What is the best travel credit card for students? Choosing the right credit card for a study abroad program can empower students to enjoy the benefits of a credit card while upholding good financial habits across the globe. Here are key features to look for.
How to Choose the Best Student Card for Study Abroad
6 min read
Published May 24, 2024
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
-
Credit cards are available for students traveling abroad with little to no credit history.
-
Some student credit cards offer reward points that you can use for travel expenses.
-
The best credit card for studying abroad depends on if it’s accepted globally, the associated fees, and the security features it provides.
Student credit card overview
What is a student credit card? It’s a type of credit card made for young adults with little to no credit history who want to manage their expenses. A college student can use their purchase rewards while traveling. Learn more from these student credit card FAQs.
How are student credit cards different from travel cards
A travel credit card offers rewards for spending, such as discounts on airfare, lodging, and dining purchases. Often, these cards have benefits like Miles programs. These cards benefit people who travel often.
A student credit card might provide rewards but is made specifically for students with a limited credit history.
With a Discover it® Chrome for Students, you can earn 2% Cashback Bonus® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.1 Students can accumulate rewards from their credit card use, which can be redeemed to offset costs associated with traveling, such as dining, car rentals, or transit passes.
How credit cards work abroad
Using a credit card while you’re an international student works similarly to a domestic credit card. While you can use most credit cards globally, acceptance may vary depending on the card issuer and country. Users may also expect to pay foreign transaction fees and dynamic currency conversions, depending on the card issuer. Note that Discover has no foreign transaction fee.
Should you notify your bank or credit card issuer of your upcoming travel dates and destinations? Yes, this is a good idea. Without telling your credit card issuer, they might see this new spending pattern as fraud. If your lender thinks you’re a victim of fraud, they might freeze your card—leaving you unable to use it while abroad. This step ensures that your financial institution recognizes your spending patterns as you travel, providing you with uninterrupted access to your funds.
Choosing the best student credit card for study abroad
What is the best credit card for study abroad students to have? Choosing the right student credit card for your travels depends on your individual needs, spending habits, and travel plans. It’s essential to compare different options and select the one that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle decisions. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best credit cards for studying abroad.
International acceptance
Before traveling, you might want to verify that your destination country widely accepts your credit card. By confirming the acceptance of your card's network in advance, you can avoid any inconvenience and ensure you have reliable access to your funds throughout your travels.
Did you know?
Discover users can use their credit cards abroad. Contactless payment is fast and easy, and available in countries that utilize the Discover network. Try our international use tool to determine whether Discover is accepted in your destination country.
Are there foreign transaction fees?
A foreign transaction fee is a charge that covers the processing costs of purchases made in a different currency. Some credit cards charge up to 3% for each transaction initiated in a country with a different currency.
Not all credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. For example, there is no foreign transaction fee with any Discover card. Make sure you find a card with fees that fit your destination and your budget.
Travel expenses
Student credit cards offer the flexibility of redeeming cash back on a wide range of purchases. With cards like the Discover it® Student Cash Back, students can earn significant rewards on their everyday spending. This card allows students to earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, you earn 1% Cashback Bonus® on all purchases. No maximum, no activation needed.
Students can redeem the cash back they earn in various ways, including as a statement credit that can offset travel-related expenses or any other purchase. This offers students versatility in how they use their rewards.
Security features
Most credit cards in the U.S. come with a special chip for extra safety. When you buy something, you usually sign your name. But in places like Europe, you might need to use a credit card PIN—a special number—every time you use your card. It's important to have a card that works everywhere. If your card only uses a chip without a PIN, you might run into trouble using it at some places that ask for a PIN.
Having greater peace of mind can make your travel experience much more enjoyable. Discover offers a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee. With Discover, you’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account.2
Earn top-tier rewards and build your credit history3 with a Discover student credit card
![Discover it credit card]()
Benefits of using a credit card as a study abroad student
Why use a credit card when studying abroad? Students can use these cards to:
- Build credit with responsible use3
- Take advantage of rewards and incentives
- Gain access to emergency funds
- Protect against fraud
- Eliminate the need to carry cash
It’s important to compare the rewards and benefits of each card before choosing a credit card to use while studying abroad. Remember to choose a credit card that suits your needs, whether it’s for rewards, low fees, or convenience.
Tips for healthy spending habits while studying abroad
Just because you’re studying overseas doesn’t mean you’re on vacation from good financial habits. Try to use your credit card wisely and monitor your credit card balance.
Here are some tips to help you cultivate strong spending habits:
Learning how to use a credit card responsibly may help you prevent overspending. It may also keep you from accumulating credit card debt, which could impact your credit score.
The bottom line
Life is an adventure, and studying abroad is a great way to expand your horizons while making memories you’ll cherish forever. The best credit card for studying abroad depends on your specific needs and goals. By following the tips above, you can find a card that will help you get the most out of your experience while preserving your financial health.
See if you’re Pre-approved before you apply
Next steps
See if you're pre-approved
Learn about Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card
See rates, rewards and other info
You may also be interested in
Was this article helpful?
Was this article helpful?