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🌍Secured Credit Cards

Secured Credit Cards for Immigrants with No US Credit History

Moving to the US means starting your credit history from scratch — even if you had excellent credit in your home country. The good news: secured cards with no credit check don't care where you're from. Here's how to build US credit fast.

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Best Cards for You

4 options
⭐ Top Pick
Capital Bank
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
No credit check. No bank account required.
Approval Odds
Very High
Annual Fee
$35
Min. Deposit
$200
Credit Check
None ✓
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ No credit check — anyone can apply✓ No bank account required✓ Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Apply Now →Full Review
Stride Bank
Chime Credit Builder Visa®
No credit check. No interest. No annual fee.
Approval Odds
Very High
Annual Fee
$0
Min. Deposit
$200
Credit Check
None ✓
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ No credit check required✓ 0% APR — no interest ever✓ No annual fee, no monthly fee
Apply Now →Full Review
Lead Bank
Self Visa® Secured Card
Build savings and credit at the same time.
Approval Odds
Very High
Annual Fee
$25
Min. Deposit
$100
Credit Check
None ✓
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ Start with as little as $25/month savings plan✓ No credit check to apply✓ Accepts recent bankruptcy
Apply Now →Full Review
Citibank
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Build credit with a major bank. No annual fee.
Approval Odds
High
Annual Fee
$0
Min. Deposit
$200
Credit Check
Hard Pull
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ Major bank credibility (Citibank)✓ No annual fee✓ Path to unsecured after 18 months
Apply Now →Full Review
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Not sure which is right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions and we'll match you to the exact card that fits your credit score, income, and deposit — free, no credit check required.

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How to Build Credit Fast

These 4 habits separate people who hit 700 in 18 months from those who stall.

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Pay on time, every time
Payment history is 35% of your FICO score — the single biggest factor. Set autopay for the minimum, then pay the rest manually.
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Keep utilization under 30%
If your limit is $200, keep balances under $60. Utilization is 30% of your score and updates every month.
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Don't close old accounts
Length of credit history matters. Keep your first card open even if you stop using it — it anchors your history.
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Graduate to unsecured when eligible
Most issuers will upgrade you after 12–24 months of on-time payments, returning your deposit and improving your credit mix.

Your Credit Journey

Where most people land after consistent secured card use

Month 3
First FICO score generated580–620
Month 9
Eligible for most unsecured cards620–660
Month 18
Good rates on car loans & apartments660–700
Month 30
Premium cards, best mortgage rates700–740

* Timeline assumes on-time payments and utilization below 30%. Individual results vary based on credit profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can immigrants get a secured credit card without a Social Security Number?

Some issuers accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN. OpenSky and Chime are generally the most flexible for non-citizens.

Does US credit history from abroad transfer?

Generally no — credit histories don't transfer between countries. You start fresh in the US regardless of your history abroad. This is why starting with a secured card immediately is so important.

How long does it take to build credit as an immigrant?

Most people see their first FICO score within 3-6 months of opening their first US account. With consistent on-time payments, you can hit 680+ within 18 months.

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Ready to start building your credit?

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