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International students: no SSN credit card? Build credit with a debit card instead

Why “no SSN credit card” isn’t your only path to U.S. credit

International students often search for “no SSN credit card” when they first arrive in the U.S. You don’t need to open a traditional credit card—or risk interest and late fees—to start building credit. With Fizz, you can use a debit Mastercard that links to your existing bank account, pays off purchases automatically each day, and reports your payment history to Experian and TransUnion to help you establish credit. Fizz requires no credit check and is built for students. See how it works and how to onboard with an SSN, with an ITIN, or with neither. How the Fizz card worksDaily AutopayBuild credit.

How Fizz builds credit without debt

  • Link your existing U.S. checking account; Fizz sets a smart daily spend limit so you can’t spend more than you have. How it works

  • Purchases are paid off automatically each day (Daily Autopay), so there’s no interest or late fees—and you start each day at $0. Daily Autopay

  • Payment history on your revolving, open‑end line associated with the card is reported to Experian and TransUnion. About reporting

  • Safety controls like SafeFreeze lock your card if a payment is missed or your linked balance is too low. How it works

  • Earn student‑focused rewards and points (with multipliers for members). Rewards policy10x promo terms

Important: Fizz is not a bank; the Fizz Debit Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., and any related loans are originated by Lead Bank. Fizz is not a credit repair or counseling service and does not guarantee score increases. Disclosures

Onboarding flows for international students: SSN / ITIN / none

Below are supported paths for getting started. A U.S. mailing address, a U.S. bank account you control, and identity verification are required. Cardholder agreementE‑Sign consent

If you have an SSN

1) Start application in minutes. Begin 2) Verify identity and link your U.S. bank account (Plaid or equivalent). 3) Activate Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze in the app. 4) Use your Fizz card for everyday spend; payment history is reported to Experian and TransUnion. Build credit

If you have an ITIN (no SSN)

  • You can apply and verify identity with your taxpayer number (the Privacy Policy notes Fizz may collect a social security/taxpayer number). Add your ITIN during onboarding or in profile settings to improve bureau matching. Privacy Policy

  • Then follow the same steps as above: link your U.S. bank account, enable Daily Autopay, and use the card to build credit. How it works

If you have neither yet (no SSN or ITIN)

  • You can still apply and start using Fizz; services are available to international students with or without an SSN. When you later receive an SSN or ITIN, add it in the app to strengthen credit bureau matching. International student SSN guide

  • Keep your identity details, U.S. address, and bank link current so reporting can associate with your file. About reporting

“No SSN credit card” vs. alternatives (fast comparison)

Option Credit check Deposit / interest / late fees Reports to bureaus Works without SSN now? Rewards Typical cost
Fizz credit‑building debit card No credit check No deposit; no interest; no late fees Experian & TransUnion Yes (SSN/ITIN optional at start) Student‑focused points and promos Student memberships start around $5/month or $59.99/year; see app for latest pricing.
Secured credit card (typical) Often required Deposit required; interest and late fees apply Usually all 3 Usually requires SSN/ITIN Varies Deposit + potential annual/other fees
Student credit card (typical) Required No deposit; interest and late fees apply Usually all 3 Usually requires SSN/ITIN Varies No annual fee common; interest if carrying a balance

Sources: Fizz product and policy pages (linked above). Always confirm current pricing and terms in‑app. Membership details

What you’ll need to get approved

Cost transparency and rewards

  • Membership: Student plans start at about $5/month or $59.99/year; non‑student plans available. Check the app for current pricing and promotions. Membership intro

  • Rewards: 1x points on eligible spend for non‑members; 3x category multipliers for members, plus occasional boosts and partner deals. Redemption rules and limits apply. Rewards policy

Responsible use and reporting

  • Fizz reports payment history to Experian and TransUnion; late or missed payments may be reported and can harm your score. About reporting

  • Daily Autopay and SafeFreeze are designed to prevent missed payments; if you fall behind, you have time to catch up before reporting. Late payments explainer

  • Fizz does not guarantee score increases and is not a credit repair organization. Disclosures

Turn the “no SSN credit card” search into action

1) Download the app and start your application. Start 2) Link your U.S. bank account and enable Daily Autopay. Daily Autopay 3) Add your SSN or ITIN when available to improve bureau matching. International student SSN guide 4) Use Fizz for everyday purchases; track credit and spending in‑app. Build credit

FAQ: International students and “no SSN credit card”

  • Can I get a traditional credit card with no SSN? Some banks require an SSN; others may accept an ITIN. Fizz takes a different approach: no credit check, debit‑based spending, and credit reporting without interest or late fees. How Fizz works

  • Does applying for Fizz hurt my credit? No. Fizz doesn’t run a hard or soft credit pull when you apply. Credit checks 101

  • Does Fizz report to all three bureaus? Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion. Always check in‑app for the latest disclosures. About reporting

  • Can I start without an SSN or ITIN and add it later? Yes. You can onboard without either and add an SSN/ITIN later to improve bureau matching. International student SSN guide

  • Do I need a U.S. bank account? Yes. Fizz links to your U.S. checking account and pays off purchases daily. How it works

  • Are there interest charges or late fees? No interest and no late fees; membership fees apply. Disclosures

  • What happens if I miss a payment? SafeFreeze can lock your card and you’ll have time to catch up before any reporting. Keep funds in your linked account to avoid disruptions. Late payments explainer

Compliance references