Last Updated on October 17, 2025 by Amrita Das
Starting college in the United States as an international student brings excitement and new opportunities—but it also presents unique financial challenges. One of the biggest hurdles? Acquiring a credit card without an SSN. While building credit history is essential for your future in the US, traditional credit cards often require documentation that international students simply don’t have yet.
The good news is that several credit card issuers now offer specialized products designed specifically for international students. These cards can help you manage daily expenses, handle emergencies, and most importantly, begin building the credit history you’ll need for future financial goals like renting an apartment or securing a car loan.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a credit card as an international student without an SSN, from understanding your options to successfully applying and managing your new account.
Additional Reading: How To Build Credit Fast With A Student Credit Card?
SSN Challenge for International Students
A Social Security Number serves as a primary form of identification in the US financial system. Most credit card applications require either an SSN or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness.
Can International Students Get an SSN?
According to the Social Security Administration, international students may be eligible for an SSN if they have authorization to work in the United States. Students with F-1 or M-1 visa status can apply for an SSN once they have:
- A valid job offer or work authorization
- Proper documentation from their school
- Legal permission to work in the US
However, many international students don’t qualify for work authorization immediately upon arrival, leaving them without an SSN during their first semester or longer.
Alternative: Getting an ITIN
If you’re not eligible for an SSN, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the IRS. An ITIN serves a similar function to an SSN for tax purposes and may be accepted by some credit card issuers. The application process typically requires:
- Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Valid identification documents
- A federal tax return or other documentation showing the need for an ITIN
Why International Students Need Credit Cards?
Building a US credit history is crucial for international students planning to stay in the country after graduation. Here’s why having a credit card matters:
Establishing Credit History
Your credit score affects your ability to rent apartments, get car loans, secure mortgages, and sometimes even land certain jobs. Using a credit card responsibly demonstrates your ability to manage debt and make payments on time.
Managing Daily Expenses
Credit cards offer convenience for everyday purchases like textbooks, groceries, and transportation. They also provide a safety net for unexpected expenses that might arise during your studies.
Earning Rewards and Cashback
Many student credit cards offer rewards programs that can help you save money on purchases you’re already making. This can be particularly valuable when managing a tight student budget.
Emergency Financial Protection
Credit cards provide access to funds during emergencies when you might not have immediate access to money from home or your bank account.
Building Financial Responsibility
Learning to use credit responsibly while you’re a student sets you up for better financial management throughout your life.
Best Credit Cards for International Students Without SSN
Deserve Edu Mastercard
The Deserve Edu Mastercard stands out as one of the most accessible options for international students. This card requires no SSN and uses alternative data to evaluate applications.
Key Features:
- Do not require SSN for the application
- No credit history required for the card
- This Card offers 1 percent cashback on all purchases
- Free Amazon Prime Student membership for one year
- No annual fee
- Simple Rewards Program
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Application Process:
Note: The Deserve EDU Mastercard is not currently accepting new applications. Check the Deserve website for the most up-to-date information on availability.
When applications are open, you must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in a U.S. college or university. You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of a U.S. bank account.
- Your passport and student visa information (if you’re an international student).
- Your U.S. address.
- Information about your school and area of study.
The process is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to complete your application online in just a few minutes.
Learn more: Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Capital One Student Credit Card without SSN
Savor Student Credit Card
The Savor Student card stands out for students who frequently spend on dining and entertainment. Key features include:
- Offer unmeasured 3% cash back on dining, enjoyment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores ( Walmart and Target are not included)
- Limitless 1% cash back on all other shopping
- No annual fee for the life of the card
- No foreign transaction fees—particularly valuable for international students who may travel home or make purchases from international retailers
Quicksilver Student Credit Card
For students who prefer simplicity, the Quicksilver Student card offers:
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No annual fee for the life of the card
- No foreign transaction fees
- Straightforward rewards structure with no categories to track or rotating bonuses to remember
Both cards include Capital One’s comprehensive security features, including account alerts, card lock capabilities, and fraud monitoring—essential protections for students managing their finances independently.
Discover Student Cards
Discover offers two main student credit cards designed specifically for college students: the Discover it® Student Cash Back card and the Discover it® Student Chrome card. Both cards come with compelling features that make them attractive options for students building their first credit history.
Features:
- No annual fee, allowing you to save money while building credit.
- Earn cashback on everyday purchases like dining, groceries, and gas.
- Access to FICO® Credit Scores for free to track and understand your credit health.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases for a specified period, making it easier to manage expenses.
- Free alerts if your Social Security number is found on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.
- Easy mobile app access to manage your account, pay bills, and monitor transactions on the go.
- Application Requirements and Process
To apply for a Discover student credit card, you’ll need to meet several basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a U.S. physical address
- Provide a Social Security Number
- Show proof of college enrollment
- Demonstrate adequate income for your age group
The income requirement is particularly important for students under 21, who face stricter rules about what counts as qualifying income. This can include wages from part-time jobs, work-study programs, or regular financial support from family members.
Students 21 and older have more flexibility in reporting income, including reasonable expectations of family support or other financial assistance.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is specifically designed to meet the needs of students. It combines the benefits of a travel rewards card with features that make it accessible and easy to manage, even for those new to credit.
Key Features and Benefits
This card is packed with features that offer both value and flexibility.
- No Annual Fee: You can enjoy all the benefits of the card without paying a yearly fee. This is a significant advantage for students managing a tight budget.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international students or those who love to travel abroad. You won’t incur extra charges on purchases made outside the United States.
- Generous Rewards Program: Collect unlimited 1.5 points for each $1 spent on all purchases. There are no spending categories to track, making it simple to accumulate points on everything from textbooks to takeout.
- Valuable Bonus Offer: New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. This bonus can be retrieve for a $250 statement credit unto travel and dining purchases.
- Flexible Redemption: You can redeem your points for a statement credit to cover a wide range of travel and dining expenses. This includes flights, hotels, rental cars, and even restaurants.
Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card
Unlike most traditional credit cards, the Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card does not require an SSN or a prior U.S. credit history for application. This makes it an accessible starting point for international students who want to begin building a positive credit profile.
Firstcard reports your payment activity to the major credit bureaus. By making small, regular purchases and paying them off on time, you demonstrate financial responsibility. This positive activity is added to your credit report, helping you build a solid score from the ground up.
Key Features:
- No SSN Required – Apply with Your Passport
- Zero Percent APR facility
- Earn Cashback Rewards
- No Hard Credit Inquiry with Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card
- Autopay Feature for Safe Credit Building
How to Apply for Firstcard Without an SSN?
Firstcard has streamlined the application process to make it accessible for international students. You don’t need an SSN to get started, which is a major advantage over most other credit card issuers.
Here’s what you need to apply:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a legal U.S. residential address.
- Possess a valid passport and student visa.
The process is straightforward and can be completed online in minutes. Instead of an SSN, you’ll use your passport for identity verification. There is no hard credit inquiry, which means applying won’t negatively affect your credit score.
This is especially helpful for those who have no credit history to begin with.
Once approved, you’ll deposit money into your account to secure your credit line. This security deposit becomes your credit limit, and you can start using your card for everyday purchases like coffee, groceries, and dining out.
