Credit Cards Without SSN or Itin

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Brian Davis pro

Member
Hi everyone, I’m an international student who just moved here a few weeks ago. I don’t have an SSN, ITIN, or any credit history yet, but I’d really like to start building credit with a good credit card. I was hoping to get something from Chase or Wells Fargo, but they both require an SSN or ITIN. Amex also seems to require some credit history, which I don’t have.

Is there any kind of workaround with the banks I mentioned, or should I be looking at different options entirely? What’s the best credit card an international student in my position can realistically open to get started?

Thanks so much for any advice!
 
You’ll have a hard time getting approved for Chase or Wells without an SSN or ITIN. They’re pretty strict about that. Your best bet is looking at student cards specifically made for internationals. Deserve EDU used to be the go-to (no SSN required). Also, some banks like Bank of America may allow you to apply with just your passport and proof of address. Worth checking with them directly.
 
I was in the same situation when I moved here for grad school. Amex Global Transfer saved my life. If you had an Amex in your home country, you can leverage that history to open a U.S. Amex card without an SSN. You’ll still need a passport and some U.S. bank info, but it bypasses the whole “no history” problem. Definitely ask if that works for you.
 
Bro, Chase isn’t even gonna look at you without an SSN. Wells Fargo will smile at you, ask for your passport, then say nope anyway. I’d say start with a secured credit card. Capital One and Discover are usually more forgiving. Drop a $200–$500 deposit, use it, pay it off, and boom you’re in the system.
 
There’s no magical workaround unfortunately. U.S. banks are paranoid about identity verification. If you’re serious about staying here, apply for an ITIN. Once you have that, doors open. Without it, you’re mostly limited to niche products like the Deserve EDU card or some local credit union options.
 
Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but some fintechs like TomoCredit advertise no SSN required cards. They underwrite based on your linked bank account, not your credit. They’re not perfect (reporting can be inconsistent), but it might be a start. Just don’t expect high limits right away.
 
I feel your pain! I came here from India and had to start from scratch. What worked for me:
  1. Open a bank account with a major bank
  2. Ask if they’ll give you a credit builder card tied to that account
  3. Apply for an ITIN ASAP makes everything easier
    Took me about a year before Chase gave me a Freedom card. Hang in there
 
International student here too. I got a Discover It Student card with just my passport, I-20, and proof of address. They didn’t require SSN right away but later asked when I got mine. They report to the bureaus, which is huge. Plus, cashback for ramen noodles is always a win
 
Don’t bother with Wells Fargo, they’re notorious for being picky. Chase is great but only once you’ve got a couple of years of history. If you just want to start somewhere, even a $300 secured card from Capital One will get you moving. Use it responsibly for a year and then you can graduate to the “fun” cards.
 
Honestly, the best hack is to get added as an authorized user on someone’s card. If you have a family member or close friend in the U.S. willing to trust you, you can piggyback on their credit. Their positive history will show up on your report and give you a head start.
 
You could also check with your school’s credit union. Mine had a special student starter card for internationals. They only required a passport and proof of enrollment. Small limit ($500), but it was enough to build credit and get things rolling.
 
Haha welcome to America—land of paperwork. They make it deliberately annoying so only the most determined internationals make it through. If you want Chase, be ready to grind: secured card → ITIN → build for a year → maybe they say yes. Patience is the game.
 
There’s a card called Petal that’s worth looking at. They use cash flow underwriting instead of just credit history. You connect your bank account, and they decide based on how you manage money. I’ve heard of internationals getting approved without SSNs, though YMMV.
 
Secured cards sound boring but they really do work. I started with a $300 Capital One secured card, and after 8 months they gave me my deposit back and upgraded me. Now I’ve got a Chase Sapphire. Feels like a glow-up
 
Some people go the authorized user route + one fintech card. That combo can actually give you a 700+ score within a year if you’re disciplined. Then banks like Chase will start rolling out the red carpet.
 
Not trying to be harsh, but without an SSN or ITIN, you’re basically invisible to the U.S. credit system. It sucks, but that’s reality. Start working on that ITIN application. In the meantime, use fintechs to at least build some payment history.
 
If you’re only here for a short time (like a one-year program), it may not even be worth the hassle. Use your debit, maybe get a secured card if possible, but don’t stress. If you’re planning to stay longer, then yeah, ITIN + secured card is the move.
 
Check out Nova Credit. They help transfer your credit history from your home country into the U.S. system. Works with Amex and a few other banks. If you had good credit back home, this might give you a huge leg up.
 
Some banks in university towns have international student packages. They’ll throw in a checking account, savings, and a baby credit card with no SSN required. Ask your international student office sometimes they have partnerships set up.
 
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