Finding the best student credit cards for international students can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the U.S. credit system. The good news? Several banks now offer beginner-friendly cards with no credit history required, no SSN needed in some cases, and solid rewards to help you build credit fast. Below are the top 10 student credit cards that are ideal for international students looking to earn cashback, avoid high fees, and start building a strong financial foundation.
1. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
The Deserve EDU Mastercard is one of the best student credit cards for international students because it doesn’t require a Social Security Number. Instead, you can apply using your passport and student visa documents. You’ll earn 1% unlimited cashback on all purchases, plus one year of Amazon Prime Student reimbursement (up to a set limit). There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, making it ideal for students who travel or shop internationally. Credit limits are modest, but it’s an excellent starter card to build U.S. credit history quickly and responsibly.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One’s Quicksilver Student card offers a simple and attractive rewards structure: unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, which is perfect for international students sending money abroad or traveling home. Approval is generally student-friendly, even with limited credit history. You’ll also get access to CreditWise to monitor your credit score for free. This card is great if you want flat-rate rewards without tracking spending categories. Responsible use can help you graduate to higher-tier Capital One cards later on.
3. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards
If you spend heavily on dining, entertainment, and streaming, the SavorOne Student card is a strong choice. It offers 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, grocery stores, and popular streaming services, plus 1% on everything else. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, making it international-friendly. For students living off-campus or enjoying city life, this card can maximize everyday rewards. Capital One also considers applicants with limited credit history, which makes it accessible to many international students starting their financial journey in the U.S.
4. Discover Financial Services it® Student Cash Back
Discover’s Student Cash Back card stands out for its 5% rotating quarterly cashback categories (on up to a spending cap) and 1% on all other purchases. Discover also matches all cashback earned in your first year, effectively doubling rewards. There’s no annual fee and a strong U.S.-based customer service reputation. While Discover acceptance internationally can be limited, it works well within the U.S. The free FICO credit score monitoring tool makes it easier for international students to track and improve their credit profile over time.
5. Discover Financial Services it® Student Chrome
The Discover it Student Chrome card is ideal if you prefer simpler rewards. You’ll earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to a quarterly cap) and 1% on everything else. Like other Discover cards, it offers a first-year cashback match and no annual fee. It’s beginner-friendly and comes with tools to help students build credit responsibly. Although foreign transaction fees may apply, it remains a solid entry-level option for international students who primarily spend within the United States.
6. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students
This student card lets you choose your 3% cashback category, such as online shopping, dining, travel, or gas, plus 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on combined quarterly spending up to a limit). There’s no annual fee, and it integrates well if you already bank with Bank of America. While foreign transaction fees apply, the customizable rewards structure makes it attractive for students with predictable spending habits. International students with a U.S. bank account and ITIN may find this card particularly useful for targeted cashback earning.
7. Chase Freedom® Rise
The Chase Freedom Rise is designed for individuals new to credit. While not exclusively a student card, it’s highly accessible for beginners. You earn 1.5% cashback on all purchases, and there’s no annual fee. Having a Chase checking account may improve approval odds. Although foreign transaction fees apply, the card provides a pathway into Chase’s ecosystem, potentially allowing students to upgrade to premium rewards cards later. For international students planning to stay long-term in the U.S., building a relationship with Chase can be strategically beneficial.
8. Petal 1 Visa Credit Card
The Petal 1 Visa card uses cash flow underwriting, meaning it may approve applicants without traditional credit history. That makes it appealing to international students with limited U.S. credit records. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. While rewards are modest compared to premium cards, it’s focused on credit-building. Petal also offers tools to track spending and improve financial habits. For students just arriving in the U.S., this card provides a practical way to begin establishing credit responsibly.
9. Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students
If you travel frequently, Bank of America’s Travel Rewards for Students card offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. There’s no annual fee, and points can be redeemed for statement credits toward travel expenses. However, foreign transaction fees may apply. The flat-rate travel rewards structure makes it simple and predictable. For international students flying home during holidays or studying abroad, earning flexible travel points can offset airfare and lodging costs over time.
10. Jasper Mastercard
Jasper Mastercard is specifically built for international students and professionals. It doesn’t require a U.S. credit history and evaluates applications based on educational background and future earning potential. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. Approval is often smoother for international applicants compared to traditional banks. Jasper also reports to major U.S. credit bureaus, helping students build a solid credit profile from day one. It’s a strong alternative for students who don’t qualify for mainstream bank-issued student credit cards.
Choosing the Best Student Credit Card as an International Student
The best student credit card for international students depends on your goals. Want simple cashback? Go with flat-rate cards. Love dining and streaming? Choose category-based rewards. Don’t have an SSN? Consider fintech options that accept alternative documentation. No matter which card you choose, always pay your balance on time and keep utilization low. Building good credit early can open doors to better cards, loans, and financial flexibility in the future.