Getting a credit card as a newcomer with no credit history can feel frustrating. Many banks reject applicants without a credit score or U.S./Canadian financial history. However, some credit cards are designed specifically for immigrants, students, and newcomers who are just starting out.
This guide will walk you through the best credit cards for immigrants with no credit history. It also explains what to look for, how to apply, and how to use your card to build credit fast and responsibly. Let’s explain the option that can help you get approved, start spending, and build strong credit from day one.
Why Getting a Credit Card Matters for Immigrants
When you move to a new country, establishing credit is one of the most important steps you can take. Credit affects your ability to rent an apartment, get approved for a car loan, qualify for a mortgage, or even sign up for a mobile phone plan.
Without a credit card, it’s difficult to build credit history. But many traditional banks require you to already have a credit score, which most immigrants don’t have when they arrive. Fortunately, there are now several credit cards built to help immigrants and international students who have no prior credit record or Social Security Number (SSN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN).
READ: How to Build Credit Abroad as a New Immigrant
What to Look for in a Credit Card with No Credit History
Not all credit cards are suitable for people without a credit history. When choosing a credit card, focus on the following features:
- No or low fees: Look for cards with no annual fees or hidden charges. You don’t need to pay high fees just to start building credit.
- Reports to all three credit bureaus: Make sure the card issuer reports to all major credit bureaus like Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This ensures your positive payment history helps build your credit score.
- No prior credit required: Some cards are designed to evaluate your banking activity or income instead of relying on your credit score.
- SSN or ITIN flexibility: Some cards accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) or even just a passport and visa, making them accessible to international newcomers.
- Secured vs. unsecured: If you cannot get an unsecured credit card, a secured card (which requires a refundable security deposit) is a safe and reliable way to start building credit.
Best Credit Cards for Immigrants with No Credit History
Here are the top credit cards you should consider if you’re new to the U.S. or Canada and don’t have a credit score yet.
1. Deserve EDU Mastercard
Best for: International students without SSN
Why it works: This card does not require a credit history or SSN and is specifically tailored for students from other countries.
Benefits:
- No annual fee
- 1 percent cashback on all purchases
- Free Amazon Prime Student for one year (after spending $500 in the first three months)
- Accepts international students with just a passport and visa
- Reports to all major credit bureaus
This is one of the easiest cards for international students to get approved for. It’s also a great way to start building U.S. credit as a student.
2. Petal 1 Visa Credit Card
Best for: People with no credit score at all
Why it works: Petal uses a unique system that looks at your income and spending habits from your bank account instead of your credit history.
Benefits:
- No annual fee
- No deposit required
- Up to 10 percent cashback at select merchants
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Easy approval process for applicants with no score
Petal’s technology allows people to get approved based on their financial responsibility rather than their credit score, which is ideal for newcomers.
3. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best for: Fast and safe credit building
Why it works: This secured card helps people with no credit build a solid history and potentially unlock higher credit limits over time.
Benefits:
- Refundable security deposit starting at 49 dollars
- No annual fee
- Credit limit increases with responsible use
- Reports to all major credit bureaus
- Chance to upgrade to unsecured card
If you have some savings for the deposit, this is one of the best secured cards to start with.
4. Tomo Credit Card
Best for: No credit check or history required
Why it works: Tomo doesn’t check your credit score. It links to your bank account and bases approval on your income and spending patterns.
Benefits:
- No annual fee, no interest
- No security deposit
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Offers 1 percent cashback on purchases
- Quick online application and approval
Tomo is perfect if you want to start building credit fast without worrying about approval barriers.
5. Chime Credit Builder Visa Secured Card
Best for: Chime users looking to build credit with no fees
Why it works: This card requires a Chime Spending Account and has no fees, no interest, and no credit check.
Benefits:
- No annual fee, no interest charges
- No credit check or minimum score required
- Spend only what you deposit (acts like a secured card)
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- No minimum security deposit required
If you already use Chime for banking, this card makes it incredibly easy to start building credit safely.
READ: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Visas
How to Apply and Get Approved Faster
Applying for your first credit card as an immigrant can be easier if you follow a few smart steps:
1. Gather your documents
You’ll typically need the following:
- Passport and visa (or permanent resident card)
- SSN or ITIN (if available)
- Proof of income (pay stub or job offer)
- U.S. or Canadian address and phone number
- Bank account information
2. Choose cards that don’t require credit history
- Start with the options listed above. These are known to work for newcomers and don’t penalize you for lacking a credit score.
3. Open a bank account in your new country
- Some cards like Tomo or Petal use your banking activity to assess your financial behavior. Having a local bank account improves your chances of approval.
4. Consider secured cards if needed
- If you’re not eligible for an unsecured card, a secured card is a safe and low-risk alternative. Your deposit acts as your credit line and is refundable.
READ: Top UK Banks for Immigrants: Best Savings Accounts and Credit Cards for 2025
Smart Tips to Build Credit Fast as a New Immigrant
Once you get your first credit card, the next step is to use it wisely. Here are smart tips to help you build good credit quickly and safely.
- Pay your bill on time, every month: Your payment history makes up the largest part of your credit score. Never miss a payment.
- Keep your balance low: Try to use less than 30 percent of your credit limit. If your limit is 500 dollars, aim to keep your balance under 150 dollars.
- Use your card regularly: Make small purchases monthly, even if it’s just gas or groceries. This shows activity and responsibility.
- Don’t apply for too many cards at once: Multiple credit inquiries can lower your score and hurt your chances of approval. Stick with one or two cards in your first year.
- Check your credit report for free: Use tools like Credit Karma (U.S.) or Borrowell (Canada) to track your credit score and watch your progress.
Starting with no credit history as an immigrant may feel like a challenge, but it’s something you can overcome quickly with the right tools. The credit cards listed above are some of the best available options today for immigrants, newcomers, and international students.
Whether you prefer a secured card with low fees or a modern card that looks at your banking habits, there are good choices for every situation. Apply for one that fits your needs, use it responsibly, and in a few months, you’ll begin building a strong credit profile. Building credit opens the door to better financial opportunities. And with the right card in hand, you can take that first step with confidence.
