Credit Cards for F-1 Students: How to Get Approved and Use Them Smartly
As an international student in the U.S., using a credit card responsibly can help you build a strong financial foundation. But getting approved for one without a credit history, Social Security number or U.S. income can feel confusing.
The good news is that some credit card issuers are open to F-1 students, and there are smart ways to use a credit card that can improve your financial future. Here’s how to get started.
Why F-1 students might want a credit card
Having a credit card can be helpful for more than just emergencies. It allows you to:
- Make secure online purchases
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Build U.S. credit history for future loans or housing
- Track your spending and start financial habits early
Using a credit card wisely also shows lenders that you’re reliable, which can help with larger financial decisions beyond financing education.
What makes getting a card challenging for international students?
Most U.S. credit card applications ask for:
- A Social Security number
- U.S.-based income
- Credit history or a credit score
As an F-1 student, you may not have any of these when you first arrive. That does not mean you cannot get approved, it just means you’ll need to explore other options.
Credit card options for F-1 students
Here are some common ways international students get their first card:
1. Secured credit card
A secured card requires a deposit, which usually becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit US$300, that becomes the amount you can spend.
Pros:
- Easier approval with no credit history
- Reports to credit bureaus so you build credit
- Good for learning how credit works
Just make sure the card issuer reports your activity to all three credit bureaus and charges low or no annual fees.
2. Student credit card for international students
Some banks offer student cards with fewer requirements. You may need to show:
- A passport
- Proof of enrollment
- A U.S. address
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Check if your school partners with any banks or credit unions that offer credit cards to international students.
3. Become an authorized user
If a friend or family member already has a credit card, they can add you as an authorized user. You’ll share the card account, but your name is added to the credit report.
This can help you build credit without applying on your own, but it depends on the other person’s credit habits. Only try this with someone you trust.
How to improve your chances of getting approved
- Open a U.S. checking or savings account first.
- Strengthen your application by showing a job offer, steady sponsor deposits or proof of an approved MPOWER no-cosigner student loan.
- Apply with a bank that accepts international students and ITINs.
- Avoid applying for multiple cards at once.
Every application creates a credit inquiry, so focus on one solid option at a time.
How to use your credit card wisely
Once you are approved, the way you use your card matters. Keep these tips in mind:
- Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest.
- Do not spend more than 30 percent of your credit limit.
- Set up auto pay so you never miss a due date.
- Use your card for small, regular expenses like groceries or subscriptions.
- Check your statements every month for errors or fraud.
Using your card consistently and carefully is the best way to build a good credit history.
How MPOWER Financing supports students without U.S. credit history
Getting your first credit card is easier when your financial base is strong. MPOWER Financing offers private student loans to F-1 visa holders without needing a U.S. credit score or cosigner.
With MPOWER, you can:
- Show financial stability to banks and credit unions
- Build credit history through on-time loan repayment (MPOWER reports to credit bureaus)
- Learn personal finance skills through free resources
MPOWER helps international students take control of their finances and prepare for the long-term.
Start small and build smart
A credit card is not just a spending tool, it’s a way to show you’re financially responsible. Start with a card that fits your needs, pay your bills on time and watch your credit grow.
Even as an international student, you can build a strong credit profile that supports your goals for years to come.
