Credit Cards For International Students Without SSN(Step-by-Step)

Last Updated on October 23, 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.

Zolve Classic Credit Card for students without an SSN

The Zolve Classic Credit Card is designed for people new to the U.S., including international students and working professionals, who don’t have an SSN or a U.S. credit history. Instead of relying on traditional credit checks, Zolve assesses your eligibility based on other factors, such as your visa status and potential future earnings.

Based on a NerdWallet review, it’s considered an excellent way for newcomers to build credit, especially since it reports your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Key Features:

• No SSN or Credit History Required
• No Annual Fee or Security Deposit
• Earn Cashback Rewards with Zolve Classic Credit Card
• Instant Access to a Virtual Card

Downsides:

While the Zolve Classic is a great tool, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Foreign Transaction Fee: The card charges a 3% fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Limited Upgrade Path: Zolve does not currently have an established upgrade path to a different product.
• Variable APR: The interest rate (APR) can be high, ranging from 19.50% to 39.50%. This is typical for credit-builder cards.

Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card

The Chase Freedom Rise® card is an entry-level credit card created for individuals who are just beginning their credit journey. It stands out because it offers a straightforward way to earn rewards while building credit, a combination not always found in starter cards.

Key features:

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• $0 Annual Fee
• $25 Statement Credit

This card is designed to help you establish good financial habits. Chase even automatically evaluates your account annually for a potential upgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card based on responsible use.

Benefits:

Beyond just building credit, the Freedom Rise® card offers several perks that are particularly useful for students.

• Credit Line Increase Evaluation: Chase may evaluate your account for a credit line increase in as little as six months. A higher credit limit can lower your credit utilization ratio, which is a key factor in your credit score.
• Purchase and Warranty Protection: The card comes with Purchase Protection, which covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days (up to $500 per claim). It also includes an Extended Warranty Protection, which adds an extra year to eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranties.
• Partner Benefits: Cardholders can get complimentary access to DashPass for six months, which offers $0 delivery fees on eligible orders from DoorDash and Caviar.

Additional Reading: How to Get a Credit Card with No Credit History

Alternative Ways to Access Credit

If you’re unable to qualify for a traditional credit card, several alternative approaches can help you access credit and begin building your credit history:

Become an Authorized User

One of the easiest ways to start building credit is to become an authorized user on a family member’s or trusted friend’s existing credit card account. This approach offers several advantages:

Benefits:

• No credit check required for the authorized user
• Begin building credit history immediately
• Access to credit without qualifying on your own
• Learn responsible credit use with guidance

Considerations:

Make sure the primary cardholder has good credit habits, as their payment history will affect your credit score. Establish clear agreements about how the card will be used and how expenses will be paid.

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards require a cash deposit that serves as collateral and typically determines your credit limit. These cards are easier to qualify for and help build credit history.

How They Work:

• Make a refundable security deposit (usually $200-$500)
• Your credit limit equals your deposit amount
• Use the card like any other credit card
• Make monthly payments as required
• Build credit history through responsible use

Advantages:

• Easier approval process
• Guaranteed approval with sufficient deposit
• Helps establish credit history
• Often graduate to unsecured cards after responsible use

Credit-Builder Loans

These specialized loans are designed specifically to help people establish or improve their credit scores. The loan amount is held in a savings account while you make payments, and you receive the funds after completing all payments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

International students often make these costly credit mistakes:

1. Overspending: Just because you have a credit limit doesn’t mean you should use it all. Stick to purchases you can afford to pay off completely.
2. Making Only Minimum Payments: While minimum payments keep your account in good standing, carrying a balance means paying interest charges that can quickly accumulate.
3. Missing Payment Due Dates: Late payments damage your credit score and result in expensive fees. Set up reminders or automatic payments to avoid this mistake.
4. Applying for Multiple Cards Too Quickly: Each application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. Multiple inquiries in a short period can lower your credit score.
5. Ignoring Your Credit Report: Monitor your credit report regularly to catch errors or signs of identity theft early. Many credit card issuers provide free credit score monitoring.
6. Using Cash Advances: Credit card cash advances typically come with high fees and interest rates. Use your debit card or bank account for cash needs instead.

Managing Your Credit Card as a Student

Successfully managing a credit card while juggling academic responsibilities requires organization and discipline:

Create a Budget

Develop a monthly budget that includes:

• Fixed expenses (tuition, housing, meal plans)
• Variable expenses (entertainment, personal items)
• Credit card payments
• Emergency fund contributions

Track Your Spending

Monitor your credit card spending through:

• Mobile banking apps
• Online account access
• Monthly statements
• Spending tracking apps

Plan for Payments

Ensure you can make payments by:

• Setting aside money for credit card payments
• Planning payments around your income schedule
• Building a small emergency fund for unexpected expenses

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Many credit cards offer additional benefits for students:

• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection
• Travel insurance
• Access to exclusive discounts and offers

Bottom Line

Getting a credit card as an international student without an SSN might seem challenging, but it’s entirely achievable with the right knowledge and preparation. By choosing the appropriate card for your situation, using it responsibly, and building good credit habits early, you’ll establish a strong foundation for your financial future in the United States.

Whether you’re planning to return home after graduation or build a life in the US, having a solid credit history opens doors to better financial opportunities. Start your credit journey today by applying for one of the cards mentioned in this guide, and take the first step toward financial independence in your new country.