
The Tomo Mastercard card offers a welcoming and accessible path for you to start building a U.S. credit file. It is uniquely designed to approve you without a prior U.S. credit history and without a Social Security Number (SSN) in some cases. Instead, it looks at your U.S. banking activity to see that you are financially responsible. This guide will explain how you can use the Tomo Card to begin your American financial journey with confidence.
Features Designed for a Global Citizen
- No U.S. Credit History Needed: This is the most important feature for newcomers. Tomo understands that you are starting from zero in the U.S. credit system, and their application process is designed specifically for your situation. Your credit history from your home country, unfortunately, does not transfer.
- ITIN is Accepted: A major advantage is that you do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply. The Tomo Card accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is a huge benefit for international students, scholars, and new residents who may have an ITIN before they are eligible for an SSN.
- Reports to All Major U.S. Credit Bureaus: To build your official U.S. credit file, your on-time payments are reported to the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®. This is how you create the history that future U.S. lenders will review.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a very valuable feature if you travel back home or make purchases from international websites. You will not be charged the usual 3% fee on these transactions, which can save you a significant amount of money.
- Premium Travel and Lifestyle Benefits: As a World Elite Mastercard®, the Tomo Card comes with a package of benefits that are very useful for a global lifestyle. The most valuable of these is cellphone protection, which can cover your phone against theft or damage anywhere in the world, as long as you pay your monthly bill with the card.
- No Interest Charges (0% APR): The card is designed to be paid off automatically and regularly from your linked bank account. This means you will not be charged any interest. This system helps you learn to manage your finances responsibly in the U.S. system without the risk of high-interest debt that is common with other credit cards.
Who Is Eligible?
The Tomo Card is a great option for newcomers to the U.S. who meet these requirements:
- Are 18 years of age or older.
- Have a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport from your home country.
- Have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Have opened a U.S. bank account and can demonstrate a history of responsible financial management (such as having regular deposits and maintaining a stable balance).
How to Apply

The process is designed to be simple and can be completed entirely online.
- Visit the TomoCredit Website: You can start your application on their official site.
- Provide Your U.S. Information: You will need to fill in your U.S. address and personal details.
- Securely Link Your U.S. Bank Account: You will need to connect the U.S. bank account where you receive your money (such as a university stipend, a salary from an on-campus job, or funds from your family). This is the key step that allows Tomo to approve you.
- Submit Your Identification: You will need to provide your SSN or ITIN and a copy of your government-issued ID.
- Receive a Quick Decision: You will often receive an approval decision and your spending limit within a few minutes.
Common Questions for Newcomers
- I have a great credit history in my home country. Does that help?
Unfortunately, credit histories do not transfer between countries. Even if you had an excellent credit rating at home, you must build a new credit file from the beginning in the United States. The Tomo Card is an excellent tool to start that process. - What is a charge card and how is it different from what I am used to?
A charge card must be paid in full on a regular schedule. You cannot carry a balance from month to month as you might with a traditional credit card. Tomo does this automatically for you from your bank account. It is a safer way to begin using credit in the U.S., as it prevents debt. - Does the card have any fees I should know about?
The card has no annual fee, which is great for students and newcomers. However, it does have a small monthly fee of approximately $2.99. This fee is for the credit-building service and access to the premium benefits. - Is this card better than getting a secured card from a U.S. bank?
It can be a much better option for newcomers. A traditional secured card requires you to provide a cash security deposit of several hundred dollars, which can be difficult when you are first setting up your life in a new country. The Tomo Card does not require this large, upfront deposit, which can make it an easier and faster way to get started building your essential U.S. credit history.