Ways to Get Credit Cards for International Students
7 Min Read | Published: June 24, 2026
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Learn how international students can get credit cards in the U.S., even without an SSN, and tips for building credit responsibly.
At-A-Glance
- International students can get credit cards in the U.S., even without a Social Security Number (SSN), by exploring specific options like secured cards, student credit cards, or cards from banks that cater to international applicants.
- Building credit responsibly as a student can open doors to better financial opportunities in the future.
- Understanding the requirements and features of credit cards can help international students manage expenses and start building a U.S. credit history.
When you’re in a new country, there’s a lot to figure out as it relates to what you can and cannot access while you’re abroad. If you’re an international student, you may be interested in getting a credit card to start building your credit, but maybe you’re not sure whether you can get one without a Social Security Number (SSN) or an established credit history.
The good news is that there are credit card options for international students, and with a little research into your needs and qualifications, you can find a card that’s right for you.
Can International Students Get a Credit Card in the U.S.?
It’s possible for international students to get an American credit card, but the process may differ from that for U.S. citizens, and they may face some unique challenges. That said, some card providers offer student-specific credit cards that accept qualifying international applicants.1 Before applying for a credit card, check the credit card provider’s requirements to see if you may be eligible.
Challenges International Students May Face
There are a few potential roadblocks that could prevent international students from accessing credit cards. Some of them include:
- No SSN or ITIN
Most credit card applications require a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify applicants’ identities, which can help prevent fraud and identity theft.2 - No U.S. Credit History
When you apply for a credit card, card issuers typically consider your past history of managing credit accounts.3 If you’re a young international student without prior credit card experience, it may be difficult to qualify. - Limited Income
International students are often busy juggling classwork and the challenges of being in a new country, and they may not have time to earn enough income to qualify for a new credit card.
Options for International Students without an SSN
If you don’t have an SSN, you may want to consider applying for an ITIN, which is available to some noncitizens and accepted by some card issuers in lieu of a Social Security Number.4 If you can’t get an ITIN, your options may be more limited, but there are some specialized cards designed to cater to noncitizens that may accept a passport as a form of identification.5 If you go this route, you’ll still need to meet the other requirements to get the credit card, like providing proof of income and indicating your residency status. Because eligibility criteria can vary by issuer, it’s also important to review a card provider’s requirements in advance to confirm whether an SSN or ITIN is needed before applying.
If you don’t have an SSN but want to start building a credit history and have access to a credit card, some card issuers may allow you to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account.6 However, the original cardholder needs to be willing to agree to you becoming authorized on their account, and you’ll want to make sure that both of you are responsible, because you could both affect each other’s credit with reckless credit behavior.7
How to Apply for a Credit Card as an International Student
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how you may want to go about getting a credit card as an international student.
Step 1: Apply for SSN or ITIN
While there are some limited options available to you if you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, having one of these two forms of identification can make it much easier for you to get a credit card. If you can get a part-time job as an international student, it may make it easier to get an SSN or ITIN.8 Plus, the part-time job can provide proof that you can pay your credit card bill.
Step 2: Choose the Right Card
First and foremost, you want to apply for a card that you can actually qualify for. If you want to get a credit card for the first time without any prior credit history, a secured credit card may be your best bet. Secured credit cards may allow applicants with no credit experience, because they typically require a deposit that also serves as your credit limit.9 If you have a credit history from certain qualifying countries, some banks may be able to use it for your credit application. But to qualify for most unsecured credit cards, you need an American credit history.10
If you have some credit history, you may want to consider a student credit card. Student cards often have no annual fees, but they may still offer rewards, making them a great option if you qualify.11 If you don’t have an SSN, an ITIN, or an American credit history, you’ll need to look at specialty cards that may allow you to apply with your passport.12
Step 3: Apply Online or In-Branch
These days, you can often apply for credit cards from the comfort of your own home just by visiting a card provider’s website. That said, if you have more questions, you may prefer to apply in person. You may need to provide specific documentation, and if you’re applying for a secured credit card, you’ll need to make a deposit.
Building Credit as an International Student
Between juggling school and a part-time job and navigating the challenges of being in a new country, it may be difficult for international students to responsibly build their credit without proper guidance. As you start your credit journey, you may want to keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Use Your Card Responsibly
By making small purchases and paying off your balance in full each month, you may avoid carrying a balance that accrues costly interest. - Avoid Late Payments
Making on-time payments is crucial for building a positive credit history, and it’s good to get in the habit when you’re younger. - Monitor Your Credit
Use online credit tracking tools to make sure you’re responsibly managing your credit cards, and take a look at some of the ways you may be able to improve your credit over time. - Keep Utilization Low
The amount of credit that you use has a significant impact on your credit score, so you want to try to use 30% or less of your available credit.
Features to Look for in a Credit Card
Some credit card traits that students could benefit from include:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
When you leave the country to go home or travel abroad, you want to avoid extra charges. - Low or No Annual Fees
If you’re on a student budget, it can help to find a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. - Rewards Programs
There are student credit cards that offer cash back on your spending, which can help more limited budgets. - Credit-Building Tools
Some card providers offer tools to track and monitor your credit, which can help you learn about best credit card practices and tell you how you can improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most credit cards require either an SSN or ITIN. Some specialty credit cards may allow international students to apply using their passport, but they still need to meet the card's other requirements. Make sure to review a credit card provider’s requirements before you apply.
The best credit card for international students depends on the student’s qualifications, needs, and goals. For example, if you don’t have any credit history, you may want to focus on building it with a secure credit card. If you have some existing credit history and want to start earning some rewards, you may want to find a student credit card with no annual fee.
There are a few ways international students can build credit in the U.S. If they have an SSN or ITIN and earn income, it may be smart to start with a secured credit card and perhaps transition to a student credit card down the road. Students without an SSN or ITIN may be able to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit account, which can help build a positive credit history if they both use the account responsibly.
The Takeaway
If you’re an international student who wants to get a head start on your credit journey, there may be some credit card options available to you. If you have an SSN or an ITIN and a credit history, you may have more options at your disposal, but even if you don’t, there are some specialty cards that can cater to your needs. If you’re ready to start building your credit, you can explore credit cards today that can help you manage your expenses and earn rewards.
1 “Credit Cards For International Students Of 2026,” Forbes
2, 4, 5, 12 “How to Apply for a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number,” Experian
3 “Here’s who’s eligible for a credit card and what factors card issuers consider when you apply,” CNBC
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 “How International Students Can Get A Credit Card,” Forbes
Scott Drueding Hanson is a content writer and copywriter based in Brooklyn. His work focuses primarily on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
Related Articles
Can I Refinance My Student Loans?
Refinancing your student loans can lower your interest rates and save you money, but it’s not right for everyone. Learn the pros and cons of refinancing your student loans.
Credit Cards for Teens
Discover the best types of credit cards for teens and how they can help your teenager build financial skills. Get tips for responsible credit card use for teenagers.
How to Help Your Child Build Credit
Learn how to help your child build credit by adding them as an authorized user, teaching responsible spending habits, and monitoring their credit report.
The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
