Study Smart, Spend Smart: No-SSN Credit Cards for International Students

Imagine stepping into a new country with all the excitement of new experiences but then hitting a wall when managing your finances. This is a common scenario for many international students in the US. 

A credit card can be a lifesaver, helping you manage expenses, and emergencies, and build a credit history. But there's a catch: how do you get a credit card without a Social Security Number (SSN)? Don't worry! We’ve got you covered. 

In this guide, we'll reveal the top five credit cards for international students that don’t require an SSN, starting with the amazing options from Zolve.

Why International Students Need a Credit Card

Having a credit card as an international student comes with several key benefits:

  • Building Credit History: A good credit history in the US is crucial for future financial goals, such as renting an apartment or getting a car loan. Using a student credit card responsibly can help you build this important credit history.
  • Managing Expenses: A credit card provides a convenient way to handle everyday expenses like groceries, textbooks, and transportation. It also offers a safety net for unexpected costs.
  • Earning Rewards: Many credit cards for international students offer rewards and cashback on purchases, making it a smart way to save money while spending.

Top 5 Credit Cards for International Students Without SSN

When you’re an international student in the US, finding a credit card that doesn’t require a Social Security Number can be challenging. Here are the top five options that cater to your needs, starting with the excellent Zolve credit cards.

1. Zolve Credit Cards

Zolve offers three amazing credit cards tailored for international students: Zolve Classic, Zolve Signature, and Zolve Black.

Zolve Classic

Key Features:

  • No SSN required for the application
  • Over $100 worth of annual benefits
  • $15 worth of welcome points
  • 1% unlimited cashback on all purchases

Benefits:

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Curated travel experiences
  • Global emergency services
  • Up to $1,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage
  • Mastercard ID theft protection
  • Golf experiences

Zolve Signature

Key Features:

  • No SSN required for the application
  • Over $1,000 worth of annual benefits
  • $25 worth of welcome points
  • $315 worth of credits on Lyft, Instacart, and more
  • Up to 3% cashback on three brands of your choice
  • 1% unlimited cashback on all spendsBenefits:
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Car rental loss and damage insurance
  • Airport concierge
  • Travel and lifestyle services
  • Up to $3,000 in accidental death and dismemberment coverage
  • Extended warranty
  • Exclusive lifestyle experiences
  • Golf experiences

Zolve Black

Key Features:

  • No SSN required for the application
  • Over $2,000 worth of annual benefits
  • 16g laser-engraved metal card
  • $50 worth of welcome points
  • Up to 5% cashback on five brands of your choice
  • $340 worth of credits on Lyft, Instacart, and more
  • 1.5% unlimited cashback on all spends
    Benefits:
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Mastercard airport experiences
  • Car rental loss and damage insurance
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Lost or damaged luggage insurance
  • Travel accident and medical insurance
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Mastercard airport concierge
  • Mastercard travel and lifestyle services
  • Up to $10,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage
  • Cell phone protection
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • Global emergency services
  • Mastercard ID theft protection
  • Exclusive lifestyle experiences
  • Golf experiences
  • Concierge services

2. Deserve Edu Mastercard

Key Features:

  • No SSN required for the application
  • 1% cashback on all purchases
  • Free year of Amazon Prime Student
  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus

3. Capital One Journey Student Credit Card

Key Features:

  • ITIN accepted instead of SSN
  • 1% cashback on all purchases, with a 0.25% bonus for paying on time
  • Rewards for responsible use
  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus

4. Discover it® Student Chrome


Key Features:

  • ITIN accepted for application
  • 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
  • Matches all the cashback earned at the end of the first year
  • Intro APR period

5. Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students

Key Features:

  • ITIN accepted instead of SSN
  • 3% cashback on a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases
  • Flexible rewards redemption options
  • Introductory APR period
  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus

The Zolve Advantage: See How it Stacks Up Against the Competition

When comparing credit cards for international students, Zolve stands out for several reasons. Here’s a detailed comparison of Zolve credit cards against other popular options:

Feature

Zolve Classic/Signature/Black

Deserve Edu Mastercard

Capital One Journey Student

Discover it® Student Chrome

Bank of America Cash Rewards

SSN Requirement

No

No

ITIN Accepted

ITIN Accepted

ITIN Accepted

Cashback/Rewards

Up to 5%

1%

1% + Bonus

2% on gas/dining

3% on chosen category

Welcome Bonus

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Additional Student Benefits

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Travel Benefits

Extensive

Limited

Limited

Limited

Limited

Purchase Protection

Extensive

Limited

Limited

Limited

Limited

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card for international students has always been crucial for managing finances and building a credit history in the US. Zolve credit cards stand out with their comprehensive benefits, easy application process without an SSN, and high cashback rewards. By selecting the best credit card for your needs, you can enjoy a smooth financial journey while studying in the US.

FAQs

Q. Can international students in the US get a credit card without an SSN?

Yes, many credit card issuers offer options for international students who do not require an SSN, such as Zolve and Deserve Edu Mastercard.

Q. What are the eligibility requirements for these credit cards?

Requirements vary by issuer but generally include proof of identity, proof of enrollment in a US institution, and sometimes an ITIN.

Q. How can international students apply for these credit cards?

Applications can typically be completed online. For cards like Zolve, you can apply using your passport or I-20 form.

Q. Are there any fees associated with these credit cards?

Many of these cards, including Zolve and Deserve Edu Mastercard, have no annual or foreign transaction fees.

Q. What are the benefits of having a credit card as an international student?

Benefits include building a credit history, managing expenses, earning rewards, and having a financial safety net for emergencies.

Disclaimer: The products, services, and offerings mentioned in this blog are subject to change and may vary over time. We recommend visiting our official website for the most up-to-date information on Zolve's offerings.