Moving to the United States for higher studies is an exciting journey, especially if you’re an international student. With classes to attend, new friends to make, and adventures to explore, having a reliable and beneficial student credit card can be incredibly useful.
This guide explores some of the top student credit cards available for international students in the USA, focusing on features like low fees, credit-building options, and exclusive perks.
Why Do International Students Need a Credit Card?
Having a credit card as an international student may seem like an additional responsibility, but it offers a range of benefits, such as:
- Building a Credit History: Building a credit score in the US can significantly help you when applying for loans, renting apartments, or even job applications.
- Accessing Credit for Emergencies: Life as a student can be unpredictable, and a credit card offers a reliable safety net.
- Enjoying Rewards and Perks: Many student credit cards offer cashback, discounts, and rewards, helping you save while spending on essentials.
- Managing Expenses Easily: With a credit card, you can track your expenses, set spending limits, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Let's dive into the top student credit cards and what makes each one a solid choice for international students.
Top Student Credit Cards for International Students in the USA
1. Discover It Student Cash Back
Key Benefits
- Cashback Rewards: Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter, such as gas stations, groceries, and restaurants (up to a quarterly maximum), and 1% on all other purchases.
- First-Year Cashback Match: At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cashback you’ve earned, effectively doubling your rewards.
- No Annual Fee: This card has no annual fee, which is perfect for students watching their budget.
Why It’s Great for Students: The Discover it Student Cash Back card is designed to reward students who are mindful of their finances. Plus, it reports to major credit bureaus, which means responsible usage can help you build a strong credit history.
2. Zolve Credit Card for Students
Key Benefit
- Credit Building with No SSN Requirement: Zolve makes it easy for international students to start building credit without needing a Social Security Number (SSN).
- Low Fees and High Rewards: The Zolve card is known for minimal fees and competitive cashback rates, making it an ideal choice for students.
- Instant Approval and Easy Application Process: With Zolve, you can get your card application approved even before you arrive in the US, so you’re set up right from the start.
- Additional Financial Services: In addition to its student credit card, Zolve provides a range of financial services tailored to support international students, including health, rental, and pet insurance, as well as personal loans and visa assistance.
Why It’s Great for Students: The Zolve card is a standout option for international students due to its emphasis on accessibility and credit-building. Zolve understands the unique challenges international students face, and its cards can be easily managed online, offering flexibility and convenience that are ideal for student life.
3. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Key Benefits
- No SSN Required: This card doesn’t require an SSN for international students, making it easier to access.
- 1% Cashback on All Purchases: Earn cashback on every purchase without categories to track.
- Amazon Prime Student Subscription Reimbursement: After spending $500 in the first three billing cycles, get a free Amazon Prime Student subscription for one year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel back home or shop internationally, you won’t pay extra fees.
Why It’s Great for Students: The Deserve EDU Mastercard is well-suited for international students due to its simple cashback program, no annual fees, and additional perks like Amazon Prime Student. It’s especially beneficial for students who don’t have an SSN but want to build credit in the US.
4. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits
- High Rewards on Dining and Entertainment: Earn 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores, along with 1% on all other purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international students who may need to travel or make purchases outside the US.
- No Annual Fee: Keep your costs low with no annual fee.
Why It’s Great for Students: With substantial rewards for dining and entertainment, this card is excellent for students who enjoy going out and trying new places. It’s also a reliable option for those who frequently make international purchases, as you won’t incur any foreign transaction fees.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Key Benefits
- Unlimited 1.5 Points per Dollar: Earn unlimited travel points on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for students who travel or plan to visit home during breaks.
- No Annual Fee: A budget-friendly option with no annual fees.
Why It’s Great for Students: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards card is a good option for students who love to travel or anticipate taking trips. It offers straightforward points on every dollar spent, and points can be used toward flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
Key Features to Look for in a Student Credit Card
When evaluating which student credit card is best for you, consider the following features to ensure the card meets your needs:
1. Low or No Fees
- Most student credit cards come with no annual fees, which is ideal for students on a budget. Avoid cards with high foreign transaction fees, especially if you plan to travel or make purchases internationally.
2. Credit-Building Opportunities
- Look for cards that report to major credit bureaus so you can build a solid credit history. Cards like Zolve and Discover it® Student Cash Back are great choices for this.
3. Rewards and Cashback
- Many cards offer cashback on purchases, particularly in categories relevant to students like groceries, dining, and transportation. Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits.
4. Easy Approval Process
- International students may have limited credit history or no SSN. Cards like Zolve and Deserve® EDU Mastercard offer easy application processes for students without these requirements.
Tips for Using Your Student Credit Card Responsibly
Having a credit card is empowering but requires careful management to avoid debt. Here are some tips to help you use your card responsibly:
- Set a Budget: Keep track of your spending and set a monthly budget to avoid overspending.
- Pay Your Balance in Full: Try to pay off your balance every month to avoid interest charges and build a positive credit history.
- Use Credit Monitoring Apps: Some credit cards come with apps or features that help you monitor your credit score. Using these tools will help you keep track of your progress.
- Take Advantage of Rewards: Make the most of your card’s rewards by using it for regular purchases that fall into high-reward categories, like groceries and dining.
- Avoid Cash Advances: Many credit cards charge high fees and interest on cash advances, so try to avoid using your card for this purpose.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right student credit card as an international student can enhance your experience in the US by providing access to credit, helping you build a strong credit history, and offering rewards and perks that make daily expenses more manageable.
Options like the Zolve Credit Card, Discover it Student Cash Back and Deserve EDU Mastercard cater specifically to students, providing features that help you succeed financially.
Remember, building good credit now can open doors to more financial opportunities in the future. With responsible usage, your credit card can be a valuable tool in building your financial future in the USA.
Can international students get credit cards in the USA?
Yes, international students can get credit cards in the USA. Some cards are specifically designed for students without a Social Security Number (SSN), making it easier to access credit and start building a financial profile.
How to build a credit score in the USA as an international student?
To build a credit score, use a student-friendly credit card responsibly, making timely payments and keeping balances low. Regularly paying bills on time, like rent or utilities, also contributes positively to your credit history.
Which cards are best for international students?
The best cards for international students typically have low fees, offer rewards, and don’t require an SSN, such as Zolve’s credit card, which is tailored to help students build credit easily while offering cashback and other perks.
Can Indian students get credit cards in the USA?
Yes, Indian students can get credit cards in the USA through options specifically made for international students, some of which don’t require an SSN. This allows Indian students to begin building their credit history while studying in the US.
Disclaimer: The products, services, and offerings mentioned in this blog are subject to change and may vary over time. We recommend visiting our official website for the most up-to-date information on Zolve's offerings.