Nowadays, a credit card is an essential thing for everyone. Getting simple things like a credit card, a loan, or an apartment can become complicated without a Social Security Number (SSN) – a nine-digit number that is only assigned to U.S.A. residents and citizens by the U.S.A. government. In this post, we will walk you through the best credit card for college students.
The government uses this number to keep track of each person’s earnings and years of work. As an international student, you aren’t given an SSN, which can be a problem when you want to get a credit card. We are going to go over how you can overcome this barrier and get the credit card you need in the United States. There are numerous college student cards available, each providing unique benefits for different types of students like from travelers and foodies to commuters and international students. In this article, we will share the credit cards which can be best for you.
Can I as an international student get an SSN?
Yes, you can definitely apply for a social security number (SSN) as an F-1 or M-1 visa student. But you need to get a job in order to apply for an SSN. If you are working on campus as part-time that makes you eligible, so it’s not that hard to become employed. After you get a job, you’ll have to take all your documents to prove your identity, immigration status, and work eligibility to your local Social Security Administration in person to file your application for a Social Security Number card.
Can I get a Credit Card without an SSN as an international student?
If you are not having a social security number (SSN), it could be a serious matter to apply for a credit card. But there are some ways where you can apply for a few credit cards. Here is an example of some credit cards which won’t require SSN.
- Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
- Oportun Visa Credit Card
- Brex Card
- Tomo Credit Card
Best credit cards for international students
Here are the lists of the best credit cards which you can take as an international student.
1. Bank of America Cash and Travel Rewards Cards
Bank of America has two types of credit cards that you can easily apply to without an SSN i.e. Cash and Travel Rewards cards. Both of these cards allow you to apply even if you don’t have a credit history. You can earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time, and no expiration on points. You can get 25,000 online bonus points if you make at least of $1,000 in purchases in the very first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. There is neither annual fee nor foreign transaction fees.
2. Citibank
Citibank offers a credit card for international students and doesn’t charge you any extra fees. They also have a Global Transfer service which makes it easier for you to move money back and forth between international accounts.
3. Capital One Journey Student Credit Card
You can earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), with 1% on all other purchases. There is a limited-time offer i.e. you can earn $100 when you spend $100 in the first three months. You can enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges & there is no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees. Also, there is an added advantage that you can earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card.
4. Barclay Card
Barclaycard provides multinational credit card and payment services. Barclaycard accepts some cases where students have no Social Security Number (SSN). This credit card is really hard to obtain since the application process is tough and rarely approved.
5. American Express
If you don’t have either an SSN or ITIN, you could get a credit card like American Express by getting a friend to co-sign thus showing they know you are trustworthy and vouch for you if anything goes wrong.
6. Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card
The Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card requires a minimum of $300 security deposit. The security deposit number is the same as your credit availability so the more you deposit the more credit you have. But they only offer this card to those that already have a savings or checking account with their bank and charge an annual fee of $25.
7. Deserve Edu
The Deserve Edu Credit Card doesn’t require any deposit or annual fees. You can receive one year of Amazon Prime Student on Deserve after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles with your EDU card (Lifetime Value of $69). You can earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard.
Conclusion
If you’re going to study in the United States, you probably have plenty of reasons for wanting a credit card. A credit card could be a convenient and safe way to make purchases online and it can give you access to extra funds if you’re in an emergency or typical situation and need money. Additionally, having a credit card can help you establish and build credit in the US, which could be important if you plan on staying in the US after your studies or might want to return later.