Credit Card for Immigrants in the U.S. With No SSN Option

As an immigrant, moving to the United States comes with several challenges, especially getting a credit card for immigrants to build a credit history. For many new immigrants in the U.S., getting a credit card can feel so confusing and impossible, especially when you have no SSN. However, the good news is that an immigrant can legally get a credit card in the U.S. 

But before this, it is important to understand how the system works and what options are available for you as an immigrant. In this comprehensive article, we will explain everything you as an immigrant need to know. Like requirements, eligibility criteria, card types, and steps to apply. Therefore, stay with us to know everything. 

Can Immigrants Get a Credit Card in the U.S.?

Yes. As per the U.S. financial law, it doesn’t prohibit immigrants from applying for a credit card or owning a card. However, the approval of a credit card for immigrants is decided by the banks and card issuers based on their identity verification, income, creditworthiness, etc. Apart from this, immigrants in the U.S. may include these: 

• Permanent residents (Green Card holders).
• International students.
• H-1B, L-1, or other visa holders.
• Refugees and asylum seekers.
• Undocumented immigrants.

Here, one thing is needed to understand: several immigrants are denied simply because they don’t have any idea which identification is accepted or which cards are designed for newcomers.

Types of Best Credit Card For Immigrants

Below, we have listed some of the best immigrant-friendly cards for you. Please have a look at it to grab the best deal.

1. Secured Credit Cards (Ideal For Beginners)

Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit. This deposit is usually equal to your credit limit. 

• Comes with easy approval with no U.S. credit history.
• Secured cards often accept ITINs.
• Report your financial activity to the major credit bureaus.
• Help to build your credit safely. 

2. Card That Accepts ITIN

Several U.S. banks offer applicants the option to use an ITIN instead of an SSN. Remember, these cards may be secured or unsecured depending on your income and financial profile. Benefits of these cards: 

• No SSN required.
• Offer to build U.S. credit history officially.
• Cards offered by well-known banks.

3. Credit Cards for Newcomers Without Credit History

There are some credit cards for new immigrants that are designed for people who are new to the U.S. credit system. These cards may typically accept: 

• Accept your passport instead of your SSN.
• Do not check your credit history.
• May focus on your income or banking history. 

These cards are mostly popular among international students. 

4. Authorized User Option

As an immigrant, you can become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. For example, spouses or family members. 

If the primary member:

• Pay on time without missing any due date.
• Keeps the balance low.

In this case, immigrants may get benefits from that credit history.

The Best Credit Card For Immigrants in the U.S

We have listed some of the best credit cards for new immigrants below that will help you get an idea of yourself. Have a look at it. 

1. Secured Credit Cards: 

The secured credit card is considered ideal for international students and immigrants with no U.S. credit history. However, the card requires a refundable security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. These cards come with easy approval chances and help to build credit history. 

• Features
  • The card requires a refundable security deposit. 
  • The credit limit is usually equal to your deposit amount. 
  • Report to all major credit bureaus.
  • The card is designed to build credit safely. 

• Pros 
  • Comes with a high approval chance. 
  • The card accepts an ITIN in many cases. 
  • Do not ask for prior credit history.
  • Helps to build credit history. 

• Cons
  • Requires an upfront security deposit.
  • Comes with lower limits.
  • Offer limited rewards on most cards.

• Eligibility Criteria 
  • The card needs an SSN or an ITIN.
  • Require U.S. address. 
  • Your valid ID.
  • A security deposit amount is required.
    

2. Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum credit card is an unsecured starter credit card that is especially designed for users with limited or no credit history. 

• Features 
  • Comes with no annual fee.
  • It is an unsecured credit card.
  • Offer automatic credit line reviews.
  • The card reports to all three major credit bureaus. 

• Pros 
  • The card does not require any security deposit. 
  • It accepts ITIN.
  • Comes with easy-to-understand terms.

• Cons 
  • The card doesn’t offer any cash back.
  • Higher APR if the balance is carried. 

• Eligibility Criteria 
  • Required SSN or ITIN.
  • A valid U.S. address.
  • Income source.
  • The card accepts limited credit history. 

3. Discover It Secured Credit Card

The Discover it secured credit card for immigrants allows new immigrants to build a credit score while earning cash back rewards. 

• Features 
  • Comes with the refundable security deposit.
  • Offer cash back on purchases.
  • Provide free credit score monitoring.
  • Report to all major credit bureaus.

• Pros 
  • Offer to earn rewards while building credit.
  • ITIN accepted.
  • Comes with no annual fee.
  • Offer to upgrade to unsecured after using responsibly. 

• Cons 
  • The card required a deposit amount.
  • The reward category is limited.

• Eligibility Criteria 
  • Require SSN or ITIN.
  • Need a valid U.S. address.
  • Require a security deposit.
  • No prior credit history required. 

4. Chase Freedom Rise

The card is especially designed for people who are new to the credit world, including immigrants and international students. The cards come with attractive cash-back rewards and help users graduate to better chase cards over time. 

• Features 
  • Offer cash back on purchases. 
  • No annual fee.
  • Designed for beginners.
  • Comes with a strong Chase ecosystem.

• Pros 
  • The card accepts ITIN.
  • Offer rewards for every purchase.
  • Offer upgrade potential. 

• Cons 
  • The card comes with fewer rewards than premium cards. 

• Eligibility Criteria
  • SSN or ITIN.
  • Need a valid U.S. address.
  • Need an income source.

5. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

It comes with flexible cash back options and is considered an ideal credit card for immigrants who have some income and a fair credit profile. 

• Features
  • Comes with customizable cash back categories.
  • Comes with no annual fee.
  • ITIN accepted
  • Offer mobile and online banking access.

• Pros 
  • You can choose the cash back category according to your choice. 
  • Considered ideal for everyday spending.
  • Help to improve credit.

• Cons
  • Hard to get approval for non-credit applicants.
  • Comes with a higher APR if unpaid balances. 

• Eligibility Criteria 
  • Need ITIN or SSN.
  • Need U.S. address.
  • Steady income.
  • Require fair or limited credit history. 

6. FirstCard Secured Credit Builder Card

The card is designed for newcomers and immigrants in the U.S. who may have no credit score or SSN. The card mainly focuses on credit building. 

• Features 
  • Secured a credit builder card.
  • The card doesn’t require an SSN.
  • It accepts a passport or ITIN.
  • Report to all major credit bureaus. 

• Pros 
  • The card is especially designed for immigrants.
  • Comes with an easy approval process.
  • Help to build a credit score.
  • Beginner-friendly card.

• Cons
  • It required a security deposit.
  • Comes with limited rewards and perks.
  • Not a traditional bank card.

• Eligibility Criteria
  • Need a Passport or ITIN.
  • U.S. address.
  • Need a security deposit.
  • No prior credit history required. 

These are some of the best credit cards for immigrants who are looking to obtain a credit card to build credit. 

What to Consider Before Applying for an Immigrant Card? 

Before applying for a credit card for immigrants, there are some points that you should consider to grab the best deal. Below, we have mentioned all the points for you: 

1. Check if an SSN or ITIN is available or not: 

Before applying, check whether you have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Because several immigrant-friendly cards accept an ITIN instead of an SSN. However, not all the cards accept ITIN; some require SSN.  

2. Credit History in the U.S.

As a new immigrant in the U.S., you likely have no credit history. In that case, secured credit cards or beginner credit cards are considered the best options for you. These cards are especially designed for first-time applicants. 

3. Type of Credit Card

Before applying, first understand which types of cards fit your situation. 

• If you are looking for no credit history, secured cards are a good option.
• If you have limited credit, then unsecured starter cards can be a good option.
• If you have no SSN, go for an ITIN-friendly.

Choosing the right type of card improves your chance of approval.

4. Security Deposit Requirement

Remember, there are some credit cards for new immigrants that come with a security deposit. Before stepping ahead, make sure you can afford the deposit amount without affecting your expenses. 

5. Annual Fee and Hidden Charges

It is important to always check: 

• Annual fees for the card you are applying for.
• Late payment fee.
• Does it have a foreign transaction fee or not? 

Do not go for a card with high fees. 

6. Credit Bureau Reporting

Ensure that the card reports to all three major credit bureaus of the U.S. This is essential for building your real credit score. 

7. Interest Rate (APR)

Always check the APR, especially when you may carry a balance. 

8. Income Requirements

Remember, most of the cards require proof of income, which can include your job income, self-employment, or household income you can reasonably access. 

9. Upgrade Options

Some cards allow you to: 

• Upgrade your card from secured to unsecured.
• Also, offer to increase limits automatically. 

These features help individuals grow their credit score faster. 

10. Application Frequency

As new to the credit system, many users apply for multiple cards at the same time. This lowers your chances of approval and negatively impacts your credit profile. Apply one at a time. 

These are some of the points one should consider before applying for a credit card for immigrants. 

How to Apply for an Immigrant-Friendly Credit Card?

Below, we have given a step-by-step process on how you can apply for an immigrant-friendly credit card. Have a look at it for a better understanding. 

1. Confirm your Identification—Check whether you have an SSN or ITIN. Apply accordingly. 

2. Choose the Right Card—

Choose the right credit according to your creditworthiness, like: 

• Secured cards are best for users with no credit history.
• A beginner unsecured card is considered best for limited credit users.
• The ITIN accepted card is ideal for immigrants with no SSN. 

3. Check the Eligibility Criteria—

Before applying, check:

• The card’s minimum income requirement, 
• Deposit amount. 
• U.S. address.

4. Gather all the required documents—

Most applications require some documents, like 

• Your passport or government-issued ID.
• SSN or ITIN
• Income Proof.
• U.S. Mailing Address.

5. Apply Online or In-Branch

Most banks allow you to apply: 

• Online applications by visiting the official website of the issuer or bank.
• You can also apply by in-branch application. 

6. Submit Security Deposit (If Required)

IF you are applying for a secured card: 

• Pay the security deposit.
• Remember to deposit your credit limit.
• Your funds are held while the account is active. 

7. Wait For Approval 

Once you submit your application:

• You may get instant approval (in some cases).
• Maybe it requires identity verification. 
• Maybank can ask for additional documents. 

8. Activate and Use Your Card

Once your card is approved: 

• First, activate your card.
• Use your card for small and regular purchases.
• Pay the full balance on time every month.
• Also, monitor your credit score by using free tools. 

This is how one can apply for a credit card for new immigrants easily.

Conclusion 

Getting a credit card for immigrants in the U.S. is possible if one navigates available options wisely. Whether you have an SSN, an ITIN, or no credit history, there are still several realistic options to help you start building credit. However, before applying, you need to understand which card you can apply for according to your financial creditworthiness. This simple but essential check will increase your chance of approval. 

Moreover, if you have no credit history and are looking for a way to start, applying for a secured card can be an ideal choice for you. Because it doesn’t require a credit history and has higher approval chances.

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Discalimer

The information provided on this website is for general guidance on credit cards, loans, and insurance products. We do not provide financial, legal, or professional advice. Product features, eligibility, and terms may change anytime, so users should verify details directly with the provider before applying. We may earn commissions through affiliate links, but this does not influence our reviews or recommendations. Users are responsible for their own financial decisions based on their personal situation.