Lana Oconnell
International students studying in the United States may find it challenging to obtain a credit card due to their lack of a Social Security Number (SSN) and limited credit history. However, several options are available for international students to get a credit card and build their credit score. One option is to apply for a credit card that accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of an SSN, such as the Chase Freedom® Student credit card. Additionally, some credit card issuers provide cards exclusively for students that only require a passport for the application. International students can also become authorized users on a trusted friend or family member's credit card, allowing them to build their credit history. Increasing income by working part-time or on-campus jobs can also improve the chances of credit card approval.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Credit score | International students can establish a US credit score with a credit card. |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | International students may not have an SSN but can still apply for a credit card. |
| Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | International students can apply for a credit card with an ITIN if the issuer accepts it. |
| Student visa | Students with F-1 or other student visas may qualify for an SSN with authorization and a job offer. |
| Passport | Some credit card issuers provide cards exclusively for students that only require a passport. |
| Part-time job | Working a part-time job as a student can improve the chances of credit card approval. |
| Co-signer | A co-signer may be required for students under 21 or with limited income. |
| Pre-approval | Pre-approval allows students to browse card offers without impacting their credit score. |
| Secured card | A secured card requires a refundable security deposit and may be easier to qualify for than traditional credit cards. |
| Authorized user | Becoming an authorized user on a trusted person's credit card can help build credit. |
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What You'll Learn
International students without an SSN
International students without a Social Security Number (SSN) may still be able to open a US credit card account. While some credit card issuers ask for an SSN when you apply for a credit card, there are other options available for international students.
Firstly, you may be able to use your student visa to help you get an SSN. Students with F-1 or other student visas may qualify for an SSN, but you may need to get authorization and have a job lined up first. A part-time job at your school may be enough. Your student advisor or school's international student services office should be able to help.
If you can't get an SSN, you may be able to request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some credit card issuers, like Capital One and Chase, accept ITINs in lieu of SSNs for student credit card applications.
Another option is to become an authorized user on a trusted friend's or family member's credit card. Some credit card issuers may report the payment history of the credit card to credit bureaus for both the cardholder and the authorized user, which can help build your credit history.
Additionally, you can apply for secured credit cards or secured loans (such as credit-builder loans) to establish and build your credit history. With a secured card, you have to pay a one-time, refundable security deposit to open an account, and they may be easier to qualify for than traditional credit cards.
Finally, increasing your income can give credit card issuers the assurance that you can pay your bills. Working a part-time, on-campus job as a student can also improve your chances for credit card approval.
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Getting added to an existing credit account
If you are an international student in the United States, getting approval for a credit card can help you establish a US credit score. This can be beneficial if you plan on building a life in the US, as it can improve your qualifications for renting a home, applying for loans and financing, and applying for jobs.
If you are unable to get a credit card in the US, you can ask a trusted family member or friend to add you to their existing credit card as an authorized user. To be added as an authorized user, you must have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). As an authorized user, you will receive a credit card with your name on it, and any expenses made will be charged to the account owner. It is important to note that some credit card issuers may report the payment history of the credit card to credit bureaus for both the cardholder and the authorized user, which can help build your credit history.
If you already have a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, you can apply for most credit cards. Some credit card issuers provide cards exclusively for students that only require your passport to submit an application. This can be a good option for students who don't plan on staying in the US long-term but want to build a credit history. Additionally, increasing your income by working a part-time, on-campus job can improve your chances of credit card approval.
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Passport-only applications
International students can apply for US student credit cards that only require a passport. Some credit card companies accept a passport with an application, while others require a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are unable to get a US credit card, you can ask a trusted friend or family member to add you to their existing credit card as an authorized user. As an authorized user, you will receive a credit card with your name on it, and any expenses made will be charged to the account owner.
If you are eligible for an SSN and ITIN, look for cards that don't require either. For example, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students accepts applicants with just a passport as a form of identity.
Another option is to apply for a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan to establish and build your credit history. With a secured credit card, your credit limit is determined by a deposit you put down, allowing the card to be secured with your own funds.
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Secured credit cards
International students studying in the U.S. can establish credit history and get a locally issued credit card. However, getting a credit card as an international student can be difficult. Most credit card companies can only look at an applicant's credit history for the country they're applying in. If applicants don't have a credit history yet, they can still apply for a secured credit card or credit-builder loan until they raise their credit score.
International students with an SSN or ITIN can apply for most credit cards. However, some credit card issuers provide cards exclusively for students that only require a passport for the application. This can be a good option for students who don't plan to stay in the U.S. long-term but want to move some expenses to credit.
If you are unable to get a credit card in the U.S., you can ask a trusted family member or friend to add you to their existing credit card as an authorized user. A cardholder can add an eligible user with an SSN or ITIN to their credit account as an authorized user without relying on the authorized user's credit score. As an authorized user, you will receive a credit card with your name on it, and any expenses made will be charged to the account owner. Some credit card issuers may report the payment history of the credit card to credit bureaus for both the cardholder and the authorized user.
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Student credit cards
International students attending college in the United States can build a US credit score by getting approved for a credit card. This can be beneficial for future loan and financing applications, renting a home, and even when applying for jobs. While international students can use credit cards from their native country in the US, their credit use will not contribute to their credit score.
Some credit card issuers provide cards exclusively for students that only require a passport to apply. This is a good option for students who don't plan on staying in the US long-term but want to build a credit score. Students can also ask a trusted friend or family member to add them to their existing credit card as an authorized user.
International students can also apply for a US student credit card with their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Increasing income by working a part-time, on-campus job can also improve the chances of getting approved for a credit card.
There are several student credit cards available in the market, such as Mastercard, which offers 0% APR, no account minimum, no interest, and no overdraft fees. Students can also earn up to 15% merchant cashback at 29,000 partner merchants and up to 10% random cashback on all qualifying transactions. Bank of America also offers credit cards for students to help them build credit and establish good credit habits.
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Frequently asked questions
International students who don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) can typically apply for a U.S. credit card if they have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Chase accepts ITINs in lieu of SSNs for student credit card applications.
A credit card can help international students build a U.S. credit score, which may allow them to apply for loans and financing, improve their qualifications for renting a home, and enhance their job applications.
To apply for a student credit card with Chase, you may need to provide proof of enrolment in an eligible school, gather co-signer information, and submit proof of income. It is also recommended to understand how the application process works and how to manage payments to avoid debt.
