Best credit cards for international students in the U.S.
Credit cards for international students often let them apply without an SSN.
Brendan Dyer is a Bankrate editor who writes and edits content for rewards, travel, cash back and business credit cards. He’s passionate about informing readers about the most innovative ways to use their credit cards and how synergistic multiple cards can be in the right hands.
Brendan started at Bankrate in October of 2021 and has worked on a wide variety of reviews and projects with the goal of simplifying the card-shopping process for readers. He wrote copy for Bankrate’s Spender Type tool and conducted research and wrote content for Bankrate’s points and miles valuations, two pages that connect readers with information to help them make smart credit card decisions.
To fill the space between writing and editing content for Bankrate, Brendan moonlights as a fiction author and an adjunct writing professor teaching first-year composition.
Brendan holds three credit cards and only paid an annual fee once he got the American Express Gold Card. Although the card’s $250 annual fee can be staggering for most cardholders, Brendan uses it for all of his U.S. supermarket and restaurant purchases so he can build a rewards balance that will fund his international travel. Plus, the card’s $240 worth of monthly Uber and dining credits help it nearly pay for itself.
Credit cards for international students often let them apply without an SSN.
The Delta Gold card offers great everyday rewards and lucrative benefits for value-minded Delta travelers.
The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard offers some great rewards for frequent rail travelers.
The Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard could be the right choice for you if you spend heavily on groceries or online shopping where you can earn cash back rewards.
The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus credit card is a great choice for military members and their families looking for steady cash back earnings.
Self’s credit card is easily accessible, but the fees and restrictions with the added credit-builder loan might make traditional secured cards better choices.
It’s worth considering the Quicksilver Secured if you want a low-cost way to boost your credit score while earning cash back with no annual fee.
While not as flexible as its bigger sibling, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers strong, year-round cash back on crucial bonus categories like groceries and gas.
Both cards are great choices for small businesses or start ups looking to earn cash back rewards.
If your spending falls within certain categories then you can earn even more.
Is the BankAmericard® credit card or the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card right for you?
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a middle-of-the-road option for fans of the Hilton chain.
If you’re a frequent traveler who prefers to stay at Wyndham hotels, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card is a great option.
The Alliant Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card combines the low interest rates of a credit union with the gains of a reward credit card.
If you're looking for a business card with built-in expense tracking tools, consider the Brex Card. Just make sure you read the fine print first.
Commuting not only takes time out of your day, it can take a chunk out of your wallet
Businesses have certain legal responsibilities to customers when they discover a compromised card.