Best Credit Cards for International Students in the USA (2025 Guide)
Updated for 2025 • MoneyGuideUSA
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Introduction
Coming to the United States for education opens many opportunities — but it also brings challenges, especially when it comes to managing money. One of the first financial tools every international student needs is a U.S. credit card.
A credit card in the USA does more than just let you pay for things:
✔ Helps you build a U.S. credit score
✔ Makes it easier to rent an apartment
✔ Helps with mobile phone plans
✔ Builds trust with banks
✔ Can help you get a car and even future loans
But here’s the problem:
> Most international students don’t have an SSN (Social Security Number) or U.S. credit history when they arrive. This makes traditional credit cards nearly impossible to get.
The good news?
In 2025, several issuers allow students to apply using:
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
Passport and Visa information
Foreign credit history
Direct deposit relationships
This guide shows you the best credit cards for international students in 2025, how to qualify, and how to build credit responsibly.
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Why International Students Need a U.S. Credit Card
Banks, landlords, employers, and services all check your credit history.
Without a credit score, you may face:
❌ Security deposits on apartments
❌ Higher insurance prices
❌ Difficulty opening accounts
❌ No access to loans later
❌ Weak financial profile
A student credit card solves these issues and starts your credit life in America.
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What You Need to Get Started
You may not need an SSN yet, but most issuers ask for:
✔ Valid passport
✔ I-20 or student enrollment proof
✔ U.S. phone number
✔ Bank account in the USA
✔ Address for statements
Some cards accept:
ITIN instead of SSN
Foreign credit history through special programs
Direct deposit instead of credit check
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Best Credit Cards for International Students in the USA (2025)
Below are the top cards based on approval ease, rewards, and beginner benefits.
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1️⃣ Deserve EDU Card — Perfect for Students With No SSN
(Best for F-1 / J-1 visa students)
Why it's great:
No SSN required during application
Designed specifically for students
Cashback rewards on purchases
No annual fee
Simple approval process
Best for:
Students who are new to the U.S. and want their first credit card immediately.
2️⃣ Chime Credit Builder Card — Build Credit Without Debt
(Best for zero credit history)
Unlike traditional credit cards, this card uses the money you deposit—so there's no risk of missing payments.
Why it's great:
No credit check to apply
No interest, no annual fee
Reports to all major bureaus
Helps build payment history safely
Best for:
Students afraid of debt or wanting to build credit without risk.
3️⃣ Discover it® Student Cash Back — Rewards + Free Credit Check
(Best for students with some documents)
Why it's great:
Cashback on rotating categories
Free FICO score access
Good rewards for beginners
Acceptance nationwide
Best for:
Students who can provide SSN later and want rewards from day one.
4️⃣ Petal® 1 or Petal® 2 Card — No Credit History Needed
(Best fintech-backed card)
Why it's great:
Uses banking data instead of credit checks
No annual fee
Modern app and tools
Possible approval without SSN (varies by applicant)
Best for:
Students with income but no U.S. financial history.
5️⃣ Bank of America® Student Card — Traditional Banking Start
(Best for long-term banking relationship)
Why it's great:
Bank account relationship helps approval
Reports to all bureaus
Trusted, widely accepted card
Possible upgrade paths later
Best for:
Students planning to stay in the USA after graduation.
Side-by-Side Comparison (2025)
Feature Deserve EDU Chime Discover It Petal BOA Student
Requires SSN No No Yes (later) Optional Yes
Annual Fee $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Credit Check No No Yes Alternative Yes
Best For New students Safe building Rewards No history Long term
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How to Apply for a Student Credit Card Without SSN
Follow this order:
1️⃣ Get a U.S. bank account
2️⃣ Receive ITIN (if no SSN)
3️⃣ Choose beginner-friendly card
4️⃣ Use responsibly for 6 months
5️⃣ Keep utilization under 10–30%
6️⃣ Always pay on time
7️⃣ Upgrade later to a premium card
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Tips to Avoid Rejection
✔ Use one residential address everywhere
✔ Don’t apply for multiple cards at once
✔ Start with student-friendly issuers
✔ Avoid missed payments
✔ Monitor your score monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need an SSN to get a credit card?
No — some issuers accept ITIN or foreign credit history.
Q. Can a credit card help me rent an apartment?
Yes, credit score is crucial for housing approvals.
Q. How long to build good credit?
6–12 months with responsible use.
Q. Can I upgrade later?
Yes. After history builds, you can apply for premium rewards cards.
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Final Thoughts
International students in the USA have more credit options than ever before. Whether you lack an SSN, U.S. history, or income documentation, there are student-friendly cards designed just for you.
Start with one of the beginner options, use it responsibly, and within months you’ll have a solid U.S. credit foundation — something that stays with you long after graduation.
