5 Best Secured Credit Cards for International Students

The five best secured credit cards for international students are the Capital One Secured Mastercard, Discover it Secured Credit Card, OpenSky Secured Visa Card, Chime Credit Builder Visa, and the US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature, each designed to help you establish credit history while managing the unique challenges of studying abroad. Secured credit cards require a cash deposit as collateral, making them an ideal solution when you're building credit from scratch in a new country.

As an international student, accessing traditional credit products can feel impossible. You may lack a Social Security Number, have limited credit history, or face skepticism from lenders unfamiliar with your background. Secured credit cards bridge this gap by allowing you to build a strong credit foundation while you focus on your studies. Let's explore each option and help you find the perfect fit for your financial situation.

1. Capital One Secured Mastercard

The Capital One Secured Mastercard stands out as one of the most accessible options for international students without extensive credit history. This card requires a minimum security deposit of $200, which becomes your credit limit, and it reports to all three major credit bureaus—essential for building your credit score over time.

What makes Capital One particularly student-friendly is their willingness to work with applicants who have limited credit history or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN. The card comes with no annual fee, competitive APR, and the potential to graduate to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible use. You'll also get access to Capital One's CreditWise tool, which provides free credit monitoring and helps you understand your financial progress.

The main limitation is that the credit limit equals your deposit—if you deposit $200, your limit is $200. However, Capital One often increases your limit after consistent on-time payments, and your deposit may eventually be returned as you build credit. When you're ready to explore broader credit options, understanding how to get a US credit card without an SSN becomes invaluable for your next steps.

2. Discover it Secured Credit Card

Discover it Secured offers something most secured cards don't: cash back rewards. You'll earn 2% cash back on purchases at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. This means you're not just building credit—you're earning money while you do it.

The card requires a minimum security deposit of $200 and has no annual fee, making it equally affordable as Capital One. Discover is known for excellent customer service and regularly reviews accounts for graduation to unsecured status. After as little as six months of responsible use, you may qualify to move to their standard Discover it card.

One consideration: Discover cards aren't accepted everywhere internationally, though they're widely recognized in the US and increasingly abroad. If you're planning to use your card primarily in the United States, this is an excellent choice. For those traveling frequently or studying in regions with limited Discover acceptance, you might want to pair this with another Visa or Mastercard option.

3. OpenSky Secured Visa Card

OpenSky Secured Visa Card is specifically designed for people building credit from scratch, making it particularly welcoming to international students. Unlike most secured cards, OpenSky doesn't require a credit check or minimum deposit amount—you can start with whatever security deposit works for your budget, from $200 to $2,500.

This flexibility makes OpenSky attractive when you're managing tight student finances. The card reports to all three credit bureaus and has no annual fee for the first year, then $35 annually thereafter. Your credit limit equals your deposit, and after consistent on-time payments, OpenSky may increase your limit or return your deposit.

The trade-off is that OpenSky charges a relatively higher APR compared to competitors, and the $35 annual fee after year one adds cost. However, if you're in a situation where you need flexibility with your deposit amount or have been rejected by other lenders, OpenSky's inclusive approach makes it worth considering. Understanding the broader landscape of best credit cards for international students worldwide can help you compare your options more comprehensively.

4. Chime Credit Builder Visa

Chime Credit Builder Visa takes a different approach—it's designed for people who already have a Chime checking account and want to build credit through small, manageable payments. This card requires a $25 monthly deposit into a locked savings account, which becomes your credit limit as it grows.

What makes Chime unique is that it's truly designed for financial beginners. There's no interest charged on your deposits, no annual fee, and the card reports to all three credit bureaus. After 12 months of on-time payments, you'll have built a $300 credit limit while also saving money.

The limitation is that Chime Credit Builder requires a Chime checking account, which means opening a new bank account if you don't already have one. However, Chime is known for being international-student-friendly, offering accounts without SSN requirements. If you're open to consolidating your banking with Chime, this option provides a structured way to build credit while forced savings. When considering your overall banking needs, exploring best student bank accounts for studying in Europe or similar resources helps you evaluate integrated financial solutions.

5. US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature

US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature isn't technically a secured card in the traditional sense, but it's worth mentioning for international students who qualify or have a US Bank relationship. This card offers 4% cash back on eligible dining, gas, and streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases—significantly better rewards than standard secured cards.

If you can qualify (which typically requires some credit history or a US Bank account), this card provides immediate access to premium rewards. The $95 annual fee is offset by the rewards potential if you use the card regularly. However, most international students without prior credit history will need to start with a traditional secured card first.

Think of Altitude Go as your graduation goal rather than your starting point. Once you've successfully used a secured card for six months to a year and built your credit score into the 650+ range, you'll be positioned to qualify for cards like this that offer substantially better value.

Choosing the Right Secured Card for Your Situation

Selecting the best secured credit card depends on your specific circumstances. If you want maximum flexibility and no annual fees, Capital One Secured Mastercard and Discover it Secured are both excellent starting points. If you prefer rewards while building credit, Discover it's cash back program makes it the obvious choice. If you need maximum flexibility with deposit amounts, OpenSky accommodates various budgets.

Consider your deposit capacity first. Most cards require $200-$500 minimum, but you can deposit more if you want a higher credit limit. Remember that your deposit is your own money—it's collateral, not a payment. You'll maintain this deposit while you use the card and make regular payments.

Next, think about where you'll use the card. If you're studying in the US and plan to stay, any of these options work well. If you're traveling internationally frequently, stick with Visa or Mastercard options (Capital One, OpenSky, or Chime) since these are accepted globally.

Building Your Credit Score Beyond the Card

Securing a credit card is just the beginning of your credit-building journey. To maximize your progress, make small purchases monthly—this shows you can manage credit responsibly. Pay your balance in full and on time every month. Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, so consistency matters tremendously.

Keep your credit utilization low, ideally below 30% of your limit. If you have a $500 limit, try to charge no more than $150 monthly. This demonstrates you're not dependent on credit and can manage finances responsibly.

Understanding the broader context of credit building is crucial. How immigrants can build a credit score from scratch provides comprehensive strategies that apply equally to international students navigating the US credit system. Additionally, being aware of a student's guide to foreign transaction fees helps you avoid unexpected charges if you use your card internationally.

Timeline to Graduation and Unsecured Cards

Most issuers review secured cardholders for graduation to unsecured status after 6-12 months of perfect payment history. When this happens, your deposit is returned and you receive an unsecured card with a higher limit and potentially better terms. This is the goal—to use your secured card as a stepping stone to better credit products.

Once you've graduated from a secured card, you'll qualify for student credit cards, travel rewards cards, and other products designed for people with established credit. Some students even earn best business class flight redemptions for beginners through rewards programs once they've built sufficient credit and credit history.

Getting Started: Next Steps

The application process for secured cards is straightforward. Most issuers accept applications from people with an ITIN or SSN, making them accessible to international students. You'll need to provide your passport or visa as identification, proof of address, and income information (which can be from part-time work or family support).

Start by comparing the cards discussed here and selecting the one that best matches your financial situation and goals. Apply directly through the issuer's website to avoid scams or unnecessary fees. Once approved, fund your security deposit immediately and begin using your card responsibly.

Remember that building credit takes time, but secured cards provide the most straightforward path for international students to establish a strong credit foundation in the United States. By choosing the right card and using it responsibly, you're investing in your financial future and opening doors to better credit products, lower interest rates, and improved financial opportunities throughout your life.