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The best credit cards in the USA for students: Make your exchange experience better!
An in-depth guide to the best credit cards for international students in the USA for students who study abroad, and travel frequently.
Studying abroad is exciting. New cities. New food. New friends. New responsibilities. And one of the first realities international students face? Managing money across borders. Relying on a traditional credit card with high foreign transaction fees can quietly drain your budget. Every swipe, withdrawal, or online payment adds up faster than you expect. That’s where credit cards for students come in.
Student credit cards are designed for those who are still building credit, don’t have a long financial history, and need flexibility. The best ones go a step further: They work internationally, keep fees low, and offer protections that matter when you’re far from home.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the best credit cards for international students in the USA. These cards work in multiple countries, are easier to apply for as a student, and actually make life abroad smoother.
1. CapitalOne Quicksilver
Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students offers unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase and a $50 bonus after spending $100 within the first three months. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it’s built for everyday spending while helping students build credit responsibly. Rewards never expire and can be redeemed flexibly for cash, statement credits, purchases, or gift cards.
Who can apply
For those applying for a credit card as a student, eligibility includes age 18+ enrolled in a 4-year university, community college, or other tertiary education institution. The card is primarily available to U.S. residents, but international students can qualify if they have a valid SSN or ITIN, a U.S. residential address, and sufficient funds to meet minimum payment requirements.
Fees
$0 annual fee. No foreign transaction fees. Variable APR ranges from 18.49% to 28.49%. Balance transfer fees apply.
International network
Issued on a global Visa or Mastercard network, making it a worldwide option accepted across North America, Europe, Asia, and most international destinations where these networks operate.
Student-related benefits
- Unlimited 1.5% cashback.
- 5% cashback on Capital One Travel bookings (hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals).
- 5% on Capital One Entertainment.
- Non-expiring rewards.
- Complimentary concierge service.
- Travel accident insurance.
- Extended warranty protection.
- 24-hour travel assistance.
- Fraud liability protection.
- Credit monitoring via CreditWise.
- Purchase alerts.
Physical and digital cards
Includes a physical card, virtual card numbers via Eno, mobile app access, instant purchase notifications, card lock, emergency card replacement, autopay, and full account management through the Capital One Mobile App.
Partnerships
Partners with Capital One Travel, Capital One Entertainment, Amazon, PayPal, Capital One Shopping, and includes travel and purchase insurance protections.
2. Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card
Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card is built for students and newcomers who are often rejected by traditional banks. It allows students to build credit without a credit check, hard inquiry, or SSN, while maintaining 0% APR and strong spending control. Users earn unlimited 1% cashback on purchases and up to 4.00% APY on deposits, with transparent monthly pricing and no hidden fees. Credit scores increase by an average of 52+ points within three months, making it one of the best credit cards for international students in the USA.
Who can apply
Applicants must be 18+ and living in the United States. Unlike many traditional U.S. credit cards, Firstcard does not require a Social Security Number. International students and non-U.S. citizens can apply using a valid passport and visa, and in some cases an ITIN. A U.S. residential address is required for identity verification. This makes it accessible to students of multiple nationalities who are legally residing in the U.S.
Fees
Premium plan costs $12/month ($144 billed annually). No APR, no interest, no late fees, no overdraft fees, no setup fees, and no minimum deposit requirement.
International network
Powered by Mastercard, accepted worldwide across North America, Europe, Asia, and most global destinations. A true worldwide option with zero foreign transaction fees.
Student-related benefits
- Credit building without overspending.
- Average 52+ point credit score increase.
- Unlimited 1% cashback.
- 0% APR.
- Up to 4.00% APY on deposits.
- Credit monitoring.
- Multilingual customer support.
- Strong security protections.
Physical and digital cards
Includes a physical Mastercard and full digital account access with secure app-based management and real-time monitoring.
Partnerships
Backed by Regent Bank (FDIC-insured up to $250,000), powered by Mastercard with Zero Liability Protection, and recognized by Forbes as Best International Student Credit Card (August 2025).
3. Self Visa® Credit Card
The Self Visa® Credit Card is a secured card designed to help new or rebuilding borrowers build credit with fewer barriers. Backed by a refundable security deposit starting at $100, it offers high approval rates and no hard credit inquiry. With responsible use and on-time payments, activity is reported to all three credit bureaus. A $0 intro annual fee applies for the first year, making it a practical credit card for international students starting their credit journey in the U.S.
Who can apply
Applicants must be 18+ and reside in the United States. International students can qualify if they have a valid SSN or ITIN, a U.S. residential address, and an active U.S. bank account to fund the required security deposit through a Self Credit Builder account.
Fees
Minimum $100 security deposit. $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $25 annually. APR is 27.49%. Other fees may include late and returned payment fees.
International network
Issued on the Visa network, accepted widely in the U.S. and internationally wherever Visa is accepted.
Student-related benefits
- No hard credit inquiry.
- Credit reporting to all three bureaus.
- Spending tracking tools.
- Guidance for building healthy credit habits.
Physical and digital cards
Includes a physical Visa card and digital account access for tracking balances, payments, and due dates.
Partnerships
No direct partnerships with universities, airlines, travel agencies, or insurance providers.
4. BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students
This card is designed to help students build credit while saving on interest during the early years. With a long 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, no annual fee, and strong digital banking tools, it’s a practical choice for managing everyday expenses responsibly. Its security features and credit education resources make it one of the top credit cards for students who want to establish good financial habits without added cost or complexity.
Who can apply
Applicants must be 18 years or older. Available to U.S. residents, including college and other tertiary education students.
Fees
$0 annual fee. Introductory 0% APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and eligible balance transfers. Balance transfer fee: 3% within the first 60 days, then 4%. Variable APR applies after the intro period.
International network
Issued on the Visa network. Accepted worldwide wherever Visa is accepted.
Student-related benefits
- Better Money Habits® financial education.
- Fraud protection.
- $0 liability guarantee.
- Account alerts.
- Overdraft protection options.
- Spending management tools.
Physical and digital cards
Includes a physical card plus digital wallet access via Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, along with full online and mobile banking.
Partnerships
No direct partnerships with universities, airlines, travel agencies, or insurance providers.
5. Discover it® Student Cash Back
This one is designed to help students earn rewards while building credit responsibly. The card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories like groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and select streaming services (after activation, up to the quarterly cap), plus 1% on all other purchases. There’s no annual fee, no credit score required to apply, and Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, with no limit.
Who can apply
Students aged 18+ enrolled in a college or tertiary education institution. Primarily available to U.S. residents with a Social Security number. Not intended for non-U.S. residents.
Fees
No annual fee. 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then a variable APR of 16.49%–25.49%. Balance transfer and cash advance fees apply.
International network
Issued on the Discover network. Accepted nationwide in the U.S. and in many international destinations, though global acceptance is more limited compared to Visa or Mastercard.
Student-related benefits
- Unlimited Cashback Match in the first year.
- Credit reporting to all three major bureaus.
- $0 fraud liability.
- Free FICO® score access.
- Identity alerts.
- Purchase notifications.
- Account freeze options.
Physical and digital cards
Includes a physical card, digital wallet compatibility, mobile app access, alerts, and full online account management.
Partnerships
Offers rotating merchant category bonuses and select streaming partners.
Comparing the best credit cards for international students in the USA
Choosing the right credit card as a student in the United States can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, here’s a comparison of fees, international acceptance, key benefits, and card formats.
| Credit Card | Fee | International Network | Main Benefits | Physical/Digital Cards |
| CapitalOne Quicksilver | No annual fee. | Visa or Mastercard. Accepted worldwide. | Unlimited 1.5% cashback, no foreign transaction fees, travel & purchase protection. | Both |
| Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card | $12/month ($144 billed annually). | Mastercard. Accepted worldwide. | No SSN required, 0% APR, builds U.S. credit with cashback rewards. | Both |
| Self Visa® Credit Card | $0 annual fee first year, then $25 annually. | Visa. Accepted worldwide. | No hard credit inquiry, reports to all 3 credit bureaus, helps build U.S. credit. | Both |
| BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students | No annual fee. | Visa. Accepted worldwide. | 0% intro APR, strong fraud protection, financial education tools. | Both |
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | No annual fee. | Discover. Widely accepted in the U.S. Growing international acceptance. | 5% rotating cashback, Cashback Match first year, free FICO® score. | Both |
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Choosing the right credit card in the U.S. for your student life
The best credit cards for international students in the USA share a few clear advantages. They come with low or no foreign transaction fees, are widely accepted internationally, and have an easier approval process for students. They also come with tools to help you build credit responsibly.
The key to choosing the right credit card is understanding your own lifestyle and needs. Some students want cashback. Others want multi-currency flexibility. Some want a traditional credit card, while others prefer modern fintech solutions. If you’re studying abroad, traveling between countries, or paying tuition and rent internationally, your credit card should support that, and not quietly charge you for it. And once you’ve got the right card in your wallet? You’re free to focus on what really matters — learning, exploring, and making the most of your time abroad.
