Hey guys,

So the situation is this. I am an international student here in the U.S. with a social security number and everything. However, my credit history is way too pre-mature for me to get a card. My parents, on the other hand, have good credit histories but live outside the U.S. I can manage their accounts and apply for cards for them and get the points. My question is, generally, can an international resident apply for these U.S. credit cards programs like A.A. 75k citibank deals? Also are there any good resources for non-U.S. guys? (specifically Singapore)

Its going to be tough initially. You will need a decent job. Also start with store CC. Don't mean to disappoint you, but thats what I went through as a green card holder.

How long did you wait till you applied for your first CC with miles bonus?

I think the first thing to do is to get a CC that last forever without an annual fee. Just for the CC history.

From personal experience, card companies do not care about citizenship. I was approved for a student credit card, as soon as I got a part-time on-campus job. I applied for a second card in 6 months with a national bank. This one was approved with a lot of credit. Another 6 more months, I applied for one of those 75K miles citi cards. I was approved instantly, though with a low credit limit.

From my anecdotal experience, I would say 1 year of paying your credit card bill completely, and attaining a decent credit limit on the cards, and of course a decent credit score, would make you eligible for the miles cards (or any high credit limit cards for the matter)

And about using your parents credit, it may not be possible unless they have an SSN in good standing. If they do, they can apply and add you as an authorized user on it.

And good luck will your credit building. Just remember the system is based only your FICO score, and how long you have had a FICO score.

Unfortunately in most cases non-US citizens here on a student visa are not allowed seek employment outside the campus.

When I was doing my MBA on an F-1 visa, I was working as a teaching assistant at the school. This allowed me to join a Federal Teachers Credit Union, which issued me my first credit card (no annual fee) despite having no credit history. I also got my first car loan through them after a year of having the card. I paid off that loan early; after that my score was already 700+ and I was eligible for any credit card I wanted.

A student credit card like Capital One is also a good alternative for building credit history like the previous posters suggested. Either way, it will probably be at least a year before you're able to apply for the lucrative offers like Citi AA. Your parents won't be able to apply for any cards unless they have SSN's.

It doesn't have to be that complicated to build credit history for international students. You don't even need any appointment or employment to start with. Do NOT start with Capital One.

Just go to the bank where you deposit all or most of your money then apply its own credit card. Generally speaking, internationally students bring enough money to the States and put it into the bank when opening the 1st checking/savings account. "Your" money will convince your bank and they will be more than happy to issue you a card. That might not earn you any point/mile bonus but it will get you going with establishing a credit history and worthiness in the States.

Using that card for say 6 months or a year, you should be able to get an Amex card, student or not. Compared to Citi, Amex cards seem to be less challenging to obtain for someone with short or limited credit history.

This old thread should give OP some good pointers on where and/or how to start:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...rd-newbie.html

Just use your money and card/s responsibly. Good luck!

The stipend you receive is considered as income. So you would been approved for a student card from basically any bank.

Basically, in the US, you can get an SSN only if you have a job, anything deposited to your bank account would be considered your income.

Since the OP, already has a SSN, I assume he/she already has a job, and would have no problems getting a student card. Though as the above poster suggested, she/he would have better luck with the bank she/he already has a checking account with.

Hey guys thanks for the responses

I have a SSN because I had an internship this summer, however, it was an unpaid one so I couldn't qualify for a CC. I applied for the BoA general CC and was rejected and was told I need a co-signer. Will having a co-signer affect how I build my credit history?

What's your main bank? Is it BoA? If not, don't start with BoA. They are not the easiest bank to start or work with. Not to mention it's a fee-loaded bank. Hardly any service is free unless you have a big chunk of money in BoA.

Like I said, get a general credit card from your main bank, i.e. where you "park" most of your money. Your bank knows how much money you have in your account. They are more likely to approve you with a credit card. Ask your bank, not any bank, what they need to give you a credit card.

Wherever co-signer is needed, it means they don't "trust" you enough to start a relationship with you. They are holding your co-signer accountable (if you can even find one), when you fail to pay up or go delinquent. Chances are co-signers need to have good, if not great, credit history and SSNs.

I am not saying you would go delinquent but just keep in mind:

Signing your name on a legally binding document is a serious matter. Not that many Americans are willing to co-sign any documents, even for a good friend.

You should also go to creditboards.com and look up for more in-depth advices on how to build credit for a starter. FT is NOT the best forum for that line of discussion. After you have "some" credit history, then you can start looking for some mile/point credit card deals. Don't try to fly before you can barely walk.

Building your credit history should be your 1st priority. Good luck!