Top-student credit cards for studying abroad in 2025

Best Credit Cards for Studying Abroad: Top Options for Building Credit and Earning Rewards

As a student studying abroad, it’s essential to find a credit card that fits your unique needs. Not only do you need a card that’s accepted internationally, but you’ll also want one with no foreign transaction fees. We’ve analyzed the top credit cards for students and identified the best options for building credit and earning rewards.

Best for Flat-Rate Rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Student Credit Card

• Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no caps or categories to track
• No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
• Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family for a Capital One credit card

Best for Welcome Bonus: Discover it Student Cash Back

• Limited to Fair credit, no annual fee
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limit
• Cashback Match rewards in the first year, including bonus category spending
• No credit score required to apply

Best for Intro APR: Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students

• 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
• 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
• No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
• Strong welcome bonus of 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days

Best for Cash Back: Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

• 3% cash back at grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
• Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when spending $100 in the first three months

How to Choose the Best Student Credit Card for You:

1. Consider your spending habits: Choose a card that rewards your most frequent purchases.
2. Look for no-annual-fee cards: Avoid cards with annual fees unless the benefits outweigh the cost.
3. Check foreign transaction fees: Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees if you plan to travel abroad.
4. Build credit: Use your credit card responsibly to establish a credit history.
5. Read the fine print: Understand the terms, conditions, and fees associated with your card.

FAQs:

• Is Discover accepted everywhere? While Discover is widely accepted in some countries, it’s not as popular as Visa or Mastercard in many areas.
• Are Chase credit cards good for international travel? Many Chase cards offer valuable travel perks and rewards, making them great options for international trips.
• What type of credit card is best for abroad use? Visa and Mastercard are typically the best options, but some cards may charge foreign transaction fees.