Credit Cards That Don’t Require a U.S. Credit History (2025 Guide for New Immigrants)

written by Finance Aware team

✈️ Introduction: A Fresh Start in USA, But No Credit Score?

If you just move to the United States for job, study, or settle, you must already know how hard to get a credit card with no credit history. Banks usually say “You don’t have any score, we can’t give you card”. It feel bad because in today’s time credit card is almost must for daily life.

But don’t worry. Now in 2025, there are some good companies who give credit cards even when you don’t have U.S. credit history or SSN.

This blog is full guide for you. You will find:

🔑 What Is Credit History & Why You Don’t Have It?

Credit history is like a report card of your money habits – do you pay loan on time? Do you use too much credit? Do you pay bills late?

In USA, banks check this credit score to decide if they give you card or not.

If you’re new in USA (immigrant or student), you don’t have any past record – so your score is “N/A”. That’s why most cards deny your application.

💳 Best Credit Cards That Don’t Need U.S. Credit History (2025 List)

These credit cards are friendly for new immigrants, students, and people with zero credit.

1. Deserve EDU Mastercard

✅ No SSN required (only passport & visa)
✅ No credit history needed
✅ 1% cashback
✅ Free Amazon Prime Student for 1 year

Why good: Designed for international students. Very easy approval.

2. Petal 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa

✅ No credit history needed
✅ Uses bank account data instead of score
✅ 1.5% cashback
✅ No annual fee

Why good: Uses your income and spending to trust you. No need of U.S. credit report.

3. Tomo Credit Card

✅ No credit check at all
✅ No interest, no fees
✅ Reports to all 3 bureaus (good for building credit)
✅ Fast approval

Why good: Good for working immigrants. Connects to your bank account to judge you.

4. Capital One Quicksilver Student

✅ For international students with passport/visa
✅ 1.5% cashback
✅ Reports to credit bureaus

Why good: Big bank, helps build strong credit history from first day.

5. Jasper Mastercard

✅ For professionals (H1B, L1 visa holders)
✅ No SSN at start, you can add later
✅ 1%–6% cashback
✅ No annual fee

Why good: Easy for work visa people, no credit needed.

📝 Comparison Table

Credit Card	SSN Needed?	Credit History?	Cashback	Best For
Deserve EDU	❌ No	❌ No	1%	Students, F1 Visa
Petal 2	❌ No	❌ No	1.5%	Newcomers with income
Tomo	❌ No	❌ No	None	Immigrants, Freelancers
Capital One	✅ Yes	❌ No	1.5%	Student with SSN
Jasper	❌ No	❌ No	1%+	H1B, L1 Visa Professionals

🧾 How to Apply Without U.S. Credit History

You can apply online for most cards. Here’s what you need:

✅ Passport
✅ Visa (F1, H1B, etc.)
✅ I-20 or Work Authorization (Optional)
✅ U.S. address
✅ U.S. bank account

Some banks also ask for:

Pay slip or admission letter
Bank account statements (last 1–3 months)

🧠 Tips to Get Approved Faster

Open a U.S. checking account first (Chase, Bank of America, Wise, etc.)
Use U.S. address, even if it’s friend or relative
Show your university admission letter or job offer
Apply only for 1–2 cards (don’t spam applications)

🏗️ How to Build Credit From Zero (Fast in 2025)

💳 Use card every month – even small purchase like groceries
✅ Pay full bill before due date – never be late
🚫 Don’t use more than 30% of credit limit
📈 Keep card open long time – helps build age
📊 Check credit score monthly – use Credit Karma or Capital One

❓ FAQs About No-Credit Credit Cards in USA

Q. Can I get credit card in USA without SSN?
Yes. Some banks accept passport, visa, and ITIN or even without SSN at first.

Q. Will these cards help build credit?
Yes. They report to credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

Q. Do I need U.S. job or income to apply?
Not always. Deserve EDU and Tomo can approve even students without job.

Q. Is there any risk?
No big risk. Just use card wisely and pay on time.

🧠 Extra Tips for New Immigrants and Students

Don’t take too many cards at start
Avoid cash advance or late payments
Keep card safe – don’t share number
If you can’t get approval, try secured credit cards like:
- Discover It Secured
- Capital One Secured

Finance Aware

Credit Cards That Don’t Require a U.S. Credit History (2025 Guide for New Immigrants)