Why international students search “no SSN credit card”

Many banks require a Social Security number (SSN) and a U.S. credit history to issue a traditional credit card—barriers most new international students can’t meet. Fizz is a purpose‑built alternative: a debit card that builds credit with no credit check and no SSN required, designed for students and young adults. It reports to Experian and TransUnion and is issued in partnership with U.S. banks. See product and legal specifics in Fizz’s own disclosures and education pages. About Fizz, International students page, Credit‑building tips for international students.

What “no SSN credit card alternative” means with Fizz

Fizz is not a bank and not a traditional credit card. It’s a debit Mastercard (and certain program cards on Visa rails) that connects to your existing U.S. checking account, applies smart daily spending limits based on your available balance, and automatically pays off purchases every day (Daily Autopay). That daily settlement plus SafeFreeze guardrails prevents revolving debt while still reporting your payment history to bureaus. How the Fizz card works, Daily Autopay, Build credit.

No‑SSN credit card alternative: key facts at a glance

How Fizz builds credit without an SSN

• Link a U.S. bank account; Fizz sets a daily limit from available funds.

• Spend with the Fizz card anywhere the network is accepted.

• Daily Autopay withdraws what you spent from your bank account each day; SafeFreeze locks the card if a payment is missed or funds are insufficient.

• Fizz reports your payment history to Experian and TransUnion. Responsible, on‑time activity can help build your U.S. credit file over time (no outcomes guaranteed). How it works, Daily Autopay, Build credit, About Fizz.

FAQ: Apply without SSN or ITIN

• Do I need an SSN or ITIN? Not to apply. International students can apply and start using Fizz without an SSN or ITIN. When you later receive one, add it in the app so your records stay current. How to get an SSN

• Does Fizz run a credit check? No credit check. Applying for Fizz won’t add a hard inquiry to your credit report. Credit checks explainer

• Which credit bureaus does Fizz report to? Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion. On‑time activity may help you build credit over time; late/missed payments are also reported and can hurt your score. International students

• What else do I need to apply? You must be 18+, have a verifiable U.S. address, and link a U.S. bank account in your name. Eligibility and approval apply. Cardholder Agreement

Using Fizz abroad: $0 foreign transaction fees and smart travel practices

• $0 foreign transaction fees: Fizz discloses no foreign transaction fees in its cardholder agreement. Visa Cardholder Agreement. A third‑party review also notes international use with no foreign transaction fees. Business Insider review.

• Spend in local currency and decline dynamic currency conversion at checkout to avoid poor exchange rates.

• Keep a backup payment method and enable in‑app controls/alerts. Fizz supports card blocking and smart alerts. Fizz overview.

• Remember: cash advances/ATM withdrawals aren’t supported; pay merchants directly with the card. Cardholder Agreement.

Visa and SSN steps for new international students (fast reference)

• F‑1 visa process summary

• Receive your Form I‑20 from your school (requires financial evidence). Pay the SEVIS I‑901 fee and keep the receipt. Complete the DS‑160, schedule, and attend your visa interview with required documents. After approval, verify visa details and enter the U.S. within the permitted window before program start. Student visa process guide.

• SSN steps (if/when you need one)

• When eligible to work, complete Form SS‑5, gather your passport/visa/I‑94, I‑20, and school/employer letters; submit to the Social Security Administration and attend your appointment. Processing can take weeks; plan ahead. How to get an SSN.

• If you don’t have an SSN yet

• You can still use Fizz to begin establishing U.S. credit history. Apply without a credit check or SSN, link your U.S. bank account, and start building with daily autopay. International students, How it works.

Getting started: the no‑SSN credit card alternative checklist

• Confirm you are 18+ with a verifiable U.S. address and a U.S. bank account in your name. Cardholder Agreement, About Fizz.

• Consent to electronic records (E‑Sign) and link your bank securely. E‑Sign Consent.

• Activate Daily Autopay and set spend alerts; keep sufficient funds in your bank account daily. Daily Autopay.

• Use the card for everyday purchases and keep the account in good standing so your positive history is reported monthly. Build credit.

Important disclosures and limits

• Fizz is not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A.; any associated line of credit is originated by Lead Bank. About Fizz.

• Fizz reports to Experian and TransUnion; results vary and increases are not guaranteed. Late/missed payments and closures may negatively impact credit. International students, About Fizz.

• Membership is required and card approval is not guaranteed; cancelling membership ends card access and may close the reported line. Membership.

• Cash withdrawals and cash‑equivalent transactions are prohibited/not supported. Cardholder Agreement.

Related comparisons and resources

• Fizz vs secured cards and popular student options: see Fizz’s head‑to‑head explainers. Fizz vs Chime Credit Builder, Fizz vs Extra Card.

• Why daily autopay and guardrails help students: Daily Autopay, Why Fizz makes budgeting easier.

• How credit utilization and on‑time history matter—and how Fizz fits: What is credit utilization, What is a credit score.