How is it possible for immigrants to obtain credit cards without a credit history?
The biggest obstacle for new immigrants in the US who do not have a credit score is that they are not visible in the system. However, some fintech companies are able to approve card applications by analyzing financial behavior such as bank account activity and rent payments instead of credit history. This opens an important door, especially for those without a FICO score.
Platforms such as Nova Credit translate immigrants' credit scores from their home countries into the US system for use in applications. For example, if you have a credit history in India, Mexico, or Nigeria, some banks may accept it in lieu of a US credit assessment.
Some startups are conducting alternative assessment processes using documents such as passports, visa types, US employment contracts, and bank account balances instead of credit history. In these systems, which are particularly aimed at technical visa holders, working for a large technology company is considered an advantage.
Featured Credit Card Options for Those Without Credit History
The Deserve EDU credit card is one of the few cards that accepts applications without requiring a social security number (SSN). Designed specifically for immigrant students studying in the US, this card has no annual fee and offers benefits such as Amazon Prime.
Jasper Card accepts applications without conducting a credit score-based assessment. With this card, the credit limit is determined based on the immigrant's employer information, income level, and past banking relationships. It has flexible rules because it is supported by a start-up.
Unlike “secured” cards such as the Self Credit Builder Card, no security deposit is required before applying. Instead, the limit can be determined based on factors such as automatic bill payments or savings accounts.
Common Mistakes and Systemic Pitfalls of Newcomers to the US
Most immigrants initially mistake “prepaid” cards for credit cards. However, these cards do not build credit scores. As a result, by the time they realize they have been outside the system for years, they have already lost valuable time.
Some banks offer products specifically for immigrants, but even branch employees may not be fully aware of these products, leading to misdirected applications. Those who apply online instead of visiting a branch can access more accurate information through support forums and communities such as Reddit.
New immigrants sometimes open a bank account without a Social Security Number (SSN) and then try to apply for a credit card using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). However, not all banks accept ITINs. This information may not be listed on the banks' official websites but can be obtained from customer service.
Strategies to Increase Approval Chances for Card Applications for Immigrants
Some credit card application systems in the US consider the applicant's cell phone number to be an element of trust. This small but effective detail can significantly increase the chances of approval.
Immigrants applying for credit cards can use a system that documents their regular rent payments in the U.S. (e.g., RentTrack) as an alternative credit history. This data is compatible with new-generation scoring systems such as FICO 9 and VantageScore 4.0.
The job title held by immigrants in the U.S. can also influence credit card applications. For example, an individual working at a large technology company with an H-1B visa may find it much easier to obtain approval than someone working in a restaurant. Both income level and industry prestige play a role.
Institutions and Systems That Accept Applications with ITIN Numbers
Capital One is one of several major banks that allow immigrants to apply with an ITIN number instead of an SSN. This flexibility is more common with “Platinum Secured” and “QuicksilverOne” cards.
Bank of America operates a system that accepts ITINs but does not explicitly advertise this. In applications made in person at a branch, some immigrant applications may be accepted based on a combination of visa type, rental contract, and ITIN.
Some cards, such as Amex Blue Cash Everyday, consider applications from immigrants who have resided in the U.S. for at least three months and have a valid bank account. The key detail here is that the bank account must have been opened in the U.S. and be actively used.
Fintech Cards: Independent Alternatives to Traditional Banks
TomoCredit is one of the few companies that offers credit cards to individuals who do not have a FICO score but have regular bank activity. It analyzes payment capacity through bank accounts and does not charge annual fees, interest, or late fees on the card.
Petal 1 and Petal 2 cards evaluate the applicant's spending habits, income-to-expense ratio, and account activity without considering traditional credit scores. Petal distinguishes itself in this field with its advertising and educational content targeted at new immigrants.
Zolve, although targeting Indian immigrants, has expanded its system. Zolve Global Card allows individuals who have recently arrived in the US and have not yet completed the SSN process to obtain a virtual card instantly. Applications are evaluated based on credit history in India.
The Hidden Advantages of “Secured” Credit Cards for Immigrants
In “secured card” systems, which are often recommended for immigrants without credit history, a deposit of 200–500 USD is typically required. This deposit also serves as the card limit. However, most banks refund this amount after 6 months to 1 year and allow transition to an “unsecured” card.
The Discover It Secured Card is considered one of the most advantageous deposit-based cards. This is because it offers up to 2% cashback and the opportunity to build credit in the first year. Additionally, in some cases, an ITIN may be accepted instead of an SSN during the application process.
Users who make regular payments for 6 months using secured cards can automatically be enrolled in the “graduation” system. This means that the bank will offer the user a new card without requiring collateral.
Actual Behavior Regarding Card Use Among New Immigrants to the US
According to Pew Research Center data, the majority of immigrants do not apply for a credit card within the first 12 months of arriving in the US. Instead, they manage with debit cards. However, this delays the establishment of a credit history.
Most immigrants do not reapply after being rejected for a credit card. However, some banks tend to evaluate applications made every 3–6 months positively. In other words, an initial rejection does not necessarily mean a permanent obstacle.
A significant portion of immigrants to the US obtain their first cards through recommendations from their universities, employers, or social circles. This personal recommendation network has a higher approval rate than official application methods.
The Role of Visa Type in Obtaining Credit Cards for Immigrants
Immigrants who come to the US on work visas such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1 are generally classified as “low risk” by banks because they are highly educated and have a steady income. This significantly increases their chances of getting their application approved.
Obtaining a credit card can be more challenging for individuals with an F-1 student visa. However, some companies target this group by offering special cards that can be applied for with a student ID and school acceptance letter. Deserve EDU is one of the pioneers in this field.
There is a direct link between the duration of an immigrant's visa and their credit card application. Some banks automatically reject applicants whose visa is valid for less than six months or only offer “secured” cards. Therefore, timing is critical when applying.
Alternative Steps to Take Before Building a Credit Score
Tools such as Experian Boost allow individuals without a credit score to build a positive credit history using regular payments such as internet bills, phone bills, and rent. This system is free and is rapidly gaining popularity among immigrants.
It is common for immigrants to have a “thin file,” or insufficient data, on their credit reports. In this case, alternative credit reports created with rent payment platforms (Rental Kharma, Rent Reporters) or regular bank transaction records can be used.
If you have a bank account in the US, setting up regular automatic payments (AutoPay) does not directly affect your credit history, but it does create an indirect “reliability” signal. These signals increase the likelihood of approval, especially for fintech applications.
Strategic Mistakes Often Made by Immigrants in Card Use
Some immigrants make a large purchase with their credit card once and then close the account. However, the system rewards regular, low-volume use and timely payments. Keeping the card active is critical for your credit score.
Paying the minimum amount keeps the card open but does not improve the credit score. This common mistake among immigrants can cause a delay of several months in building a credit score.
Using cards at 100% of their limit due to low credit limits is also detrimental to the score. Banks view a usage rate below 30% as positive. This rule is often overlooked in immigrant applications.
The Impact of Credit Card Ownership on Immigrants' Status in the US
In some US states, credit history is indirectly checked when renting a car, renting a home, and even applying for a job. For immigrants, this can mean that a credit card is the key to social integration.
Some insurance companies determine premiums based on credit scores. Immigrants without credit scores may have to pay more when renting or insuring the same car. This situation can lead to not only financial but also social inequality.
Immigrants without a credit history may have their bank accounts frozen or transactions delayed for security reasons. Credit card ownership is used as “financial identity” in some cases, allowing many obstacles to be overcome.
Community-Supported Card Platforms Becoming Increasingly Popular Among Immigrants
Some financial technology companies founded by immigrant entrepreneurs have begun developing credit card systems specifically for immigrants. For example, Stilt stands out as a platform that offers personal credit and card options to immigrants without credit scores. The company's founders are also individuals who immigrated from India to the US.
Passbook, a subsidiary of Remitly, offers bank account and card services without requiring a Social Security Number (SSN). Migrants from Latin America and South Asia, in particular, can use this system to establish their first financial relationships in the US.
Small local credit unions operating on a “financial cooperative” model among immigrant communities can offer their members more flexibility when applying for cards. Immigrant groups of Latin and Asian origin, in particular, are taking important steps toward building credit history and becoming cardholders through these unions.
Bonus and Cashback Benefits of Card Use for Immigrants
Although most cards offered to people with no credit history are generally thought to offer no rewards, some fintech cards are breaking this perception. TomoCredit offers up to 1% cashback with no annual fees or interest.
Petal 2 users can receive increasing cashback as they continue to build their credit history. Although the reward system is limited at first, it can increase up to 1.5% over time. This feature represents a long-term earning strategy for new immigrants.
Some fintech cards offer special campaigns tailored to the shopping habits of specific immigrant groups. For example, Zolve card users receive special discounts at Indian grocery chains. This provides not only a card, but also a sense of cultural belonging.
Indirect Effects of Credit Card Ownership on Long-Term Immigration Processes
In the US, some immigration application forms may require documents such as bank statements, regular payment history, or credit reports to prove financial stability. Such documents have an indirect impact on immigration decisions.
Although Green Card applications do not directly ask, “Do you have a credit card?” your financial history is evaluated for stability. Credit cards and a regular payment history can be considered an advantage, especially if you want to show that you are unlikely to need public assistance.
Although credit scores are not directly asked for during the process of becoming a US citizen, in some cases they are taken into account as an indicator of “financial responsibility.” This serves as an indirect but effective reference.
Psychological and Cultural Barriers to Credit Card Use Among Immigrants
Many immigrants are skeptical of the credit card system in the US because it is different from the credit system in their home countries. Some avoid using cards for a long time due to cultural prejudices such as “interest is forbidden” or “borrowing is a sign of insecurity.”
In some immigrant communities, using a credit card is associated with being “in debt.” However, in the US system, using a credit card is a fundamental indicator of financial confidence and visibility within the system. This cultural difference leads to exclusion from the system.
Some immigrants obtain a card only for “emergencies” and keep it in a drawer. However, this passive use does not build credit history. Actively using the card and paying it on time is critical behavior for establishing a presence in the system.
Some System Details to Know Before Applying for a Credit Card
The majority of credit card applications in the US operate through a system known as “hard inquiry.” These types of inquiries can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. Immigrants can prevent this effect by using platforms that offer “pre-approval” before applying.
Some banks approve applications without requesting additional documents, while others may request a visa, employment contract, or bank statement in the final stage. Having these documents ready in digital format can speed up the process and prevent potential cancellations.
Some financial institutions automatically reject applications when they detect that multiple applications have been submitted at the same time. Multiple applications to different banks on the same day can be perceived as a “credit search” signal and therefore considered risky by the system.
Strategies for Immigrant Families to Join the Credit System
In the US, many immigrants add their spouse or child as an “authorized user” to their own card to include them in the credit system. This method allows people with no credit history to obtain a score more quickly.
Some immigrant parents include their US-born children in the credit card system at a younger age to help them build a credit score early on. Some cards allow children to be added as authorized users from the age of 13.
If the credit card limit is low, it is recommended that each family member apply for a separate low-limit card rather than sharing the card. This allows each individual to build their own credit score independently.
Alternative Financial Identity Systems for Immigrants
Immigrant entrepreneurs who apply with an EIN (Employer Identification Number) can build credit history by opting for a business credit card instead of an individual card application. This is particularly advantageous for immigrants starting small businesses.
In some states in the US, documents such as digital ID (state ID) or library cards can be used indirectly as a second form of identification during the application process. Immigrants can obtain these documents to establish a stronger profile for banking transactions.
Financial identity platforms allow individuals to be visible in the system beyond credit cards. For example, information such as immigrants' tax payments or health insurance premiums in the US can be considered a type of “trust score” in alternative credit assessment systems.
Immigrants' Rise Within the System Through Credit Cards: Success Stories
Many immigrants start with just a “secured” credit card within 12–18 months of arriving in the US and are able to rise within the system and reach a credit score of 700+. During this time, it is sufficient to make regular payments without a single delay or default.
Some stories shared in online communities indicate that immigrants began building their credit scores in just six months by reporting their rent payments. This score becomes a key step toward applying for a second credit card.
Some immigrant tech workers are able to obtain both a credit card and a car loan within their first year thanks to special financial guidance programs offered by their companies. These internal information systems can be much more effective than individual research.
Language and Interface Barriers in Credit Card Applications
Many large banks' application pages are only available in English. This increases the risk of immigrants with low English proficiency filling out the form incorrectly. Errors in sections such as address, income, and employment information can lead to the application being rejected.
Some fintech applications offer multilingual interfaces because they target immigrants. For example, platforms like Deserve EDU and Zolve provide a more user-friendly application experience by supporting both Spanish and Hindi.
In traditional banks, live support is usually only available in English during the application process. However, fintech companies provide multilingual support via live chat, enabling immigrants to get immediate answers to their questions during the application process.
Steps to Take When Your Credit Card Application Is Denied as an Immigrant
When a credit card application is denied, US law requires the bank to send a written rejection letter. This letter is a critical document for understanding the reason for the denial. Immigrants are advised to review this letter carefully and use the information provided when making their next application.
Instead of reapplying to the same bank immediately after the rejection, it is more reasonable to wait 30–90 days and choose a different bank. The system often interprets consecutive applications to the same institution as “desperate credit seeking” and tends to reject them again.
In some cases, the rejection decision can be manually reviewed and reversed. Therefore, immigrants whose applications have been rejected may contact the bank directly and request a “reconsideration.” During this process, additional documents such as visas, income statements, and rental agreements may be provided as supporting evidence.
Facts Based on Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Card Use by Immigrants in the US
Is an SSN required to apply for a credit card?
No. Some cards and fintech solutions accept ITINs. However, an SSN provides access to a wider range of card options.
Is it possible to build a score without a credit card?
Yes. You can build a score with RentTrack, Experian Boost, and credit-reporting bank accounts. However, a credit card significantly speeds up this process.
Will my credit card be canceled because I am an immigrant?
No. Cards are typically canceled due to prolonged inactivity, late payments, or suspected fraud. Immigrant status alone is not a reason for cancellation.
Will credit card debt affect my immigration application?
It may have an indirect effect. Accumulating debt or entering into a collection process can be interpreted as a sign of financial irresponsibility. This can be particularly influential in public charge evaluations.
Financial Education Programs and Benefits for Immigrants
Some universities and local community centers offer credit and financial system education for immigrants. These courses cover topics such as credit card use, building credit scores, and debt management. Immigrants who participate in these programs have been found to experience lower rejection rates in their applications.
Volunteer organizations that offer short-term financial guidance before obtaining a credit card can help develop application strategies. Among the organizations providing such services, Mission Asset Fund and International Rescue Committee stand out.
Over 40% of immigrants who participate in financial literacy education successfully obtain their first credit card within three months of completing the program. This rate stands at around 20% for individuals attempting to obtain a credit card on their own.