iQuanti: Credit cards can be excellent tools for building credit and earning cashback rewards. They also offer international students a way to experience the many parts of American culture that cost money.
International students do face additional obstacles to credit cards, but they can overcome them with a little bit of work.
Here are some ways to find a credit card for international students.
1. Open a U.S. Bank Account
A U.S. bank account proves to lenders that you have assets based in the U.S. This can make your approval chances a bit better. You may be able to discuss credit card options with your bank and find a good card. Doing this also makes it easier to avoid currency exchange fees and other hassles.
2. Learn Your Card Requirements
Some credit cards may require you to have a social security number. Depending on your visa, you may be able to get a social security number and access these. Otherwise, some card issuers offer cards for international students and workers without a social security number.
3. Shop Around and Get Prequalified
With so many cards out there, you need to browse different options and compare rates, terms, and benefits. That way, you can make the best use of your card.
Get prequalified for a few cards while you shop around, and look for student credit cards, which are targeted at students and often have more adaptive credit requirements. When you formally apply, you undergo a hard inquiry (a formal credit check) which damages your credit, even if you get denied.
Prequalifying helps you see if you're likely to get approved beforehand so you can minimize hard inquiries. To get prequalified, you'll provide a lender with some basic info about you and your finances. Then, they'll do a soft inquiry, which doesn't hurt your score. From there, they'll give you a set of terms you're likely to qualify for when you apply.
4. Consider a Secured Card
Secured cards make you put down a cash deposit which is used to secure your card in case of a default. Typically, secured credit card deposits are around $200-500.
These are great ways to enter the credit card world, as the deposit makes them much easier to qualify for, and secured credit cards still offer the opportunity to earn rewards and build your credit score.
Get a Great Credit Card as an International Student
Although international students face some additional challenges to getting credit cards in the U.S., they can get past them with a little bit of work.
The best way is to consider opening a U.S. bank account, then work with your bank to see if they have credit card options. However, you should still shop around and get prequalified at other lenders. Going with a student or secured card might be your best option if you don't have much credit yet.
Once you get that credit card, pay your balance on time, every time. You'll slowly build your credit over time — eventually, you'll have access to amazing new credit card and loan opportunities.
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Original Source: How to Find a Credit Card as an International Student
