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 their options and what 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. And certain types of cards may be easier to qualify for, depending on what information the issuer accepts in the application—whether that’s an SSN, ITIN or a passport.

It may be challenging to get a credit card as an international student for a few reasons:

• You don’t have a credit history in the U.S. Credit card issuers typically review credit history when evaluating applications. If you don’t have U.S. credit reports or you have a thin credit file, it may be more difficult for issuers to assess your creditworthiness. 

• You don’t have an SSN. Some issuers require applicants to have an SSN. If you don’t have an SSN, you may be able to apply with an ITIN instead.

• You might not have a source of income. Card issuers consider your income, so even if you have an SSN or ITIN, it might be difficult to qualify for certain types of credit cards if you don’t have at least a part-time job.

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 credit card or a 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 visa 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.

While uncommon, some credit card issuers may not require an SSN to apply. Consider applying using your passport or another form of identification. 

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 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. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says that bank or credit union accounts can be safer and more convenient than using cash. Plus, they offer additional benefits, like direct deposit, and they can help you apply for a loan or a mortgage in the future.

Opening an account with a bank that 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 you use these cards responsibly, you can build credit and earn rewards tailored to your spending habits while in school. 

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. And Quicksilver Student offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make with the card. They both feature no annual fees and offer enhanced security features and easy-to-use digital tools like the Capital One Mobile app.

A secured credit card can be a great first step in 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 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%.

• Apply only for the credit you need to avoid too many hard inquiries.

If you’re an international student, credit cards may be available to you—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 whether you’re pre-approved for a student credit card without harming your credit scores.

• Earn 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.