Ibrahim Gardner
International students face several challenges when seeking a credit card in the U.S. Most applications require a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which can be difficult to obtain without a job. Additionally, credit card issuers analyze an applicant's credit history, which international students may not have in the U.S. However, international students can explore alternative options, such as getting a credit card from their home country or applying for student credit cards that do not require an SSN, like those offered by Citibank. American Express does not offer student credit cards, but students with good credit scores can apply for their traditional unsecured credit cards, which have high eligibility requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Credit card requirement for Social Security Number (SSN) | Yes, but some issuers accept alternative identification for those without an SSN, such as international students. |
| American Express requirement for SSN | Yes, but international students with an SSN can apply. |
| American Express student credit cards | No student-specific credit cards offered. |
| American Express credit score requirement | High credit score requirement (above 700). |
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What You'll Learn
American Express Student Credit Cards
International students can get a credit card in the US, although it may be difficult. While many credit card applications require an SSN, some issuers accept alternative forms of identification, such as an ITIN. These include:
- Secured credit cards: These require a deposit that becomes the cardholder's credit limit. The card can be used like any other credit card, and cardholders can build their credit scores by keeping their credit utilisation low and making timely payments.
- Becoming an authorised user on someone else's account: This option does not require an SSN or ITIN with some banks. However, it can be risky for the original cardholder, who is financially responsible for all purchases.
- Credit builder loan: International students can build credit with a credit builder loan.
American Express does not have any student credit cards. However, students with a good credit score (above 670) can apply for a traditional Amex unsecured credit card. Amex credit cards have high rewards and bonuses, wider acceptability, and can help establish a good credit history. However, they require a high level of credit score and income for approval, which may be difficult for college students to meet.
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International students and credit scores
International students can build their credit scores in the US, although it may be challenging. Most credit card companies require a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for a credit card. However, some card issuers accept alternative forms of identification, such as ITINs, for those without an SSN. International students can also become authorised users on someone else's account, which does not require an SSN or ITIN with some banks.
Some international students may be credit invisible, meaning they lack a credit history in the US. This can make it difficult to get approved for credit. However, it may be possible to transfer foreign credit history or use third-party services that leverage eligible foreign credit history. Building a positive credit history can help international students receive an ITIN and eventually apply for their first solo credit card.
Secured credit cards are a good option for international students without a US credit history. These cards require a deposit that becomes the cardholder's credit limit and can be used like a regular credit card. Monthly payments are reported to major credit bureaus, helping to build a credit score. However, most secured credit cards require an SSN or ITIN to apply.
American Express (Amex) does not have any student credit cards. Their traditional unsecured credit cards require a high credit score for approval, typically above 670. Therefore, international students may find it challenging to obtain an Amex card, especially if they are new to the country and have no US credit history.
Overall, while it is possible for international students to build their credit scores in the US, it may require some initial steps, such as becoming an authorised user or obtaining a secured credit card, before they can apply for more traditional credit cards like Amex.
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Secured credit cards for international students
International students can face a number of challenges when seeking credit in the US. The majority of credit card applications require a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). However, some credit card companies accept an ITIN, a passport, or other forms of identification.
Secured credit cards are a good option for international students without a US credit history. With a secured credit card, you put down a deposit that becomes your credit limit. The card can then be used like any other credit card, and your payments will be reported to the credit bureaus. This helps you to build a credit score. Most secured credit cards require an SSN or ITIN to apply, but some do not.
- Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card with Cashback: This card has no annual fee and offers up to 5% cashback rewards in rotating categories.
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: This card offers 5% cashback at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% back on other purchases.
It is important to note that even with a secured credit card, you still need to meet the minimum card application requirements. Building a positive credit history can take time, but it is possible for international students to establish a good credit score in the US.
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American Express Credit Card requirements
American Express does not offer any student credit cards. However, students with a good credit score can apply for a traditional Amex unsecured credit card. The easiest American Express credit card to get requires a credit score of at least 670, which may be challenging for most college students to attain.
International students can face difficulties in obtaining a credit card, but several options are available. The most common requirement for a foreigner in the US to obtain a credit card is to have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some credit card issuers accept alternative forms of identification, such as an ITIN, for those without an SSN. However, credit history is also an important consideration, and international students may be "credit invisible". To overcome this, students can transfer their foreign credit history or use third-party services that leverage eligible foreign credit history. Additionally, international students can apply for a secured credit card, which requires a deposit that becomes the credit limit, usually a few hundred dollars. Another option is to become an authorised user on someone else's account or build credit with a credit-builder loan.
American Express credit cards are known for their high rewards and bonuses, wider acceptability, and ability to help establish a good credit history. However, they may have limited acceptability in some countries, and their high credit score and income requirements can be challenging for students to meet.
Therefore, while American Express does not specifically cater to international students, they can still apply for their credit cards by meeting the standard requirements, such as a high credit score and income. Additionally, international students can explore other options, such as secured credit cards or becoming authorised users, to build their credit history and eventually apply for an American Express card.
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Alternatives to American Express for international students
International students seeking alternatives to American Express can consider the following options:
Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards are a viable option for international students without a US credit history. These cards require a deposit, which becomes the cardholder's credit limit, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars upwards. The card can be used for purchases, similar to a regular credit card, without exceeding the set credit limit. Timely payments help build a positive credit history and improve the overall credit score. Most secured credit cards require a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for application. However, becoming an authorised user on someone else's credit card can circumvent the need for an SSN or ITIN with certain banks.
Student-Specific Credit Cards
Some companies offer student-specific credit cards with high rewards, low minimum credit score requirements, and no extra fees. For instance, Discover it® provides the Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card, which charges no annual fee and offers various cash back rewards without a minimum credit requirement.
Other Alternatives
International students can also explore options beyond American Express, such as Mastercard or Visa, which are more suitable for frequent international purchases due to their wider acceptance. Additionally, business travel management companies like BCD Travel offer real-time threat notifications, cost-minimising tools, data reporting, and duty of care obligations for international businesses and travellers. SAP Concur is another corporate travel agency that has been in the industry since 1993, providing comprehensive travel management solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible for an international student to get an American Express card. However, American Express cards require a high credit score for approval, which may be difficult for most college students.
A high credit score is the main requirement for getting an American Express card. A credit score of above 700 is recommended. Some American Express cards also have high income requirements, which may be challenging for students to meet.
Yes, international students can explore other options such as secured credit cards, becoming an authorized user on someone else's account, or building credit with a credit builder loan.
American Express cards offer high rewards and bonuses, wider acceptability in some countries, and can help establish a good credit history. The Platinum Card, for example, offers travel benefits for high-spending frequent travelers.
American Express cards may have limited acceptability in some countries and may not be the best option for international purchases. The high credit score and income requirements can also make it challenging for students to obtain and maintain the card.
