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How to Choose the Best Student Card for Study Abroad
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Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Student credit cards may not require an extensive credit history.
- Some student credit cards offer rewards that you may use for travel expenses.
- Students planning to study abroad should make sure the card they choose is accepted at their destination.
A study abroad program may enrich your life by giving you the opportunity to explore new foods, cultures, art, and more. But studying in another country may be costly, and financial challenges might put a damper on your adventure. The right student credit card may help you earn rewards on your purchases, navigate emergencies, and manage your finances while you travel.
Student credit card overview
A student credit card is a type of credit card intended for young adults with little to no credit history who are enrolled in college. These cards may come with features to help cardmembers build responsible credit habits, like expense tracking tools.
Credit card issuers often don’t require a high income or credit score for student cards, since college students are typically just beginning their credit and professional journeys. But that doesn’t mean you have to go without rewards—some student cards earn rewards on eligible everyday purchases, like coffee and snacks.
How are student credit cards different from travel cards?
A travel credit card is a type of rewards credit card that may earn cash back, points, or miles. You may be able to redeem travel card rewards for travel-related expenses, like flights or hotel reservations. Some travel cards are co-branded with specific airlines or hotel chains, while others offer more general travel rewards.
Student credit cards may also offer rewards. However, with a student card, you may earn or redeem rewards for purchases that are relevant to college life instead of travel-focused.
For example, with a Discover it® Student Chrome Card, 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
Some terms and conditions may differ on travel and student credit cards, too. Because college students may not have the resources to manage a lot of credit card debt, credit limits are typically lower on student cards than travel credit cards.
How credit cards work abroad
You may use your credit card abroad in the same way you would use it at home. While many credit cards work internationally, card acceptance varies across countries and issuers. To determine whether a credit card will be accepted in your study abroad destination, ask your credit card company or check your issuer’s website.
You should generally inform your credit card issuer or bank of any international travel so transactions on the other side of the world won’t appear suspicious. Without a travel notice, the company may flag your international purchases as fraud and freeze your account, potentially leaving you without access to your card until you resolve the problem with your issuer.
You may register your travel with Discover online or over the phone.
Choosing the best student credit card for studying abroad
The right student credit card for your study abroad adventure depends on your individual needs, spending habits, and travel plans. As you compare your options, consider the following factors:
International acceptance
Before you apply for a credit card, make sure it’s accepted in the country where you plan to study. A card with a wide-reaching network may work best for studying abroad, especially if you plan to visit multiple countries.
Did you know?
Discover Cardmembers may use their credit cards abroad. Discover® Credit Cards are accepted at millions of places around the world.2 The international acceptance map may help you determine whether you may use your Discover Card in your destination country.
Are there foreign transaction fees?
A foreign transaction fee is a charge that covers the processing and conversion costs of purchases made in a different currency. Fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the total transaction amount. Over the course of your study abroad term, these fees may add up.
Not all credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. A card without foreign transaction fees may save you money throughout your time abroad.
Travel rewards
Students studying abroad may redeem the rewards they earn on qualifying purchases to help cover travel costs.
With cards like the Discover it® Student Cash Back Card, students may earn rewards on every purchase. You 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 may redeem the cash back they earn in various ways, including as a statement credit that may offset travel-related expenses or as a gift card for a select retailer. The versatility allows you to decide the best way to use your rewards.
Security features
Credit cards are generally a secure payment method to use abroad. Most credit cards in the U.S. come with an EMV chip that enhances security. In some countries, you may also need to enter your credit card PIN every time you use your card. Your credit card issuer may send you a PIN in the mail with your card or give you access to it through the online banking portal.
Having greater peace of mind can make your travel experience much more enjoyable. Discover offers a $0 Fraud Liability. You’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card3 account.
Build your credit with the Discover student credit card with responsible use4
Benefits of using a credit card as a study abroad student
Credit cards are particularly useful tools for traveling the world. While studying abroad, a credit card may help you achieve the following:
- Establish positive credit if you use your card responsibly
- Earn rewards and enjoy other perks
- Access emergency funds
- Protect yourself from fraud
- Avoid carrying too much 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 select a credit card that suits your needs, whether you prioritize rewards, low fees, or convenience.
Tips for healthy spending habits while studying abroad
A semester abroad isn’t a vacation from good credit and spending habits. Try to monitor your credit card balance and avoid overspending.
Here are some tips to help you cultivate strong financial habits, no matter where you are:
- Set a monthly or weekly budget that accounts for necessary expenses, meals out, entertainment, and shopping.
- Automatically deposit a portion of each paycheck into your savings account.
- Create an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.
- Set up payment alerts or autopay for your credit card so you never miss a payment.
- Keep an eye out for free attractions and student discounts.
- Avoid using too much of your available credit.
Accruing too much credit card debt abroad may hurt your credit score by increasing your credit utilization ratio. It’s important to keep your spending in check.
The bottom line
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. With the right credit card and responsible habits, you may get the most out of your experience without sacrificing your financial health.
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2% Cash Back at gas and restaurants: You will earn 2% cash back on your first $1000 in combined purchases at gas stations (stand-alone) and restaurants each calendar quarter. Calendar quarters begin January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Purchases at gas stations and restaurants over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, except as noted below, earn 1% cash back. Gas station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Restaurants located inside of or affiliated with another business, such as hotels or retails stores and establishments classified as a bakery, may not qualify. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 2%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion. For online purchases, the transaction date from the merchant may be the date when the item ships. Rewards are added to your account within two billing periods. Capital One uses merchant category codes to determine if a purchase is in one of the additional cash back categories. This means that sometimes a purchase may not earn additional cash back. For example, some food trucks or food carts may use a merchandise code and restaurants in department stores or hotels may use a merchandise or hotel code instead of a dining code. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not earn additional cash back if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. Capital One is not responsible for merchant category codes used by merchants. Applies to all rewards: Earnings will apply to net purchases (purchases minus any credits or returns). Cash advances, balance transfers, transfers from Discover or Capital One checking or other deposit accounts, and checks used to access your account are not considered purchases and will not earn rewards. Portions of purchases paid with rewards, transactions that do not comply with our policies and/or applicable laws, or any cash you receive in connection with a purchase at the point of sale through Discover's Cash at Checkout feature will not earn rewards. See Your Rewards Program Terms & Conditions and your online account for more details.
Discover Acceptance: Based on data provided to Discover by merchants, acquiring institutions and other third parties as of December 31, 2024.
- $0 Fraud Liability: An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Unauthorized use and $0 fraud liability claims are subject to investigation and verification. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends.
Build credit with responsible use: Many factors affect your credit, such as payment history and amount of credit extended and used. Using your credit responsibly may help you build good credit.
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