I think no one should take this credit card debt issue lightly, especially students.  Every one should be aware that most of the credit card are for US resident only. The way most of the students get the credit card is by filling false information on the citizenship status. As long as you pay your balance, it wont do any harm. But if you fail to pay them back then they can jail you or even deport you on a fraud case. Remember, giving any false information is fraud.