You do not need an existing US credit history or a co-signer to get your first credit card. You can start building your score using alternative startup cards, secured cards, or by reporting your rent and utility payments.
“I am an international student and just received my SSN. I want to build my credit score from scratch but don't have a credit card yet. Which bank's credit card is best for students in my situation, and why?”
Summary
You can cross this worry off your list: because you already have your Social Security number, you have cleared the biggest hurdle to entering the US financial system.
Because regulations differ between countries, you cannot transfer your home country's credit file to the US. You must start from zero. Here are the main ways to do that:
These cards do not require a security deposit or a US credit score. They look at your school, income, or bank account to approve you.
You pay an upfront cash deposit to open the account. This protects the lender, making it easier for you to get approved with no credit history.
Some universities offer credit cards specifically for their international students who have an SSN.
You can use third-party services to add your regular monthly bills to your credit report.
You can be added to a trusted friend or family member's existing US credit card account to share their payment history.
You can take out a specific loan from a credit union or community bank designed solely to help you establish credit.
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Answering your specific questions
**Do you need a co-signer or past credit?** No. While getting a co-signer is one way to get approved, it is not required. Alternative credit cards and secured cards are designed specifically for people with no US credit history.
**Is a traditional student card the only option?** No. You can use alternative startup cards, secured cards, credit-builder loans, or even just report your rent and utility payments to build a score.
**Which bank is best for you?** The documents do not name one single best bank for every student, but they highlight specific types that work well. Alternative startup cards are strong because they look at your school, employer, or bank account instead of a credit score. Secured cards, like the Discover it Secured card, are reliable if you can afford a minimum $200 deposit. Finally, check your university's credit union. For example, Harvard Federal Credit Union offers a limited credit card for its international students who have an SSN.
Next steps
Follow these steps to establish your US credit profile.
Establish a permanent US address and open a US bank account
Card issuers need to know they can find you, and they want to see that you have a bank account you can use to pay your credit card bills.
Select a starter credit card
Choose an alternative startup card, a secured card, or a university credit union card. The most important thing is to make sure the issuer reports your account activity to the major US credit bureaus.
Apply and build your payment history
Use the card regularly to make small purchases, keep your balance low relative to your available credit, and pay your bill on time every month.
Opt into rent and utility reporting
Ask your landlord if they report rent payments to the credit bureaus. You can also use a free feature called Experian Boost to add your phone, utility, and streaming service bills to your credit report.
Legal sources
The rules for building credit as an international student come from financial education resources and university guidelines.
NerdWallet Guide
Alternative credit cards do not require a US credit history, and instead use your school, income, or bank details 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.
NerdWallet Guide
You cannot transfer your credit history from your home country to the US.
But regulations are so different in other countries that its generally not possible to simply transfer the credit files of new immigrants or international students.
NerdWallet Guide
Secured credit cards require an upfront cash deposit to open the account.
Americans looking to build credit can use secured credit cards , which require cardholders to pay a security deposit to protect the lender in case of default.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm details with a licensed professional or the specific financial institution.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice.
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