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Can New Immigrants Get a Credit Card?

7 min read

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for a credit card.
Some credit card companies may accept applications from immigrants without a Social Security number, but they may require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Immigrants who don’t qualify for a standard credit card may be eligible for a secured credit card or a student credit card.

As a new immigrant to the United States, it may feel stressful to apply for a credit card. You may come from a country where credit cards are less commonly used, so you may not have an established credit history recorded by U.S. credit bureaus. Even if you’ve built credit history, it may not always transfer to the United States. You might also not have all the documentation needed to apply for certain credit cards.

The good news is most new immigrants to the U.S. may get a credit card if they meet the credit card issuer’s requirements. If you’ve recently immigrated to the U.S., keep these factors in mind when applying for credit cards.

What does an immigrant need before applying for a credit card?

While non-U.S. citizens may find it difficult to qualify for a credit card in the U.S., it’s not impossible. Knowing the steps in the process might help make applying for a credit card as an immigrant easier.

Credit history

U.S. credit card issuers typically look at your credit report and credit score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card.

Your credit score is based on information from your credit report, like your payment history, outstanding debt, and other factors. Many people who are recent migrants to the U.S. haven’t yet had an opportunity to build credit history.

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If you don’t already have a credit card or another credit account—like a car loan or home loan—that has been open in your name for at least six months, you might not have any credit history in the U.S. credit reporting system. Even if you’ve opened an account recently, you may not yet have a credit score. It may take several months or more of credit use to build your credit history.

If you’re not new to managing credit and you’ve established credit in a different country, keep in mind that differences in credit reporting systems mean your international credit history might not transfer to the U.S. Some services may be able to help you transfer international credit history to the U.S., but you should always make sure a company is legitimate before giving them sensitive information or showing documents like your ID card.

Social Security number or ITIN

While most credit card issuers ask for a Social Security number to verify your identity and check your credit history, applying for some credit cards without a Social Security number is possible. A credit card company may instead request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS (not the Social Security Administration) may issue to individuals who are still ineligible for a Social Security card.

In some states, you may also be able to use your ITIN to qualify for other documents, like a driver’s license or state ID card.

Can an undocumented immigrant apply for a credit card?

Having undocumented status may make it more difficult to apply for and receive a credit card in the U.S. However, some banks and issuers allow undocumented immigrants to apply regardless of immigration status. You may be able to apply with a passport or other identification instead of a Social Security number or ITIN.

What kinds of credit cards are available for foreigners, non-U.S. citizens, and international students?

Immigrants to the U.S. have several options for acquiring a credit card. Your options depend on your particular financial situation. Some of the more common credit card options for immigrants include:

Becoming an authorized user

One option to start building credit history may be becoming an authorized user on a friend or family member’s credit card, as long as the creditor reports to the credit bureaus. This means you get a physical card with your name on it and may make purchases, with the charges appearing on the main user’s account.

Check to see whether the credit card issuer has specific immigration status requirements for authorized users. Remember that if the primary cardmember on this account fails to make payments on time, that adverse credit history may also be reflected on the authorized user’s credit report.

Secured credit cards

If you lack credit history in the U.S. or have a poor credit history preventing you from qualifying for standard cards, you might consider applying for a secured credit card. A secured credit card works the same as a standard credit card account, but it requires a cash deposit upon approval.

Unlike a debit card or prepaid credit card, a secured card gives you access to a line of credit and may report your activity to a credit bureau, so it affects your credit score.

Unsecured credit cards

If you have a U.S. credit history, you may qualify for an unsecured credit card with rewards such as cash back or miles, like the Discover it^® Cash Back Credit Card. Unlike a secured card, an unsecured credit card doesn’t require a deposit. There are many types of unsecured credit cards to choose from, especially once you build a good credit score.¹

Student credit cards

According to the Department of Homeland Security, international students in the U.S. may be eligible for a Social Security number. This may qualify you for a student credit card if you meet the creditor’s requirements. Student cards are a great way to build a strong history of credit when you graduate.

Credit card rewards immigrants should consider

When comparing credit cards, new immigrants should consider whether they might earn rewards for their spending. With Discover^®, you earn rewards on every purchase.

Cash back rewards

Some credit cards may offer cash back rewards, which let you earn rewards based on your spending. As a new immigrant, you may have extra relocation expenses, and redeeming your rewards as a statement credit may help you cover the costs.

Travel credit cards

Travel rewards credit cards may be especially appealing for new immigrants who make regular trips abroad. If you’re traveling somewhere that uses a different currency, your credit card company may charge a foreign transaction fee when you use it there. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your card before traveling. For example, Discover^® has no foreign transaction fee.

Did you know?

Some travel cards offer more flexible rewards. With a Discover it Miles Credit Card, you can turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more.²

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Tips for building credit as an immigrant

If you have to start building your credit history from scratch, there are some easy ways to set yourself up for success:

Pay your full bill on time to avoid carrying a balance on your account or pricey late fees.
Keep your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount you spend on your card versus your total credit limit, low.
Limit your credit card applications to avoid multiple hard credit checks on your credit report.

For immigrants, building a credit history may be an important step in getting established within the U.S. financial system. You may request a free credit report to see if you have a credit history or to see what’s recorded in your U.S. credit history.

The bottom line

A credit card may be a helpful financial tool for people who have recently arrived in the U.S. Even without an existing credit history or a Social Security number, you may still qualify for some credit cards from certain card issuers. Remember, the best credit card option for this phase in your life depends on your specific circumstances and priorities.

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