Update (April 2026): The Deserve EDU Mastercard has been discontinued and is no longer accepting new applications. Existing accounts are being closed. If you are an international student looking for a US credit card, see our guide to credit cards that accept ITIN for current alternatives.
What Is the Deserve EDU Mastercard?
The Deserve EDU Mastercard is a credit card built specifically for college students, including international students who may not have a Social Security Number or US credit history. Unlike most credit cards that require an SSN and established credit, the Deserve EDU uses alternative data (like academic enrollment and financial behavior) to evaluate applicants.
This makes it one of the few true unsecured credit cards available to international students in the US without requiring a security deposit.
Key Features
No SSN required. International students can apply using their passport and student visa. Deserve uses alternative data to assess your application, which means you do not need a US credit history.
No security deposit. Unlike secured cards, the Deserve EDU does not require any upfront deposit. This is a significant advantage for students watching their budget.
No annual fee. You will not pay a yearly fee for this card.
Cash back rewards. The card earns 1% cash back on all purchases. While this is lower than some other cards, earning any rewards on a card designed for people with no credit history is a plus.
Credit bureau reporting. Deserve reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). This helps you build a US credit profile from the first month you use the card.
Student perks. Some versions of the Deserve EDU have included perks like Amazon Prime Student membership or statement credits for specific student-related purchases. Check current offers when you apply.
Who Is This Card For?
The Deserve EDU is designed for college students who are at least 18 years old and enrolled in a US college or university. It is especially valuable for international students on F-1 or J-1 visas who cannot get approved for traditional US credit cards.
It also works for US students who have no credit history and want to start building credit without a deposit or cosigner.
Pros
The biggest advantage is accessibility. For international students, getting a US credit card is notoriously difficult. The Deserve EDU removes the two biggest barriers: SSN requirement and security deposit.
Reporting to all three bureaus means your on-time payments will steadily build your US credit score. This credit history stays with you after graduation, giving you a head start on building credit as a young adult.
No annual fee keeps the card cost-free to maintain, which is important for students on tight budgets.
Cons
The credit limit is typically modest, often starting around $500 to $1,500. This is standard for student cards but can feel limiting.
The 1% cash back rate is below average compared to other student cards. Cards like the Discover it Student earn higher rewards in certain categories.
Discontinued. The Deserve EDU Mastercard is no longer accepting new applications. Deserve closed this card product in 2025.
How to Apply
Related: Browse credit cards that accept ITIN if you want to apply for a US credit card without an SSN. If you don't have an ITIN yet, you can get one quickly and online through TheITIN.com — anyone can apply regardless of immigration status, making it the easiest way to unlock financial opportunities in the US.
TheITIN.com
TheITIN.com
No SSN? No problem. TheITIN.com makes getting your U.S. tax ID (ITIN) fast and painless — 100% online. Perfect for people who need to start building credit, file taxes, or open bank accounts in America.
Standout feature
100% online ITIN application. No hidden fees. Trusted by thousands with 4.8★ on Trustpilot.
Fees
Starting at $497
Pros
Fast, fully online process. Highly rated customer support (4.8★ Trustpilot). Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Cons
Processing time depends on IRS (can take up to 14 weeks).
Visit the Deserve website and select the EDU card. You will need your passport, student visa information, proof of enrollment, and a US mailing address. The application process is straightforward and fully online.
If approved, use the card for small recurring purchases like a streaming subscription or phone bill. Pay the full balance each month, and your credit score will grow steadily. Learn more about building credit as an international student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Deserve EDU Mastercard require a Social Security Number? No. International students can apply using a passport and student visa. Deserve uses alternative data, so no SSN or US credit history is required.
What credit score do I need for the Deserve EDU? No traditional minimum credit score is required. Deserve evaluates enrollment status and financial behavior instead.
Does the Deserve EDU help build US credit? Yes. Deserve reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, so every on-time payment builds your US credit history.
Is the Deserve EDU a secured or unsecured card? Unsecured — no security deposit required. This is one of the few truly unsecured cards available to international students.
What happens to my US credit history if I leave after graduation? Your US credit history stays on file at the bureaus indefinitely. If you return, that history will still help you qualify for credit products.
The Bottom Line
The Deserve EDU Mastercard filled a real gap for international students who needed a US credit card without an SSN or deposit. The card has since been discontinued. International students should explore current alternatives — see our guide to credit cards that accept ITIN for options available today.
Learn more about credit building with Firstcard.
