Last Updated on 4 days ago by CreditForImmigrants Editorial Team

If you are new to the United States and have no
credit history, a secured credit card is your
best first step. Secured cards are designed
specifically for people starting from zero —
no credit score required, no SSN in many cases,
and no complicated approval process.

Here are the best secured credit cards for
immigrants with no credit history in 2026.

What is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card requires a refundable
security deposit when you open the account.
This deposit becomes your credit limit. If you
deposit $200 your credit limit is $200.

You use the card like any regular credit card —
make purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay
it on time. The card issuer reports your payment
activity to the three major credit bureaus. This
is how you build your U.S. credit history.

After 12 to 18 months of responsible use most
issuers will upgrade you to an unsecured card
and return your deposit.

Why Secured Cards Are Perfect for Immigrants

Secured cards have much lower approval requirements
than regular credit cards. Many accept an ITIN
instead of an SSN. Some require neither — just a
passport and a U.S. address. Because your deposit
covers the risk for the issuer, they do not need
to rely on your credit history to approve you.

Best Secured Credit Cards for Immigrants in 2026

1. Firstcard Secured Credit Builder
   Best overall for immigrants. No SSN required —
   apply with just your passport. No annual fee.
   No credit check. Reports to all three major
   credit bureaus. Designed specifically for
   immigrants and international students. Zero
   annual fee and 0% APR on purchases.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Secured
   Best for cash back rewards. Accepts ITIN in
   place of SSN. Earns 1.5% cash back on every
   purchase. No annual fee. Minimum deposit of
   $200. Automatically considered for a higher
   credit limit after 6 months of on-time payments.
3. OpenSky Secured Visa
   Best for no credit check at all. No SSN required.
   No credit check required. Deposit between $200
   and $3,000. Reports to all three credit bureaus.
   You do not even need a bank account to apply —
   you can fund your deposit with a money order.
4. Self Visa Credit Card
   Best for building credit two ways at once. Start
   with a Credit Builder Account — make monthly
   payments into a savings account. After a few
   months unlock the Self Visa secured card. No hard
   credit check. Accepts ITIN. Reports to all three
   bureaus.
5. Chime Credit Builder
   Best for no deposit required. No minimum deposit.
   No annual fee. No credit check. No interest. Works
   by moving money from your Chime spending account
   to cover your card balance. Reports to all three
   credit bureaus. Requires a Chime checking account.
6. Citi Secured Mastercard
   Best from a major traditional bank. Accepts ITIN.
   Minimum deposit of $200. No annual fee. Reports
   to all three bureaus.

1. How to Use a Secured Card to Build Credit Fast Rule 1: Always pay your full balance on time every single month. Payment history is 35% of your credit score. One missed payment can set you back significantly. Rule 2: Keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit at all times. If your limit is $200 never carry more than $60 in charges at once. Lower is better — under 10% is ideal. Rule 3: Use the card every month for small purchases. A card with no activity may not report to the bureaus. Even one small purchase per month keeps the account active. Rule 4: Do not apply for multiple cards at once. Each application creates a hard inquiry on your credit report. Stick with one card for your first 12 months. Rule 5: After 6 to 12 months check if you qualify for a credit limit increase. A higher limit with the same spending lowers your utilization ratio automatically. When Will You See Your First Credit Score? Most immigrants see their first FICO credit score within 3 to 6 months of opening their first U.S. credit account. You need at least one account that has been open for at least 6 months and reports to the bureaus. After 12 to 18 months of responsible use your score can reach 680 to 720 or higher. Frequently Asked Questions Can I get a secured card without an SSN? Yes. Firstcard, OpenSky, and Chime Credit Builder do not require an SSN. Capital One and Self accept an ITIN in place of an SSN. Is my deposit refundable? Yes. Your security deposit is fully refundable when you close the account in good standing or when the issuer upgrades you to an unsecured card. How long do I need to keep a secured card? Keep it for at least 12 to 18 months to establish a solid credit history. Closing the account too early can lower your credit score. Will a secured card hurt my credit score? No. Used responsibly a secured card can only help your credit score. The key is paying on time and keeping your balance low. Can I have more than one secured card? Technically yes but it is not recommended for beginners. Focus on one card for the first year. Multiple applications create hard inquiries that temporarily lower your score.