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Best Credit Cards for International Students Without SSN 2023

By Hanna Volkava
Updated June 01, 2023

Best Credit Cards for International students without ssn in June 2023

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WebBank Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® best for Beginner, No history

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Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® WebBank
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
17.74% - 31.74% Variable
Our Rating:
3.8
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Excellent (0-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% - 1.5%:
    • Cash Back after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
    • 2% - 10%:
    • Cash Back from select merchants.
  • Issuer name:
    WebBank
  • Details:

    The Petal 2 Card has no fees of any kind and is designed to help you build credit.

    The credit limit is from $300 - $10,000.

    Grow your credit score with responsible spending and on-time payments.

    Get 1% cash back right away. Earn up to 1.5% when you pay on time. Plus 2% - 10% bonus cash back at select merchants.

    Freeze your card at any time to protect your account. And rest easy knowing your data is safe and encrypted.

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • No annual fee
    • No returned payment fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • You can apply even if you have no credit history
    • No late fees
  • Cons:
    • No signup bonus
    • Cash advances are not permitted
    • Those who filed for bankruptcy may be rejected
    • Balance transfers are not allowed
    • No intro APR offer
  • Benefits:
    • No foreign transaction fee;
    • Petal 2 reports to all 3 major credit bureaus;
    • Qualify with average credit.
View all Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® details
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Card detail

WebBank Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® best for For bad credit

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Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® WebBank
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
24.74% - 34.24% Variable
Our Rating:
4.34
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Good (0-739)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2% - 10%:
    • Cash Back at select merchants.
  • Issuer name:
    WebBank
  • Details:

    The Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Card earns 2% - 10% Cash Back at select merchants.

    The Card has a variable APR ranging from 24.74% - 34.24%.

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • $0 Annual fee
    • No foreign transactions fee
    • No credit score needed to apply
    • Earn rewards with Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa®
    • Increase your credit limit in 6 months
  • Cons:
    • No Intro APR
    • High purchase APR
    • No signup bonus
    • Cash back only with select merchants
  • Benefits:
    • 2% - 10% Cash Back at select merchants;
    • Zero liability fraud protection;
    • $300 - $5,000 credit limits;
    • Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
View all Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® details
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Card detail

Celtic Bank Deserve EDU best for Cash Back, Without SSN, Student

Deserve EDU Celtic Bank
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
22.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.5
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Excellent (0-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back on all purchases with your Deserve EDU Mastercard. Once approved, you'll automatically start earning Cash Back on all purchases.
  • Issuer name:
    Celtic Bank
  • Details:

    The Deserve EDU Card makes it easy for students to start building credit.

    The Card's APR is 22.99% (Variable APR). The late payment is up to $25, while the returned payment is up to $37. Balance transfers and cash advances are not available.

    Students who make purchases totaling $500 within the first three statement cycles of card membership qualify to have their Amazon Prime Student subscription reimbursed (a $59 value).

    Students spend a significant amount on school supplies, textbooks and gear each year, and the Deserve EDU Mastercard can earn Cash Back on all of these purchases.

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • No prior credit history required
    • No SSN Required
    • No Annual Fee
    • No
    • Transactions Fees
    • No Co-Signer/ Deposit Required
  • Cons:
    • Relatively High APR
    • Fairly Low Rewards
    • Only for Students
  • Benefits:
    • Cellphone Protection;
    • Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Concierge Service;
    • No International Transaction Fees;
    • Priority Pass™ Membership;
    • Mastercard Benefits;
    • No Social Security Number required for international students to apply.
Card detail

Chase Freedom® Student best for First time applicants

Freedom® Student Chase
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
18.74% Variable
Our Rating:
3.96
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back on all purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    18.74% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card offers $50 bonus (within the first 3 months from account opening) and $20 Good Standing Rewards (after each account anniversary for up to 5 years). Plus, earn 1% Cash Back on all purchases.

    There is no minimum to redeem for Cash Back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts.

    The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card has no annual fee. The card's APR is 18.74% (Variable), 29.99% (Penalty APR).

    If you travel outside of the United States, pay attention to foreign transaction fees. The Chase Freedom® Student Card charges 3% on every purchase you make outside of the country.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • Simple rewards program
  • Cons:
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
    • No intro APR on purchases and balance transfer
  • Benefits:
    • $50 Intro Bonus;
    • $20 Good Standing Rewards;
    • 1% Cash Back on all purchases;
    • Zero Liability Protection;
    • Extended Warranty Protection;
    • Gift cards;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.
Card detail
Sallie Mae Ignite℠ Mastercard®
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
15.24% - 27.24% Variable
Our Rating:
3.26
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Poor (0-579)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $50 Cash Back reward after you spend $250 in the first 3 months.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for 6 months from date of account opening
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    15.24% - 27.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Sallie Mae Bank
  • Details:

    The Sallie Mae Ignite℠ Mastercard® Credit Card earns a $50 Cash Back reward after you spend $250 in the first 3 months. The Card offers 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Plus, get a 25% bonus on base Cash Back rewards after six consecutive on-time payments.

    The Sallie Mae Ignite℠ Mastercard® doesn't charge an annual fee.

    The Card has a 0% introductory APR period for 6 months on purchases. In addition, there is a 0% introductory APR period for 6 months on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, the variable APR is 15.24% - 27.24%.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • Intro APR period
  • Cons:
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Benefits:
    • $50 Cash Back reward (after you spend $250 in the first 3 months);
    • 25% bonus on base Cash Back rewards (after six consecutive on-time payments);
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases;
    • Digital wallets;
    • Cell phone protection;
    • $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
Card detail
Commerce Bank Webster University Rewards Visa®
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.49% - 29.49% Variable
Our Rating:
4.85
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3% Cash Back on streaming, cable and ridesharing services.
    • 2% Cash Back on gas and restaurants.
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    1.99% Introductory APR for 6 monthly billing cycles after account opening
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.49% - 29.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Commerce Bank
  • Details:

    The Commerce Bank Webster University Rewards Visa® Credit Card earns 3% Cash Back on streaming, cable and ridesharing services, 2% Cash Back on gas and restaurants and 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.

    The Webster University Rewards Visa® doesn't charge an annual fee.

    Cardholders can enjoy an interest rate of 1.99% for both purchases and balance transfers for the first 6 billing cycles (19.49% - 29.49% Variable after that).

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
  • Cons:
    • No welcome bonus
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Benefits:
    • 3% Cash Back on streaming, cable and ridesharing services;
    • 2% Cash Back on gas and restaurants;
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
Card detail
KeyBank Laurel Road Student Loan Cashback®
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
16.24% - 25.24% Variable
Our Rating:
4.27
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2% Cash Back towards eligible student loans.
    • 1% Cash Back towards anything else.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $300 Cash Back rewards towards any eligible student loan after you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days with your Laurel Road Student Loan Cashback card.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    16.24% - 25.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    KeyBank
  • Details:

    The Laurel Road Student Loan Cashback® Credit Card is a cash back card that can help you pay off your student loans.

    The Laurel Road Student Loan Cashback® Card earns 2% Cash Back towards eligible student loans and 1% Cash Back towards anything else.

    As a new member, you can earn $300 in cashback rewards towards any eligible student loan after you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days.

    The Laurel Road Student Loan Cashback® Card doesn't charge an annual fee. The Card has a 0% Intro APR period for the first 12 monthly billing cycles following account opening when balance is transferred within the first 60 days following account opening. After that, your APR will be 16.24% to 25.24% Variable.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
    • Intro APR period on balance transfers
  • Cons:
    • No Intro APR period on purchases
  • Benefits:
    • $300 in Cash Back rewards towards any eligible student loan (after you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days);
    • 2% Cash Back towards eligible student loans;
    • 1% Cash Back towards anything else;
    • Mastercard ID Theft Protection;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Mastercard Priceless® Experiences.
Card detail
Comerica Bank Visa® College Real Rewards
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
3.53
scorer
Credit score
Fair to Good (580-739)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5x Points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 2,500x Bonus rewards points awarded after first purchase, redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards or travel savings.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 6 billing cycles
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Comerica Bank
  • Details:

    The Comerica Bank Visa® College Real Rewards Credit Card earns 2,500 bonus rewards points awarded after first purchase (redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards or travel savings).

    The Card offers 1.5x points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

    The Visa® College Real Rewards Card doesn't charge an annual fee.

    The Card has a 0% introductory APR period for 6 billing cycles on purchases. In addition, there is a 0% introductory APR period for 6 billing cycles on balance transfers made within 186 days of account opening. After that, the variable APR is 19.24% - 29.24%.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • Intro APR period
  • Cons:
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Benefits:
    • 2,500 bonus rewards points awarded after first purchase, redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards or travel savings;
    • 1.5x points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases;
    • No cap or limit on the points you can earn, plus you have five years to redeem points for rewards.
Card detail
Valley Visa Signature® College Real Rewards
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
16.74% - 26.74% Variable
Our Rating:
3.64
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5x Points on eligible net purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 2,500x Bonus rewards points awarded after the first purchase, redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards or travel savings.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 6 billing cycles
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    16.74% - 26.74% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Valley
  • Details:

    The Valley Visa Signature® College Real Rewards Credit Card earns 2,500 bonus points after the first purchase (redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards or travel savings). The Card offers 1.5x points on all other purchases.

    The Card doesn't charge an annual fee.

    The Visa Signature® College Real Rewards Card offers an introductory 0% APR for the first 6 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers (within 186 days from account opening), then 16.74% - 26.74% Variable.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • Intro APR period
  • Cons:
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Benefits:
    • 2,500 bonus rewards points awarded after the first purchase (redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards or travel savings);
    • 1% Cash Back on all purchases;
    • Zero Fraud Liability.
Card detail
Celtic Bank NJIT EDU
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
20.99% Variable
Our Rating:
1.7
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Poor (0-579)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back on all purchases.
  • Issuer name:
    Celtic Bank
  • Details:

    The Celtic Bank NJIT EDU Credit Card is a no annual fee student card. The Card earns 1% Cash Back on all purchases.

    The NJIT EDU Card doesn't charge an annual fee. The APR for purchases is 20.99% Variable.

  • Pros:
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
    • No Annual Fee
  • Cons:
    • Balance transfers and cash advances are not available
    • No welcome bonus
  • Benefits:
    • 1% Cash Back on all purchases;
    • Cellphone Protection up to $600;
    • Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Mastercard ID Theft Protection™;
    • Mastercard Global Service.
Card detail

Short Review of the Best Credit Cards for International Students

Card Name Annual fee Regular APR Rewards
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One $0 28.49% 1% Cash Back on all your purchases.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® $0 16.74% - 30.74% 1% - 1.5% Cash Back
Deserve EDU $0 22.49% 1% Cash Back on all your purchases.
Petal® 1 «No Annual Fee» Visa® $0 23.74% - 33.24% 2% - 10% Cash Back at select merchants.
Chase Freedom® Student $0 18.74% 1% Cash Back on all purchases.
Sallie Mae Bank Ignite℠ Mastercard® $0 15.24% - 27.24% 1% Cash Back on all purchases.
Commerce Bank Webster University Rewards Visa® $0 17.49% - 27.49% 3% Cash Back on streaming, cable and ridesharing services.
KeyBank Laurel Road Student Loan Cashback® $0 16.24% - 25.24% 1% Cash Back towards anything else.
Comerica Bank Visa® College Real Rewards $0 16.74% - 26.74% 1.5x Points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Valley Visa Signature® College Real Rewards $0 16.74% - 26.74% 1.5x Points on eligible net purchases.
Hanna VolkavaHanna Volkava

Financial and product expert

hv@myfin.us