Ibrahim Gardner
International students can get credit cards, but there are some challenges. Most credit card applications require a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and not many international students are eligible for an SSN. Citibank offers a credit card for international students that doesn't require an SSN, but there are other options, too. One option for international students is a secured credit card, like the Citi Secured Mastercard, which accepts applicants with limited credit history and has a $0 annual fee. Another option is to get a credit card from a bank in your home country, which can be used internationally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cards requiring SSN | Citi Rewards+ Student Card, Citi ThankYou Preferred Card for College Students, Citi Diamond Preferred Card |
| Cards not requiring SSN | Citi Secured Mastercard, Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Student Rewards, Petal 2, Deserve Edu Cards |
| Other requirements | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of income, credit history, passport, visa |
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What You'll Learn
Citibank credit cards for international students
Citibank does not have any credit cards designed specifically for international students, as its cards all require a Social Security Number (SSN). However, Citibank has become popular among international students because it offers a credit card that does not charge any extra fees and has an excellent Global Transfer service. This makes it easier for international students to transfer money between international accounts.
One of the common uses of a secured credit card is to build a strong credit score so that you can move on to a better value card in the future. As an international student, you may decide that having a strong US credit score is not important. Credit history is usually only used within one country, so building a strong score in the US may not help you access better credit when you return home after your studies. However, if you plan to stay in the US for a longer period, building a good credit score can help in many ways in the future, including better access to credit and rental properties.
International students who are new to the US may struggle to get a regular credit card. Having little or no local credit history could be an issue, and some cards may not be suitable because of the range of documentation needed to get started. One option that might work for international students is the Citi Secured Mastercard. Although it is possible to apply online for a Citi Secured Mastercard, international students may need to visit a branch to get started. That's because online applications require an SSN. If you don't have an SSN, you can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this will likely mean visiting a branch to submit your application. As part of your application, you'll also need to provide personal information, details of your income and debt, and any credit you already have. This is to assess your creditworthiness as part of your application.
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card was a popular choice for students with a strong existing credit score, but this card is no longer available for new Citi customers. Citi also used to have another option called the Citi ThankYou Preferred Card for College Students, but this has also been discontinued for new users.
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Citi Secured Mastercard
As an international student in the US, a secured credit card can be a good way to build credit and spend easily. The Citi Secured Mastercard is a decent option for building credit. Although it's possible to apply online for a Citi Secured Mastercard, international students may need to visit a branch to get started. That's because online applications require a Social Security number (SSN). If you don't have an SSN, you can use your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) instead, but this will likely mean visiting a branch to submit your application.
The Citi Secured Mastercard is a secured credit card designed for people who are new to credit and want to build their credit history. It has a $0 annual fee and comes with FICO credit score access. It reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus, so you can build credit as long as you pay your bills on time and keep your balance low. After applying for a secured credit card, you will be asked to put down a cash deposit. The amount of your deposit will typically equal the credit limit of your card. This cash deposit is what separates a secured card from an unsecured card. Once you have your secured credit card, you can use it like any other credit card to make purchases.
To qualify for the Citi Secured Mastercard, you will need to meet Citi's qualification criteria, which will include a review of your income and outstanding debt, among other things. As part of your application, you'll also need to provide personal information, details of your income and debt, and any credit you already have. This is to assess your creditworthiness as part of your application.
It's a good idea to use the card for a small purchase or two each month, then pay your balance in full and on time every statement period. Citi will review your account within 18 months to determine whether you're eligible to have your deposit returned. At that point, you should consider upgrading to an unsecured credit card if your credit has improved enough to qualify. While the Citi Secured Mastercard doesn't earn rewards, it's a good option for building credit when you don't have any credit history.
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Citi Rewards+ Student card
International students can get credit cards, but there are some challenges. Most credit card applications require a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). However, not all international students will be eligible for an SSN, as it requires work authorization. An ITIN can be requested through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and some credit card issuers will accept this in place of an SSN.
Citibank does not have any credit cards designed specifically for international students, as all their cards require an SSN. However, Citibank does offer a range of credit cards with various benefits, including travel accident insurance, rental car insurance, and a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit.
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is a credit card marketed towards students with good credit. It offers rewards such as 2 points per $1 spent at supermarkets and gas stations (for the first $6,000 spent per year combined) and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. The card also features Citi Entertainment, which provides access to presale tickets, VIP packages for concerts, sporting events, and more. The Citi Rewards+ Student Card has a $0 annual fee and reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping students build their credit history.
Unfortunately, as of April 2025, the Citi Rewards+ Student Card is no longer accepting new applications. Existing cardholders will be able to retain their cards and will not be moved to a new product. For students who are looking for a credit card with similar benefits, the Citi Secured Mastercard is a decent option for building credit. This card accepts applicants with limited credit history and has a $0 annual fee. It is part of the Mastercard network, making it suitable for international transactions, although there is a 3% foreign fee. A refundable security deposit of between $200 and $2,500 is required, which will serve as the cardholder's credit limit.
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Building a US credit score
International students in the US often seek credit-building opportunities, but they face several challenges. Most credit card applications require a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with the former being more commonly accepted, especially for online applications. However, international students may not be eligible for an SSN, as it requires work authorisation, which can only be obtained through on-campus employment in some cases.
One option for international students seeking a credit card is the Citi Secured Mastercard. While it accepts applicants with limited credit history and has a $0 annual fee, it does require an SSN and a refundable security deposit of $200 to $2,500, which serves as the credit limit. Alternatively, international students can consider the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers $0 foreign transaction fees and cash back on purchases.
To build a US credit score, it is important to start as soon as possible. Here are some ways to establish and build a credit score:
- Get a part-time job: Depending on your student visa, you may be able to work part-time, which will qualify you for an SSN and provide proof of income for a credit card application.
- Request an ITIN: If you cannot obtain an SSN, you can request an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Some credit card issuers will accept this in place of an SSN.
- Become an authorised user: You can build credit by becoming an authorised user on someone else's credit card account. However, the primary cardholder should understand that they are responsible for any debts accrued.
- Credit-builder loan: This type of loan helps build credit history by reporting loan payments to credit bureaus. Typically, you give the lender a refundable deposit and repay the loan in instalments. Once the loan is repaid, you get your deposit back.
- Use a service like Nova Credit: Nova Credit allows you to use your credit history from another country to be considered for services and loans in the US.
- Build a record of timely payments: Establishing credit typically involves making timely payments on loans, credit card balances, or other debts.
While building a US credit score is beneficial for international students planning to stay in the country long-term, it may not be a priority for those returning home after their studies, as credit history is usually only relevant within the country it was built.
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Alternatives to Citibank
Citibank does not have any credit cards designed specifically for international students, as its cards all require a Social Security Number (SSN). However, Citibank does offer a Citi Secured Mastercard that accepts applicants with limited credit history and charges a $0 annual fee. This card is part of the Mastercard network and will work for international transactions, although there is a 3% foreign fee. Additionally, a refundable security deposit between $200 and $2,500 will be required, which will serve as your credit limit.
There are several alternatives to Citibank for international students seeking credit cards. Here are some options:
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card belongs to the Mastercard network and can be used internationally with no foreign transaction fees. It offers a $50 bonus for spending $100 in the first three months and provides 1-8% cash back on purchases. It does not require much credit experience to qualify.
Multi-Currency Account and Debit Card from Wise
This option provides a low-fee method for making and receiving international payments while studying abroad. You can hold multiple currencies in the same account and spend using the linked debit Mastercard. There are no surprise overdraft charges or hidden fees, and you can convert currencies within the account at a low transparent charge.
Bank of America Nonresident Account
Bank of America is generally known to be accommodating to international students and may accept alternative forms of ID, such as a passport, when opening a nonresident account.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account
This student account has a $10 monthly fee, waived for students aged 17-24. Wells Fargo offers a large ATM and branch network, as well as reliable online and mobile banking services.
Capital One 360 Checking Account
This account has no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, making it ideal for students on a budget. Additionally, it offers free cash withdrawals at over 70,000 ATMs through partnerships with Allpoint and MoneyPass.
Building Credit History as an International Student
It is important to note that credit history is usually country-specific, so building a strong US credit score may not be a priority for international students who do not plan on staying in the country long-term. However, for those intending to stay in the US for an extended period, building a good credit score can provide better access to credit and rental properties in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
Citibank offers a Credit Card for international students that does not require a Social Security Number (SSN). The Citi Secured Mastercard is a good option for building credit. The card accepts applicants with limited credit history and has a $0 annual fee.
International students may need to visit a branch to get started as online applications require an SSN. If you don’t have an SSN, you can use your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). As part of your application, you’ll need to provide personal information, details of your income and debt, and any credit you already have.
Yes, there are several other credit card options for international students. Some options include getting an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), opening a U.S. bank account, or becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is another good option for international students.
