An international student's survival guide to the US
<div class="user-question">Hi Frich! I'm moving to the US as an international student this fall. Any advice on how to manage my money while I’m there? I’m feeling overwhelmed with the whole system - credit scores, bank accounts, budgeting - it’s all new to me.</div>
Hey there! First off, congrats on the big move - that’s no small feat. Adjusting to life (and money) in a new country can feel daunting, but I’ve got you.
Let’s break it down into manageable steps so you can feel confident navigating the U.S. money system, even if it all feels foreign right now.
Start with a bank account
Your first move? Open a U.S. checking account. This is your financial home base - you’ll use it to receive money (like from family, on-campus jobs, or scholarships) and to pay for day-to-day stuff like rent, groceries, or subscription services. Many banks have student accounts with no monthly fees. Just bring your passport, visa, I-20, and proof of address (like a lease or dorm letter) to get started. You can also find a business that offers a bank account that will help you to start building your credit - more on that below.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: If you want your first bank account to more closely align with your values, consider GreenFi. GreenFi is the climate-friendly alternative to traditional banks that empowers you to align your actions with your values without costing you extra money. </div>
Track your spending (you’ll thank yourself later)
Living in the U.S. can be expensive - especially if you’re in a big city. Use an app or even a simple spreadsheet to keep tabs on your spending. Break your budget down by categories: rent, food, transportation, and fun (yes, fun deserves a line item). A lot of students overlook this and end up constantly scrambling for cash by the end of the month. Don’t be that person.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Era automatically learns your money habits, tracks current events, and then can take care of your money for you. </div>
Get smart about earning & transferring money
If you plan to work while studying, make sure your visa allows it (usually only on-campus during your first year). And if your family is sending money from home, look for low-fee transfer options like Remitly, Wise or Western Union instead of getting hit with hefty bank fees. Every dollar counts, especially when you're budgeting in two currencies.
Understand credit (and why it matters)
The U.S. lives on credit scores - and building one early is key. It affects everything: renting an apartment, getting a phone plan, even job applications in some cases. As an international student, you probably won’t have a credit history when you arrive - but that doesn’t mean you can’t start building it.
Look for a starter card that’s designed to help you build credit safely. Some companies offer cards that report to the credit bureaus but don’t require a credit score to apply. They’re built specifically for people who are new to the U.S. financial system - meaning no hidden traps, just a clear path to building your score.
Use your card for small purchases (like your Netflix bill or groceries), and pay it off on time and in full every month. That consistency is what builds your credit history over time. You don’t need to carry a balance - you just need to show that you’re responsible with credit.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: One of our team’s favorite tools is Kikoff. Kikoff helps you build credit safely & easily with affordable monthly plans designed to quickly improve key credit factors.</div>
Take advantage of great deals
- Too Good To Go - get food for half the price or less at local cafes and restaurants
- Craigslist's / Facebook Marketplace's "Free" section - join these groups to get free things in your neighborhood that would be tossed away otherwise
- Influenster - get free samples on a wide range of products in exchange for leaving a review
- Total Wireless - get the best deals for your phone plan (you'll need a U.S. phone number!)
Found this valuable? Here are some more deep dives from the Frich team 🤝
✅ 8 companies that help you save money
✅ How can I have fun if I have no money?
No one expects you to be a financial expert overnight. Take it step by step, make a few smart moves early on, and you’ll be ahead of the game - not just as a student, but for life after graduation too.
You’ve got this! -- Danielle from Upwardii
