How to get a credit card as an international student

International students might qualify for credit cards while they’re studying in the United States. But the things they need to do to apply might differ from those of their American counterparts.

One thing that’s consistent? When used responsibly, a credit card is a useful credit-building tool. Learn more about how to apply for a credit card as an international student and what options may be available to you.

What you’ll learn:

• Although options may be limited for students with little or no credit history in the U.S., international students may be able to get a U.S. credit card and build their credit.

• You may need a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for a U.S. credit card.

• One way to start building credit without an SSN or an ITIN is by becoming an authorized user on a trusted person’s credit card.

• Some credit cards specifically designed for college students offer the ability to earn rewards and build credit with responsible use.

Yes, international students can get a credit card in the U.S., but the process may require some extra steps. 

Credit card issuers typically review credit history when evaluating applications. If you don’t have U.S. credit reports or if you have a thin credit file, it may be more difficult for issuers to assess your creditworthiness. Some issuers also require applicants to have an SSN. If you don’t have an SSN, you may be able to apply with an ITIN instead.

If you’re an international student and don’t have an SSN, you may still be able to open a U.S. credit card account, especially if it’s a student or secured credit card account. But before you apply, you may need to take some extra steps. Here are a few ways international students may be able to get a credit card:

Credit card issuers may ask for an SSN when you apply for a credit card. If you don’t have one, you may be able to use your student visa to help you get one. 

Students with an F-1 or another student visa may qualify for an SSN. But you may need to get authorization and have a job lined up first. A part-time job at your school or elsewhere may be enough. Your student adviser or school’s international student services office may be able to help.

If you can’t get or aren’t eligible for an SSN, you may be able to request an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Some credit card issuers let applicants use an ITIN instead of an SSN on card applications. You can request an ITIN by submitting IRS Form W-7.

Another option is becoming an authorized user on a trusted friend’s or family member’s credit card. That might be more difficult if your family and friends are outside the U.S. But here’s the general idea: If the authorized user and the primary cardholder use the account responsibly, it can help both people build good credit. But the opposite is also true. 

It’s also helpful to note that credit card issuers don’t have to report authorized users’ activity to the credit bureaus. Capital One does, but there’s no guarantee other issuers will. And if that information isn’t reported, it won’t affect your credit one way or the other.

Opening a U.S. bank account might not directly affect a credit application. But there are plenty of good reasons to open one. Just take it from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency set up to help protect consumers:

“Having a bank or credit union account is more convenient and safer than using cash,” the CFPB says, adding, “Also, to have your paychecks direct-deposited or to apply for a loan or a mortgage, you usually need a bank or credit union account.”

Opening an account with a bank that also issues credit cards could give you a chance to see whether you like the way the bank operates. If you end up getting a credit card from the same bank, it could make it easier to manage your money.

Every student’s situation is different. A credit card that’s available to one student may not be an option for another. Here are a couple of types of credit cards that may be a good fit for students:

Capital One offers student credit cards designed for college students with limited or no credit history. When these cards are used responsibly, students can use them to build credit and earn rewards while in school. 

They also offer benefits designed with students in mind. For example, the Savor Student card rewards students for food and fun with 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.

A secured credit card can be a great first step to establishing credit. Secured credit cards look and function much like traditional, unsecured credit cards. But with a secured card, you have to pay a one-time, refundable security deposit to open an account. Because of this deposit, secured cards may be easier to qualify for than traditional credit cards.

If you’re an American studying abroad, a Capital One student credit card may also be a good fit. The Savor Student and Quicksilver Student cards have features to help students manage their accounts while they’re overseas, including security alerts, card lock and no foreign transaction fees. View important rates and disclosures.

If you’re approved for a credit card while you’re studying abroad, you have to use it responsibly over time to build good credit. A strong credit history can help when you’re applying for a job, renting an apartment, applying for a mortgage or even just getting approved for a higher credit limit in the future. 

Here are a few guidelines for responsible credit use: 

• Pay your bills on time 

• Keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%

• Limit new credit card applications and apply only for the credit you need

It may be possible for international students to get a credit card in the U.S., even without an SSN. If you’re looking for a way to build credit and earn rewards while you’re in college, using a student credit card responsibly may be a good option.

• Explore student rewards credit cards you can use to build credit with responsible use.

• See if you’re pre-approved for a student credit card without harming your credit scores.

• Earn unlimited cash back on food and fun with the Savor Student card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with the Quicksilver Student card.