5 Things to Know About the Neu Credit Cards

The Neu cards — issued by Cross River Bank — eliminate many credit-building obstacles for students, as they don't require a credit history, an upfront security deposit, or even a Social Security number in some cases.

Those low barriers to entry can be helpful, especially if you’re an international student with limited options because you lack a Social Security number. (You can instead potentially qualify with a valid Visa stamp that has six months until it expires.)

Still, it may be worth exploring other options for building credit, some of which have similar features.

Here’s what you need to know about the Neu cards.

» MORE: Credit cards you can get without a Social Security number

1. There are two versions of the card

You can apply for one or the other:

• The Neu 1 card, with a $7 monthly fee ($84 annually). This card charges no interest.

• The Neu 2 card, which has no monthly or annual fee. Interest will apply if you carry a balance.

The Neu 2 card is the better option, given its lack of a monthly fee. Yes, it has an APR, but as with any card, you can avoid interest charges entirely by paying off the balance in full every month by the due date.

If you don't qualify for the Neu 2 card, the company may offer the chance to get approved for the Neu 1 card, if you're eligible. This version lets you carry a balance from month to month with no interest, although there is a minimum payment due each billing cycle.

The lack of an APR on the Neu 1 card may be a selling point if you're just getting started with credit and want some debt guardrails in place. But remember that unlike interest charges, a monthly fee will apply every billing cycle, whether you're using the card or not.

Plus, there are cards without a monthly fee that don’t charge interest. Consider the Chime Card™ and Varo Believe Secured Credit Card, for example. These cards require a Social Security number, but they don’t require a traditional security deposit. Instead, you must open an account with the company in an amount you choose, and this amount determines the credit limit.

» MORE: Can't get a credit card? Try these alternative options

2. Air travel purchases earn cash back

It’s rare to find a credit-builder card that doubles as a travel credit card. The Neu cards stand out on that front, offering 3% cash back on air travel purchases. Occasionally, Neu may also offer merchant-specific or category-specific offers that earn a higher rewards rate in the app.

Cash back automatically redeems as a statement credit toward your outstanding balance, and it doesn't expire. You’ll still have to keep up with payments, though. Using rewards toward your balance doesn't eliminate that responsibility.

In any case, air travel is a relatively narrow spending band. Other cards aimed at beginners can offer elevated rewards in everyday categories.

For instance, the $0-annual-fee Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and purchases at grocery stores; plus 5% back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. All other purchases earn 1%. There’s also a modest welcome offer: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months. The card is available to applicants with a limited credit history and no credit history, according to a spokesperson for the company. Terms apply (see rates and fees).

Without a credit history, you could also consider the $0-annual-fee Discover it® Student Chrome, which earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter and 1% back on all other purchases. There's also an incentive for new cardholders:INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.

Both options do require a Social Security number as part of the application process.

» MORE: A guide to Capital One's student credit card

3. Credit-building opportunities come with caveats

As of October 2025, the Neu cards report payments to only two of the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion and Experian, but not Equifax. This isn't ideal when you're attempting to establish credit, because if a future potential lender ends up pulling your credit report from Equifax, there may be nothing to see.

In addition, there's no path to upgrade to a more traditional credit card that can offer better rewards, perks or credit-building tools. That's especially problematic if you have the Neu 1 card, because you're stuck with that monthly fee over the long term.

Several secured credit cards from major issuers offer more comprehensive credit bureau reporting, as well as upgrade paths to unsecured products. You can also often find those features among student credit cards, including the aforementioned Discover it® Student Chrome and Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.

» MORE: Student credit cards 101: Everything you need to know

4. Credit limits start at $350

Either of the Neu cards offers a credit limit of $350 or higher, depending on your creditworthiness.

Factors that determine your credit line will include your credit history (if available), income and expenses.

It’s a decent starting limit, considering you don’t need a credit history or security deposit to qualify.

» MORE: When to ask for a credit limit increase

5. You can talk to a live customer service representative

This feature is typical of credit cards from major banks, but it's not always the case with nontraditional cards from smaller companies like Neu.

You'll be able to reach a live agent by phone or email during weekdays, which can be helpful when a chatbot or automated email response isn't enough to address questions or resolve an issue.