Looking for the best credit cards for international students in the USA in 2025? Check out this guide for top credit card options, features, and tips to help you build your credit score.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Importance of Building Credit as an International Student
As an international student in the USA, you’re likely navigating a new financial landscape while trying to focus on your studies. One key aspect of managing your finances is building a strong credit history. Having a good credit score is essential for securing loans, renting apartments, and even getting a cell phone contract in the future.
However, for international students, building credit can be challenging due to the lack of a U.S. credit history. Fortunately, there are credit cards specifically designed to help international students build their credit from scratch.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best credit cards for international students in the USA in 2025. These cards offer great features, no annual fees, and easy approval, making them ideal for newcomers to the U.S. financial system.
Top Credit Cards for International Students in the USA – 2025
Here are our top picks for credit cards that are great for international students looking to build their credit:
1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 18.99% (Variable)
- Rewards:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (like grocery stores, restaurants, etc.) on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Additional Benefits:
- Free access to your FICO credit score.
- Cashback match at the end of the first year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Why It’s Great:
This is a perfect card for students who want to earn rewards while building credit. Discover’s rotating 5% cash-back categories give students the opportunity to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases.
2. Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.24% (Variable)
- Rewards:
- 1% cash back on all purchases.
- $50 bonus when you make your first purchase within the first 3 months.
- Additional Benefits:
- Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free credit score monitoring.
Why It’s Great:
The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card is a great option for international students due to its simplicity and benefits. Earning 1% cash back on every purchase can add up quickly, especially when you’re building your credit history.
3. Capital One® Journey Student Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 26.99% (Variable)
- Rewards:
- 1% cash back on every purchase.
- 1.25% cash back on purchases when you pay on time.
- Additional Benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Easy-to-use mobile app for account management.
- Access to a higher credit line after 5 monthly payments.
Why It’s Great:
This card rewards timely payments with an extra 25% on your cash back, making it ideal for students who are committed to building a positive credit history. Plus, no foreign transaction fees are perfect for international students who plan to travel or make purchases from abroad.
4. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.49% (Variable)
- Rewards:
- 1% cash back on all purchases.
- No credit history required for approval.
- Additional Benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $50 Amazon.com gift card after your first purchase within the first 3 months.
- Free access to your credit score.
Why It’s Great:
The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is one of the best options for international students with no U.S. credit history. It doesn’t require a Social Security number, making it easier for newcomers to apply. The Amazon gift card is a nice bonus for students starting out.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 17.99% (Variable)
- Rewards:
- 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases.
- No limit on the amount of points you can earn.
- Additional Benefits:
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
- 25,000 online bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Why It’s Great:
If you’re an international student who plans on traveling or making international purchases, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. The no-fee travel points system is straightforward and benefits frequent travelers.
What to Look for in a Credit Card as an International Student
When choosing a credit card as an international student, there are several key factors to keep in mind:
1. No Annual Fees
Many credit cards for international students have $0 annual fees, which is ideal when you’re starting out. Look for cards that allow you to build your credit without added costs.
2. Rewards and Cash Back
While rewards aren’t essential for building credit, they’re a great bonus. Opt for cards that offer cash back or points on everyday spending, such as groceries, restaurants, or online purchases.
3. No Foreign Transaction Fees
As an international student, you may be making purchases from your home country or traveling. A card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money on overseas purchases.
4. Credit Reporting
Choose a card that reports to the major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian). This ensures that your payments and credit usage are helping you build your credit score.
How to Build Credit as an International Student
Building credit as an international student may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite manageable. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Pay on Time: Always make your payments on time, as this is the most important factor in building a positive credit history.
- Keep Your Credit Utilization Low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. This shows lenders that you’re responsible with credit.
- Use Your Card Regularly: Make small purchases regularly to show that you’re actively using your credit card. Be sure to pay off your balance in full each month.
- Monitor Your Credit Score: Many credit cards for students offer free access to your credit score, allowing you to track your progress.
Conclusion: Your Path to Building Credit in the USA
Building credit as an international student in the USA can open many doors, from securing loans to getting better deals on apartments and insurance. With the right credit card and responsible financial habits, you can easily start building your credit history in 2025.
The cards listed in this guide offer great rewards, low fees, and easy approval, making them ideal for international students. Start small, pay on time, and watch your credit score grow!