How Non U.S. Citizens Can Get a Credit Card in the USA

Moving to the United States opens the door to countless opportunities, but navigating the financial system can be a lot, especially when you're trying to get a credit card for the first time. Understanding how to get a credit card for non U.S. citizens is an essential step toward building your financial life in America.

The good news? You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or even have a Social Security number to get started. In fact, there are more options than ever for newcomers to the U.S. financial system. With the right documents, tools, and strategy, you can build a positive credit history and begin shaping your American financial profile.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a credit card as a non U.S. citizen: from what documents you need to how credit scores and credit reports work in the U.S. You’ll also learn which types of credit card options are best for your situation and how to build a positive credit history from the ground up.

Understanding the Credit System in the USA

In the U.S., your creditworthiness is determined largely by your credit score, a number that ranges from 300 to 850 and is based on data from your credit reports. These reports are maintained by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Your credit score is influenced by several factors, including your payment history, credit mix, length of credit history, and how much of your credit limit you’re currently using.

Most credit card companies report your payment activity to these credit bureaus. By making on-time payments and using your card responsibly, you can build credit from scratch, even as a newcomer without a U.S. credit file.

Legal Residency and Visa Requirements

Many credit card issuers require you to be a legal resident or permanent resident of the U.S. to apply for credit. However, there are credit card options available to non-residents, undocumented immigrants and others without a traditional credit history. While some financial institutions restrict their offerings to those with legal permanent resident status, others are more flexible.

Having a student visa, work visa or refugee or asylum status can be sufficient, depending on the credit card company. That’s why it’s so important to confirm the issuer’s policies during the application process.                               

Secured Credit Cards for Non U.S. Citizens

Secured credit cards can be a good starting point for consumers without an established U.S. credit profile. These cards require you to pay a refundable cash deposit, usually between $200 and $2,000, which serves as collateral and often serves as your credit limit.

Because they involve less risk to the lender, secured cards are more accessible to those without pre-established credit histories. Over time, responsible credit use may lead to an upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Some credit card providers offer secured credit cards specifically for non U.S. citizens, with easy online applications that require no SSN, ITIN or credit history. Just make sure to do your research and make sure you’re working with a reputable credit card issuer.

Building Credit History from Scratch

Your journey to a strong credit score starts the moment you open your first credit account. With each on-time payment and keeping a low balance relative to your credit limit, your credit profile improves. To build credit effectively, make sure you do the following:

• Consistently make on-time payments

• Keep your balance low relative to your full credit line

• Avoid applying for too many cards at once

You can also become an authorized user on a friend or family member’s credit card account, which allows you to benefit from their positive payment history and credit use.

International Student Credit Cards

If you’re studying in the U.S., you may qualify for a student credit card. These are designed for people with limited or no credit history and often have low annual fees and student-friendly perks.

Some credit card issuers have developed student credit cards specifically for international students. You’ll typically need to provide a copy of your passport, student visa and bank account information to complete the application.

Applying for a Credit Card with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

When you don’t have an SSN, many credit card companies will allow you to apply with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-residents who need to file federal income tax returns but are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Some credit unions and banks accept ITINs on credit card applications, helping those who need it get a credit card and begin building their U.S. credit history.

Bank Account Requirements for Credit Card Approval

Having a U.S. bank account is typically a requirement for opening a credit card. Credit card issuers may ask for your bank account information both to verify your financial situation and to set up automatic payments.

Opening a bank account may also require an SSN or ITIN, though some financial institutions, especially those geared toward newcomers, accept alternative forms of identification and proof of address.

Choosing the Right Credit Card for Non-U.S. Citizens

Choosing the best credit card for non-U.S. citizens depends on your immigration status, financial situation and credit history. You may consider the following options:

• Secured cards: Ideal for building credit with a cash deposit

• Student credit cards: Tailored to international students with limited credit history

• Unsecured credit cards: Available once you’ve built a solid credit file

• Cards with no SSN requirement: Offered by select financial institutions

The Juzt Digital Credit Card is an unsecured credit card option you may want to consider. It doesn’t require a security deposit, you can check your eligibility for the Juzt Digital Credit Card through a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry is only performed if you proceed with a full application, and reports to Equifax, so when you use it responsibly, your Juzt Credit Card can help you build a solid credit history. Plus, with its digital-first approach, Juzt allows you to begin using your digital credit card instantly upon approval.

Credit Card Application Tips and Best Practices

Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting approved for a credit card:

• Gather all the documents you’ll need: address, contact information, SSN or ITIN, passport, proof of income and visa details

• Only apply for cards that fit your immigration status and credit profile

• Opt for cards with low or no annual fees

• Monitor your credit reports regularly to track progress

• Use your card responsibly by keeping your balance low and making on-time payments

You can get a credit card without a SSN, build U.S. credit history, and improve your credit scores through responsible credit use.

Before applying for any card, make sure to compare application processes: for example, the Juzt Digital Credit Card allows you to check your eligibility for the Juzt Digital Credit Card through a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry is only performed if you proceed with a full application, and includes valuable money-management tools in its digital app features like account alerts, contactless payments and fraud protection. Many applicants receive a decision instantly, with immediate access to their virtual card upon approval. Some applications may require additional review, in which case a decision will typically follow within a few business days.