Discover Card Eligibility For International Students

Discover offers student credit cards that can help college students build credit history and earn cash-back rewards. International students can apply for a Discover student credit card. However, they must be 18 or older and provide proof of enrolment, income information, and a Social Security number or taxpayer ID number. Depending on the type of visa, international students may be able to secure a Social Security number or obtain a taxpayer ID number.

International student ID requirements

International students can apply for a Discover Student Card, but they must meet certain ID requirements. To apply for a Discover Student Card, you must be 18 or older and have a Social Security Number (SSN). Discover does not currently accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to verify your identity. However, international students may be eligible to receive an SSN even if they are not US citizens.

To verify your identity, you will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, and SSN. Your name should match the one on your government ID. You will also need to provide proof of enrolment, such as a document that confirms your name, the name of your school, and the dates that you are enrolled. Additionally, you will need to provide income information, including your gross income and net income. Your gross income is the amount you are paid before any deductions, and your net income is the final amount of pay you receive after all deductions, such as taxes or insurance.

It is important to be accurate, truthful, and double-check your entries when providing personal information. You can choose between a home or school address, and if you cannot reliably receive mail at that address, you can also add a mailing address.

Credit score and history

Discover Card provides cardholders with a FICO® Credit Score for free on monthly statements, online, and on the mobile app. This score is calculated based on information from your credit report, and 90% of top lenders, including Discover, use it to assess how risky you are as a borrower. Your FICO score also affects the interest rate you will be offered.

Discover Card provides cardholders with a FICO® Scorecard, which includes information on the five categories that influence your score, such as the length of credit history and the total number of accounts. You can view your FICO® Scorecard as often as you like without impacting your score.

Discover does not require a specific credit score to apply for a Discover Card. However, a high score expands your options. If you have a low credit score or limited credit history, you may still qualify for student and secured credit cards, which can help you build your credit history.

Discover also offers a pre-approval tool that allows you to see if you're pre-approved without a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily hurt your credit score. If you are pre-approved and decide to submit a credit card application, this will result in a hard inquiry that may impact your credit score.

Student income

International students can apply for a Discover Student credit card. These cards are designed for college students and do not require a credit score to qualify. Student credit cards have terms and conditions to help college students build a credit history in a low-risk environment. This includes a lower credit limit, intro APR promotions, balance transfer offers, and access to credit scores.

Student credit cards usually require proof of enrollment, such as a document confirming the student's name, school name, and enrollment dates. Additionally, income information is required, even if the applicant doesn't have a job. Income acts as an indicator of the applicant's ability to pay debts on time, which impacts the types of credit cards and interest rates they may be eligible for.

Income Sources that Count:

• Allowances
• Grants and scholarships: These don't typically require repayment, so the amount left after paying tuition is considered personal, accessible income.
• Spouse or partner's income: If the applicant has access to their spouse or partner's money to repay debts, this can be claimed as income.
• Income from a job: This can include income from part-time jobs or a steady job.

Income Sources that Don't Count:

• Debts or loans that need to be repaid, such as student loans.
• Income that is illegal or cannot be verified with documentation.
• Income that is fraudulent.
• Garnished wages.
• Savings accounts: Some credit card companies might not consider this as regular income.

It's important to note that the income requirements for student credit cards are generally lower than those for regular credit cards, and the specific income requirements may vary among different card issuers.

Card options and features

Discover Card is a credit card brand issued by the American financial services company Discover Financial (DFS). It was initially launched in 1985 and is currently accepted in 99% of places in the US that accept credit cards. Discover Cards are also accepted internationally in hundreds of countries.

Discover offers a range of credit card options with different features and benefits to suit varying financial needs. Here are some of the card options and their features:

Student Cards

Discover offers student credit cards that help college students build a credit history and earn cash back rewards. The student cards have a low credit limit, making it easier for students to practice responsible credit card habits. There is no annual fee, and students can choose from the Discover It® Student Cash Back Card or the Discover It® Student Chrome Card. The Chrome Student Card offers 2% cashback on restaurant and gas purchases and 1% on other spending. Discover also offers a secured credit card for students, which helps build credit history with responsible use and requires no credit score to apply.

Discover it® Cash Back

This card offers cashback rewards on purchases, allowing cardholders to earn cash back on everything they buy. Cardholders can also take advantage of the Cashback Bonus® rewards program, which includes various redemption options such as gift cards, charitable donations, or statement credits.

Discover it® Miles

The Discover it® Miles card is ideal for those who travel frequently. It offers rewards and benefits specifically tailored for travel purchases, such as vacations or staycations. Cardholders can earn miles on their purchases and redeem them for travel-related expenses.

Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants

The Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants card is designed for individuals who frequently spend on gas and restaurant purchases. It offers cashback rewards specifically for eligible gas and restaurant purchases, allowing cardholders to save money on their everyday expenses.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a good option for individuals who want to build or rebuild their credit history. It does not require a credit score to apply, and cardholders can start establishing their credit with responsible use. This card helps individuals who may not have a strong credit history to begin building their financial profile.

Discover Cards offer various benefits, including security features, customizable card designs, email and text alerts, and 24/7 customer service. Additionally, Discover Cards provide easy reward redemptions and a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee, ensuring that cardholders are never held responsible for unauthorized purchases.

Application process

International students can apply for a Discover Student credit card. This card is designed for college students and does not require a credit score to qualify. Student credit cards are more accessible because they often have higher interest rates and lower credit limits compared to standard credit cards.

The application process for a Discover Card is straightforward. You can apply online, over the phone, by mail, or in person, depending on the credit card company. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Check your credit score: Before applying for any credit card, it is essential to understand your credit score. Many financial institutions offer tools to check your credit score and identify areas that need improvement. A good credit score can help you get approved and determine your credit limit and interest rate.
• Research and select the right card: Discover offers various credit cards, including student cards and secured cards. Compare the features, interest rates, and credit limits of different cards to choose the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
• Gather the required information: To apply for a Discover Card, you will need to provide personal information such as your legal name, address, email, date of birth, and Social Security number. Additionally, you will need to provide information about your employment status and total gross income.
• Complete the application: You can typically fill out the credit card application on the Discover website or by following the provided link. Ensure that you are on the legitimate website by directly accessing it from your browser's address bar rather than clicking on received links.
• Submit the application: Once you have completed the application form, submit it. Credit approval can be quick and may come within minutes. However, in some cases, it might take longer if the credit card company needs additional information.
• Check your application status: After submitting your application, you can track its status by checking online or calling Discover's customer service.
• Receive your card: If your application is approved, you can expect to receive your Discover Card within a week or more, depending on processing and shipping times.

Frequently asked questions