Deserve® EDU Mastercard

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 18.74%-25.74% variable
• Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases
• Bonus: $30 statement credit bonus
• Best For: International students in the US who need a credit card without an SSN or US credit history
• Credit Needed: No US credit history required (student verification needed)

Overview

The Deserve EDU Mastercard is one of the very few credit cards specifically designed for international students studying in the US. The most important feature is that it does not require a Social Security Number (SSN) for application. International students can apply with their passport, student visa, and university enrollment verification, making this card accessible to millions of students who cannot get traditional US credit cards.

The card earns 1% cash back on all purchases and offers a $30 statement credit as a welcome bonus. While the rewards are modest, the primary value is credit building: the card reports to all three US credit bureaus, helping international students establish an American credit history that will be valuable for post-graduation employment, apartment rentals, and future financial products.

There is no annual fee, no penalty APR, and the APR range of 18.74%-25.74% is reasonable for a starter card. Deserve also includes a cell phone protection benefit when you pay your monthly phone bill with the card. The card is a Mastercard, providing wide acceptance both in the US and internationally. For international students, the Deserve EDU is often the first and sometimes the only credit card option available.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 18.74%-25.74% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: N/A
• Cash Advance APR: N/A
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Variable APR of 18.74%-25.74% based on creditworthiness. No SSN required for application. No penalty APR.

Benefits Overview

International Student Accessibility

• No SSN required for application
• Apply with passport, visa, and university enrollment
• Designed specifically for international students in the US
• No US credit history required
• Helps establish US credit file from scratch

Rewards and Bonus

• 1% cash back on all purchases
• $30 statement credit welcome bonus
• No caps on cash back earned
• Cash back redeemed as statement credit

Student Benefits

• No annual fee
• No penalty APR
• Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
• Reports to all three US credit bureaus
• Mastercard network for wide acceptance

Rewards & Points

• 1% cash back on all purchases

Cash back is earned on all purchases at a flat 1% rate with no categories, caps, or restrictions. Redemption is available as a statement credit. The $30 welcome bonus is applied as a statement credit and does not require a minimum spending threshold.

Welcome Bonus

Earn a $30 statement credit as a welcome bonus. Unlike many cards that require spending thousands of dollars to earn a bonus, the Deserve EDU bonus is straightforward and accessible for students with modest spending levels. The $30 credit is applied to your statement balance.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $25
• Cash Advance Fee: N/A
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $25

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• International students who do not have an SSN and need a US credit card
• Credit newcomers who want to build US credit history while studying
• Budget-conscious students who want 1% cash back with no annual fee
• Students planning to stay in the US who need a credit file for post-graduation life

Not Good For

• Non-students who are not enrolled in a US university
• Rewards maximizers who want higher than 1% cash back
• US citizens with credit history who can qualify for better student cards

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No SSN required for application (passport and visa accepted)
• Designed specifically for international students in the US
• 1% cash back on all purchases with no caps
• $30 welcome bonus with no minimum spending requirement
• No annual fee
• No penalty APR
• No foreign transaction fees
• Reports to all three US credit bureaus
• Cell phone protection benefit included
• Mastercard network provides wide acceptance

Cons

• 1% cash back is below average even for starter cards
• $30 welcome bonus is small compared to other cards
• Requires student enrollment verification
• Credit limits tend to be low ($500-$2,000)
• Limited to current students at US universities
• No balance transfer or cash advance options
• Fewer card benefits than premium student cards
• Must verify student status periodically

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

First-year value: $110 ($80 cash back + $30 welcome bonus) on $8,000 in student spending. The primary value is establishing a US credit history, which is worth far more than the cash back over time.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You are an international student in the US without an SSN
• You need to build a US credit history for post-graduation
• You want a no-annual-fee card with 1% cash back
• You appreciate a small welcome bonus with no spending requirement
• You want cell phone protection on your monthly phone bill
• You value a card that reports to all three US credit bureaus
• You need a card that accepts passport and visa instead of SSN

You Should Skip It If...

• You have an SSN and can apply for better student cards
• You want higher than 1% cash back on purchases
• You are not a student enrolled at a US university
• You want a large welcome bonus
• You already have a US credit history
• You need a high credit limit

Apply Now

Apply for Deserve® EDU Mastercard

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.