No Credit History? Here’s How Immigrants Can Qualify for a Credit Card

Moving to a new country comes with its own set of challenges — and building a financial foundation from scratch is one of the biggest. For many immigrants, getting approved for a credit card in the U.S. or Canada without any credit history may seem nearly impossible. But there’s good news: it’s not only possible, it’s often easier than you think — if you know where to start.

Why Credit History Matters

Your credit history is essentially your financial reputation. It’s used by banks, landlords, phone companies, and even employers to gauge how responsible you are with money. Without a credit history, lenders have no way to assess your risk — which is why many immigrants are denied traditional credit cards initially.

Options for Immigrants With No Credit History

Here are several ways you can qualify for your first credit card even if you’re new to the country and don’t have a credit profile yet:

1. Apply for a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card is designed for people with no or poor credit. You place a deposit — usually $200–$500 — which becomes your credit limit. This deposit minimizes the risk for the lender. As long as you use the card responsibly and make payments on time, it will help build your credit score.

2. Use International Credit Transfer Programs

Some financial institutions now allow newcomers to transfer their credit history from their home country. For example:

• American Express Global Card Transfer Program
• Nova Credit (partners with certain U.S. banks)

These programs allow creditworthy immigrants to access traditional credit cards without starting from zero.

3. Become an Authorized User

If you have a family member or close friend in the U.S. or Canada with good credit, ask them to add you as an authorized user on their existing credit card. Their payment history will begin to show on your credit report, helping you build credit quickly.

4. Apply With Your ITIN (U.S. only)

If you don’t have a Social Security Number, some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This is especially helpful for international students, temporary workers, or others still waiting for legal residency documents.

Tips for Building Credit Responsibly

Getting a credit card is just the first step. You’ll need to manage it wisely to build a strong credit score:

• Always pay your full balance on time. Late payments damage your score quickly.
• Keep your credit utilization low. Try to use less than 30% of your available credit.
• Don’t open too many accounts too fast. Each credit application results in a hard inquiry.
• Check your credit report regularly. In the U.S., you can access it for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Best Starter Credit Cards for Immigrants

Here are some of the most popular and immigrant-friendly options in the U.S. and Canada:

• U.S.: Discover it® Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured, Petal 1 Visa (no deposit)
• Canada: Home Trust Secured Visa, Neo Financial Credit Card, Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard

The Bottom Line

Having no credit history doesn’t mean you’re stuck. With the right tools and a little planning, immigrants can qualify for credit cards and begin building a strong financial future in North America. Start small, be consistent, and your credit score will grow over time — opening the door to car loans, mortgages, and other opportunities.