Before i got myself my first credit card, I should admit, I was very reluctant to apply for one.I had heard that as international students do not have a credit history, it is nearly impossible for them to get a credit card. Also this can only be established by having a social security number, which in turn has its own conditions.
1. To obtain a social security number for international students on F1 visa, you need to have an on campus job, maximum 20 hrs per week. after you get this job, your school will give you a letter of referral t obtain a social security.
2. It is necessary for you to get your SSN as you will not be paid otherwise.
3. Once you get your social security, you can acquire your earnings.
Students on a f1 visa have no difficulty in opening a bank account. It is important to maintain a positive balance in your bank account if you are looking to apply for credit card in future. After nearly 4 to 7 months of your first pay month, you can apply for credit cards for students or for no credit history categories. Banks like capital one and orchard bank have options for these kind of cards.
You will be rejected initially, but do not apply to many companies. This is because when you apply to a company for a credit card, they make a inquiry to your credit file. As the number of inquiries will increase, your chances to get a credit card will decrease.
In spite of applying to these companies, you can get a secured credit card from bank of America, Wachovia etc. A secured card works like this. You have to deposit a certain amount in your credit account and that amount determines your credit limit. For example, if a deposit $500 in my card, i shall get a credit line of $500 per month, which i can increase by increasing my deposit. After a certain time, you get your deposit back and get a unsecured credit card.
A good credit on file will increase your chances of getting a educational loan for higher education like graduate school etc in the country if you have a very good credit history for some years. Following are the points to keep in mind-
1. Pay your credit bills on time. if a lot of late fees is put on your credit card, lenders take you as irresponsible and therefore this diminishes your chances of getting a loan in future.
2. MAKE SURE that you pay at least the minimum payable balance on time.
3.NEVER NEVER overspend or cross your credit limit. this will spoil your reputation badly and reflect in your credit report.
4. STAY in your credit limit.
5. Before signing up for any offer, READ ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY!
These are some basic tips to keep in mind. international students should strictly adhere to these rules as the law is stricter in case of immigrants.