How Can International Students Get A Credit Card? Getting a credit card can already be overwhelming enough for individuals that are citizens of the United States of America. However, the process is totally different for an international student schooling in the United States of America.
This is because the process is basically overwhelming and not easy for an international student. This brings us to the topic of how can an international student get a credit card.
Although it is difficult for an international student to get a credit card in the United States of America it is not an impossible task to accomplish. So many international students now have credit cards thanks to the process that we have described of this article. Therefore if you are an international student and you want a credit card in America then you are on the right path.
Can International Students Get A Credit Card?
Before we start yapping about all the various ways and methods that you can use as an international student to get a credit card let’s first understand if they can get a credit card or not. The answer to this question is yes international song students can get a credit card when they are some factors that are put in place. One such factor is the applicant’s credit history.
Also, they regularly check the social security number of the applicants which of course international student does not have. And other factors to determine if they can give a credit card to an international student or anybody. That being said the answer is again yes it is still very much possible for an international student to have a credit card and we’ll see that as we progress.
How Can International Students Get A Credit Card
An international student can get a guard card in a variety of ways that I am going to be listing below for you to start doing today if you want a credit card. It may seem difficult to do but it is not exactly that difficult and can be easily done so that you can get your credit card. Therefore below I have listed some ways in order for you as an international student to get a credit card while schooling in the country.
Open A U.S. Bank Account
As an international student to increase your odds of getting a credit card you simply need to open a u.s. bank account that is approved for a credit card if you have a source of income. This is because as you are not a citizen of the country if you have a bank account in the country with the approval of a steady income then you might just be given a credit card. Having a u.s. bank account improves your odds drastically.
Have A Line Of Credit
Now that your bank account is set it is not time for you to start establishing your credit of which credit card companies can pull up when you apply for a credit card. To do this you have to make use of new tools such as ultrafico and Experian boost. These are what will report you’re positive account activities to the three major credit bureaus.
Once you have your bank account set up start making payments like utility bills subscriptions rent payments and others this will help boost your score.
Have A Part-Time Job
Getting a part-time job is the best option on this list. This is because depending on the student visa that you have getting in secured part-time employment will automatically qualify you to have a social security number. This is one of the requirements to have a credit card and it will also serve as your proof of income because you are already working. Which makes this the best option for an international student.
Do International Students Need A Social Security Number?
The answer is yes international student needs their social security number for getting a credit card. And it is very much possible to get a Social Security number if you have the right visa. Any student having an F-1 visa or other student visa equivalent can apply or qualify for a social security number. However for this to be possible you have to get authorization and also have a job.
How To Get A Credit Card Without A Social Security Number
There are different ways students can use and get a credit card without a social security number they are listed below:
- Request for an ITIN – if you did not have a social security number that is not at the end of its life you can still make use of the ITIN number to apply for a credit card. To do that you have to visit the website of the international revenue service IRS.
- Be an authorized user – when you become an authorized user you have the ability to make use of another person’s line of credit just as if it is your own. You did not have to apply for a credit card but you become a credit card user and you do not have to pay the debt on the credit card.
- Bank-issued credit card – if you already have a bank account it will be easier for you to get a bond-issued credit card instead of applying for a new credit card from a different issuer. This is because you have already established a financial relationship with your mum which will work in your favor.
These are the best ways you can use in getting a credit card without actually having a social security number whether you are an international student or not.