We know how challenging things can be for international students moving to the UK – especially when it comes to everything associated to building a credit history, handling unexpected bills, expenses, or just making online purchases with ease and security. This often raises a question: Can international students get a credit card in the United Kingdom.
There is no easy answer to that. Yes, it is possible to get approved on some credit cards for international students in some cases, but it tends to come with stricter requirements than it does for UK residents.
In this guide we will explore and break down what international students need to know about credit cards and how to get the best one for their circumstances.
Why Credit Cards Matter for International Students
Here are some of the advantages credit cards can offer international students:
- Building a UK credit history – If you are planning to stay in the UK after graduation, having a solid credit score will help with future loans, mortgages, or even something as simple as a phone contracts.
- Financial flexibility – Although we do not recommend it, a credit card can act as a safety net for emergencies when your student budget is stretched thin and you know you will have money coming in soon..
- Secure payments – When doing online shopping, credit cards offer incredible additional protection compared to debit cards, especially under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
- Currency exchange savings – Some international student credit cards offer fee-free spending abroad, which is useful when booking flights home or making purchases in your home currency.
That said, credit cards are not automatically available to all international students, and getting one often depends on a combination of your immigration status, financial background, and bank relationship.
Are International Students Eligible for Credit Cards in the UK?
As we mentioned before, the eligibility criteria for international students are more restrictive than for UK nationals. The majority of banks and lenders will want to see evidence of financial stability before issuing credit. Common eligibility factors include:
- Residency status – Lenders will often require you to have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years, which many students won’t meet.
- Proof of income – Banks will expect evidence of a steady income, whether from part-time work, scholarships, or family support.
- UK bank account – You’ll need a UK current account, ideally one that has been active for several months.
- Credit history – With no UK credit history, international students are seen as higher risk, reducing the range of credit cards you can apply for.
There are several banks offering special student credit cards, but these are usually aimed at UK students with student accounts. A few banks extend these products to international students who meet certain conditions — such as having a student account for at least six months with regular deposits.
Should International Students Get a Credit Card in the UK?
We have addressed a few ways for you to get a credit card as an international student. Now, should you get one? a credit card isn’t always the best option for every international student. Consider these pros and cons before applying:
Advantages:
- Builds UK credit history.
- Helps manage emergency expenses.
- Offers purchase protection.
- Useful for booking travel and online transactions.
Disadvantages:
- Higher risk of debt if mismanaged.
- Limited choice of cards with potentially high interest rates.
- Requires proof of income, which not all students can provide.
- Currency conversion fees may apply if spending outside the UK.
When it might make sense:
If you’re staying in the UK long-term, have a regular source of income (such as a part-time job), and already hold a student account with a UK bank, a credit card could help establish your financial footprint.
When to avoid:
If you struggle to budget or aren’t confident managing repayments, relying on a credit card could lead to unnecessary debt. In these cases, prepaid cards or international student bank accounts with overdraft facilities might be safer alternatives.
What Documents Do International Students Need to Apply for a Credit Card?
When applying for a credit card in the UK, as an international student you will need to provide documents to prove both your identity and financial stability. This can be trickier than for UK students because international applicants often lack a financial history in the country.
Typical Documents Required
| Document Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), Student Visa |
| Proof of UK Address | Bank statement, utility bill, tenancy agreement |
| Proof of Income | Payslips from part-time job, letter confirming scholarship or grant |
| Proof of Student Status | University acceptance letter, enrolment confirmation |
Some banks might request additional information if they see you as a higher risk applicant — for example, a letter of guarantee from a parent or sponsor confirming financial support.
If you’ve recently arrived in the UK, building a relationship with your bank (such as by opening and regularly using a student account) may also improve your chances of approval when you eventually apply for a credit card.
How to Apply for a Student Credit Card in the UK
The application process itself is fairly straightforward, though the real challenge lies in meeting the eligibility criteria.
Step 1: Open a UK Student Bank Account
Most banks won’t offer credit cards to students who don’t already hold a current account with them. International students should aim to open a student account as soon as they arrive and keep it active for several months before applying for credit.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Some banks have eligibility checkers on their websites — these allow you to see whether you’re likely to be approved without affecting your credit score. It will show as a soft credit check. This is particularly useful if you’re unsure whether your income or residency status meets their requirements.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Use the checklist from the previous section to make sure you have all necessary paperwork ready. Missing documents can delay or even block your application.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
This can often be done online if you’re applying with the same bank where you hold your student account. Some banks might request an in-branch visit for international students, especially if they need to check original documents.
Best Credit Cards for International Students in the UK
While options are limited compared to domestic students, a few UK banks and providers do offer products suitable for international students. Below are some examples (note: availability can change, so always check directly with the bank):
| Credit Card | Key Features | Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Student Credit Card | £500 credit limit, no annual fee, compatible with HSBC Student Account | Usually requires 3+ months with HSBC student account |
| TSB Student Credit Card | £500 limit, no annual fee, standard purchase rate | Only available to TSB student account holders |
| International Student Credit Builder (select providers) | Designed to help new arrivals build UK credit history | Higher interest rates apply, usually requires proof of income |
If you can’t qualify for a student-specific credit card, some students opt for credit builder cards, though these typically come with low limits and higher interest rates.
Benefits of Having a Credit Card as an International Student
Owning a credit card offers more than just spending power. For international students, it can serve as a financial tool that supports both short-term flexibility and long-term goals. Below are some of the most relevant benefits:
Building Your UK Credit Score
Your UK credit history starts from scratch when you arrive. Having (and responsibly using) a credit card helps establish this record, which could be invaluable if you plan to remain in the UK after graduating.
Emergency Backup
Unexpected expenses — from urgent travel to surprise course materials — are easier to handle if you have access to short-term credit.
Safer Online Payments
Credit cards offer stronger consumer protections compared to debit cards, thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This covers purchases between £100 and £30,000, giving you added security when buying electronics, flights, or even accommodation deposits.
Foreign Currency Flexibility
Some international-friendly cards offer fee-free spending when used abroad, which could save money when travelling home for holidays.
Risks & Things to Consider Before Applying
While a credit card can be useful, international students need to approach the decision with caution. Credit cards in the UK operate within a system that may differ from your home country, and a few missteps could damage your financial reputation before you’ve even graduated.
One of the biggest risks is falling into debt. Student credit cards tend to have higher interest rates — often around 30% APR — and these can snowball if you only make minimum payments. Unlike some countries where student credit cards come with generous perks, UK student cards are often basic, with low limits and few rewards.
Another challenge is the impact on your future creditworthiness. Missing even a single payment could make it harder to rent a flat, get a phone contract, or apply for a loan after university. International students already face limited credit options — damaging your score early on makes things even tougher.
Lastly, you need to think about currency fees if you plan to use your UK credit card outside the country. Many cards add extra charges for spending abroad, meaning your home visits or online purchases from international sites could become unnecessarily expensive.
How Can International Students Build Credit in the UK?
If you’re planning to stay in the UK long-term — whether for postgraduate study, work, or residency — building your UK credit score should be a priority. A student credit card is one route, but it’s not the only option.
Here are practical ways to build credit without taking unnecessary risks:
- Open a UK student bank account and actively use it. Regular deposits (like wages from part-time work) and responsible use of overdrafts build a basic financial profile.
- Register for the electoral roll if eligible. This won’t apply to all international students, but Commonwealth citizens studying in the UK can usually register — and this helps with credit checks.
- Pay bills in your name. If you rent privately, putting utilities or broadband in your name and paying them on time helps build credit.
- Use a mobile phone contract instead of pay-as-you-go. Even a small monthly contract contributes to your credit file.
- Consider a credit builder card after six months to a year of active banking — these are designed for people with thin or no credit history.
The key is consistency — regular payments, no missed deadlines, and avoiding overdraft abuse all help lenders see you as reliable.
Alternatives to Student Credit Cards
A credit card isn’t always the best option, especially if you only need a way to pay online or handle emergencies. Here are alternatives worth considering:
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards let you load money in advance and spend only what you have. They don’t build credit, but they do help with budgeting and are often fee-free for international transactions.
Digital Banks
App-based banks like Monzo and Revolut offer flexible accounts with budgeting tools, instant spending notifications, and low international fees. While these don’t directly build credit, responsible use of linked overdrafts can contribute to your financial profile.
Guarantor Loans
If you need to borrow money for a larger expense — like a laptop or flight home — some lenders offer guarantor loans where a family member co-signs the agreement. These can be expensive, but they do help build credit if managed well.
Overdraft on Student Account
If your student bank account includes an overdraft, this can be a safer fallback than a credit card — especially if the overdraft is interest-free.
Final Thoughts
International students can get credit cards in the UK, but they shouldn’t rush into it just because it’s possible. Whether or not it’s the right move depends on your income, your financial habits, and your long-term plans in the UK.
If your goal is purely to build credit, you could achieve that through careful banking, regular bill payments, and using small forms of credit like mobile contracts — without needing a credit card at all. On the other hand, if you feel confident managing a credit card responsibly, it can be a valuable tool to make life easier and lay strong financial foundations.
Whatever you decide, the most important thing is understanding the risks, comparing all options, and choosing the path that suits your personal situation — not just what others are doing.
