No, there are two cards, no SSN, you can apply as soon as the school starts. Option 1: BOA credit card, but you need to apply for their bank account Option two (recommended, apply online):  Deserve Credit Card : Designed for international students, although the limit is not high, it is one of the few cards that can be applied for without SSN.  You can get USD $30 with one purchase within three months of opening the card Deserve application process 1. Upload I-20, passport, and U.S. visa to apply online, no need to go to the bank, no SSN. 2. You can accumulate credit points to Experian (EX) and TransUnion (TU). 3. Can be reimbursed for one-year Amazon Prime Student membership (worth $59). 4. 1% rebate on all consumption. 5. Waiver of foreign transaction fees (FTF). 6. No annual fee. Extended reading:  [Study Abroad Credit Card] Deserve Edu credit card, no SSN, easy application in 3 steps