Starting your financial journey as a student in the United States can feel confusing—especially if you don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN). Many international and newly arrived students believe they cannot get a credit card without an SSN, but that’s not entirely true.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best credit cards for students in USA without SSN, how they work, eligibility requirements, and smart tips to get approved and start building credit legally.
Can Students Get a Credit Card in the USA Without SSN?
Yes, students can get a credit card in the USA without an SSN, but options are limited compared to regular cards.
Most banks allow students to apply using:
- ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Passport
- Student visa (F-1 / J-1 / M-1)
- US address & bank account
Some cards don’t require SSN at all, especially secured credit cards and student-friendly fintech cards.
Best Credit Cards for Students Without SSN (2026)
1. Deserve® EDU Mastercard (Best Overall)
Ideal for: International students & first-time credit users
Key Features:
- No SSN required
- No credit history needed
- No annual fee
- Reports to major US credit bureaus
- Designed specifically for students
Why it’s good:
Deserve EDU is one of the few cards built specifically for international students. Approval is based on enrollment and banking history rather than SSN.
2. Petal® 1 Visa Credit Card
Ideal for: Students with ITIN or US bank account
Key Features:
- SSN optional (ITIN accepted)
- No annual fee
- Credit limit increases with responsible usage
- Cash-back eligible after some months
Why it’s good:
Petal evaluates your banking behavior, not just credit history—making it beginner-friendly.
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa Credit Card
Ideal for: Guaranteed approval without SSN
Key Features:
- No SSN required
- No credit check
- Security deposit required
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
Why it’s good:
If you want the easiest approval, OpenSky is a solid option to start building US credit safely.
4. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Ideal for: Students with ITIN
Key Features:
- Accepts ITIN
- Low refundable security deposit
- No annual fee
- Automatic credit line review
Why it’s good:
Capital One is a trusted US bank, and this card helps students transition to unsecured cards later.
5. Zolve Credit Card (For New Immigrants & Students)
Ideal for: International students moving to the US
Key Features:
- No SSN required initially
- Designed for immigrants & students
- Credit history considered from home country (select regions)
Why it’s good:
Zolve bridges the gap between international and US financial systems.
Comparison Table: Student Credit Cards Without SSN
| Card Name | SSN Required | Annual Fee | Credit Building |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deserve EDU | ❌ No | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| Petal 1 | ❌ Optional | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| OpenSky Secured | ❌ No | $35 | ✅ Yes |
| Capital One Secured | ❌ Optional | $0 | ✅ Yes |
| Zolve Card | ❌ No | $0 | ✅ Yes |
Secured vs Unsecured Credit Cards (Which is Better?)
Unsecured cards (like Deserve EDU):
- No deposit
- Harder approval
- Better for students with income or bank history
Secured cards (like OpenSky):
- Requires refundable deposit
- Almost guaranteed approval
- Best for zero credit history
👉 If you’re brand new to the US, start secured → upgrade later.
How to Increase Approval Chances (Without SSN)
Follow these steps before applying:
- Open a US bank account
- Maintain minimum balance for 1–2 months
- Use your college email ID
- Apply for only one card at a time
- Avoid multiple applications (hard inquiries)
How to Build Credit Score as a Student in the USA
Once approved:
- Use less than 30% of your credit limit
- Pay the full balance on time
- Avoid cash advances
- Keep the account active monthly
Within 3–6 months, you can start seeing a US credit score.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
- Applying for premium cards too early
- Missing payment due dates
- Maxing out credit limits
- Closing your first credit card
These mistakes can delay your credit growth.
Final Thoughts
Getting a credit card in the USA without an SSN is possible, especially for students. The key is choosing the right card, using it responsibly, and focusing on long-term credit building rather than short-term spending.
If you’re a student planning to stay in the US, starting early with the right credit card can make your financial life much easier.
FAQs – Credit Cards Without SSN
