You do not need an existing US credit score to get approved for your first credit card. While traditional major banks might turn you down at first, you can qualify for alternative unsecured credit cards or a secured card to start building your history.
“I am an international student and just received my SSN. I want to build my credit score from scratch. Which bank's credit card is best for students and why?”
Summary
You can cross this worry off your list: having no credit history will not shut you out of the US financial system, and you already have the Social Security number you need to get started.
You have a few different ways to get your first credit card and start building a U.S. credit score.
Cards from companies like Zolve, Petal, and Neu evaluate you based on your bank account, income, or student status instead of a credit score.
Cards like the Discover it Secured card require an upfront refundable cash deposit, which becomes your credit limit.
Standard unsecured credit cards from major banks will generally remain out of reach until you have established several months of US credit history.
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Which cards are best for students and why
You asked if issuers require an existing US credit history to approve you, and whether you must use a secured card. The answer to both is no. Alternative credit card issuers have created cards that do not require a security deposit or a traditional credit score. Instead of pulling a credit history, they use their own models to determine your creditworthiness by looking at your school, your income, or your bank account information.
You also asked which bank's credit card is best. The documents do not name one single best card, but they highlight specific options that work well for international students:
Alternative unsecured cards: Issuers like Zolve, Petal, and Neu are strong options because they specifically target applicants with no credit history and do not require a deposit.
Secured cards: If you choose a secured card, the Discover it Secured card is a good option. It requires a $200 minimum deposit, but Discover automatically reviews your account after seven months to see if you are eligible to upgrade to a regular unsecured card.
University credit unions: If your school has a credit union, they often offer limited-credit cards to their students.
Home-country credit translation: If you have a credit history in your home country, a service called Nova Credit allows immigrants from certain countries to use that history to apply for American Express credit cards.
Other ways to build credit include becoming an authorized user on a trusted friend or family member's US credit card, or using a rent-reporting service to build credit from your monthly apartment rent payments.
Next steps
Here is the most direct route to building your credit from scratch.
Open a US bank account
You need a bank account first. Alternative credit card issuers use your bank account information to approve you, and you need it to pay your monthly credit card bills.
Apply for a starter credit card
Apply for an alternative unsecured credit card (like Zolve, Petal, or Neu) or a university credit union card. These bypass the lack of a credit score by underwriting based on your bank account information, income, or student status.
Use the card and pay it off monthly
Make regular purchases and pay the balance in full and on time each month. This builds the positive U.S. credit history you need for the future.
Legal sources
The rules for alternative underwriting and secured credit cards come directly from financial guidance for immigrants.
NerdWallet Guidance
Alternative credit cards do not require a US credit history or a security deposit. They use your bank account, income, or school information to approve you.
Instead of pulling your credit history, they can use their own proprietary underwriting models to determine your creditworthiness, taking into account things like your school or employer, your income, or your bank account information. And some of them specifically target international applicants.
NerdWallet Guidance
The Discover it Secured card requires a $200 deposit but reviews your account after seven months for a possible upgrade to an unsecured card.
The $0 -annual-fee Discover it® Secured Credit Card . It requires a minimum $200 deposit, but it also offers a possible upgrade path — Discover will automatically beginning reviewing your account after seven months to determine whether youre eligible for an upgrade to a regular unsecured card.
This is general information based on financial guidance, not legal or financial advice. Confirm terms directly with the credit card issuer before applying.
SettleKit is not a law firm or financial advisor. This information is for general guidance.
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