Neu Credit Card Helps International Students Build U.S. Credit Without an SSN

How the Neu Credit Card helps international students

The Neu Credit Card is built specifically for international students who need to build U.S. credit without an SSN. With a subscription model and no interest, Neu makes it straightforward to start a credit history in the United States even if you arrived on a student visa and don’t yet have a Social Security Number.

Signing up is simple: pay a small monthly fee, pick a credit limit tier, and use the card for everyday purchases. Neu reports activity to TransUnion, so timely payments and responsible use can help you build U.S. credit history over time.

Fees, limits and cash back explained

Neu offers tiered plans: $4 per month for a $200 limit and $7 per month for a $350 limit, with potential increases to $1,000 for good behavior. There is no interest charged, so balances can carry month to month without finance charges, but the subscription fee and utilization impact should be considered.

Cardholders earn 1.25% cash back on all purchases, automatically applied as a statement credit. For international students on a budget, that reward is helpful, but you should calculate break-even spending versus the monthly fee to make sure the Neu Credit Card pays off for your routine expenses.

Credit reporting and what it means for your score

Neu reports payments only to TransUnion, which means the Neu Credit Card can help build parts of your U.S. credit profile but may not register with Experian or Equifax. If your goal is to build the strongest possible file, consider combining Neu with products that report to all three bureaus once you qualify for them.

You can still use Neu to demonstrate on-time payments and low utilization to U.S. lenders. Keep balances under 30% of your limit, and pay on time every month to maximize the positive effect on TransUnion and to set a solid foundation for future credit cards or loans in the U.S.

Practical tips and next steps for students

Start by treating the Neu Credit Card like a training wheel: use it for predictable monthly expenses such as groceries or transit, and set up autopay to avoid missed payments. Because the Neu Credit Card works without an SSN, it’s a practical first step for international students who want to build U.S. credit quickly and with minimal friction.

As you establish a payment history with Neu, plan to graduate to broader products that report to all bureaus and offer higher rewards or no subscription fees. Compare Neu to secured cards or student cards from major banks once you have an SSN or co-signer available.