your finances. As an international student, you need a reliable credit card to make transactions easier and help you start building your credit history. That's where we come in! In this article, we explore the best credit cards for international students in the USA, considering factors like fees, rewards, and ease of application. Let's dive in!

1. Discover it® Student Cash Back

Discover it® Student Cash Back is a top choice for international students thanks to its cashback rewards and easy approval process. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, this card is friendly to your wallet.

• 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• $20 statement credit each school year if your GPA is 3.0 or higher

2. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

The Deserve® EDU Mastercard is explicitly designed for students without a social security number (SSN) or credit history. It's perfect for international students who often face these barriers when applying for a credit card.

• 1% cash back on all purchases
• $59 Amazon Prime Student subscription for one year
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• No SSN required for application

3. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Although this card has a $39 annual fee, it offers excellent cashback rewards and a host of benefits that make it an attractive option for students with limited credit history and a decent income.

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• $39 annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to credit-building tools and monitoring
• Potential for credit line increase after six on-time payments

4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

International students who love to travel will appreciate this card's travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, the introductory APR offer gives you flexibility early on.

• 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases
• 25,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• 0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles, then 13.99% to 23.99% afterward

Best Credit Cards For International Students In Usa Example:

Imagine you're an international student who just arrived in the United States. You're excited to start your studies, but you know that you need to get your finances in order quickly. Let's say you choose the Discover it® Student Cash Back card as your best option.

Over the course of your studies, you effectively use the card for everyday purchases such as groceries and transportation, earning cashback rewards every quarter. Additionally, you maintain a good GPA, earning a $20 statement credit each school year. On top of that, you don't have to worry about foreign transaction fees or an annual fee eating into your budget.

This practical usage of a credit card helps you build a strong credit history in the United States, making it easier for you to rent an apartment, get a job, or even apply for a car loan in the future.

Now that you've discovered the best credit cards for international students in the USA, it's time to choose the one that suits your lifestyle and needs the most. Keep in mind that responsible use of a credit card will not only make your life more manageable but also set you up for financial success in the future.

We hope this article has been helpful. If you found it informative, please consider sharing it with your friends and fellow students! And remember, the Flik Eco blog is here to support you in your financial journey - our other guides cover a wide range of topics from investing to mortgages, so be sure to explore our content further.