If you've just arrived in the US as an international or exchange student, there's a question that eventually comes up.
"Do I need to get a US credit card too?"
In the US, a credit card isn't just a way to pay for things — it's also how you build Credit History, your credit record.
But when you actually go to apply, a lot of applications ask for an SSN (Social Security Number).
So does no SSN mean no US credit card at all? Short answer: not necessarily.
You can get a credit card without an SSN
Most US credit cards ask for an SSN or an ITIN during the application.
SSN stands for Social Security Number; ITIN stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
But requirements vary by card issuer, and some products offer a separate path specifically for international students or people who are new to the US.
In fact, if you look at guidance from US card issuers, some do let certain international students apply using a passport instead.
So "no SSN" doesn't automatically mean "no US credit card."
That said, your options do narrow, so it's worth checking a specific issuer's requirements before applying.
Having an ITIN opens up a lot more options
An ITIN is an individual taxpayer ID number issued by the IRS.
Depending on the issuer, an ITIN can sometimes be used in place of an SSN on an application.
Chase, for example, states that its general credit card applications accept either an SSN or an ITIN.
Card issuers weigh several factors together — income, US credit history, address — so having an ITIN doesn't guarantee approval on its own.
Still, for a student without an SSN, whether or not you have an ITIN can meaningfully change how many financial products are actually available to you.
No US credit history yet? A secured card is one option
If you've just arrived, there's actually a bigger issue than the SSN: you have no US Credit History at all.
Even if you used a credit card responsibly for years back in Korea, US credit bureaus will have essentially nothing on file for you when you first arrive.
This is where a lot of people look into a Secured Credit Card.
Unlike a regular credit card, you put down a deposit first and get a card tied to it — for example, deposit $500, get a credit limit around that amount, and pay your balance on time every month.
This lets you build US credit history gradually, and later transition to a regular unsecured card.
The real reason to get a credit card: your Credit Score
If you're planning to live in the US long-term, there's a good reason to start thinking about credit early: your Credit Score.
Once you have a credit history, it affects things down the line — car loans, other financing, and more.
So early on, using a card consistently and never missing a payment matters far more than rewards or points.
A simple way to start: put recurring expenses you already have — phone bill, groceries — on the card, and pay it off on time every month to build a record.
One thing we'd specifically recommend against: applying for a bunch of cards all at once right away. Multiple credit inquiries in a short period can actually work against you.
If you're an international student, here's where to start
If you just arrived, start by opening a US bank account and checking whether you're eligible for an SSN or ITIN.
If you have either, look into student cards or cards designed for people building credit for the first time. If you have no US credit history, compare secured credit cards too.
The important thing isn't blindly applying for whatever card is recommended online — it's finding a card that actually fits your immigration status, income, and whether you have an SSN or ITIN.
You figure out life in the US one piece at a time
When you first move to the US, you end up learning even the smallest things from scratch.
From opening a bank account to credit cards, your Credit Score, signing a lease, buying a car — things you never had to think much about in Korea suddenly become real decisions.
Meeting new people is one of those things too.
Outside of school or work, the chances to naturally meet new Korean people can be fewer than you'd expect, and finding someone looking for something serious can be even harder.
Neorang is a matchmaking service that connects Koreans in the US who are looking for something serious.
For people adjusting to a new environment one piece at a time in the US, we want finding a good relationship to be a little easier too.
Along with practical info for living in the US, we'll keep sharing things worth knowing as you build a life here.