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Karta Credit Card Review: Premium Travel Card for Non-U.S. Residents (2025)
July 1, 2025
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Looking for a premium credit card without a Social Security number? Karta just launched a new metal travel card designed specifically for international applicants with U.S. assets. No SSN, ITIN, or U.S. credit history required.
What Is the Karta Credit Card?
The Karta Credit Card is a premium travel credit card targeting non-U.S. residents who maintain assets in American financial institutions. Launched in October 2025, it fills a gap left when American Express discontinued its International Dollar Card program at the end of 2024.
With $5.4 million in seed funding and partnerships with 22 U.S. financial institutions, Karta is positioning itself as a serious alternative to traditional premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express Platinum Card®, but with far more accessible eligibility requirements for international applicants.
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Karta Card Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Karta card, you'll need:
- Minimum $50,000-$150,000 in U.S. assets (requirements vary by banking partner)
- Active U.S. bank account
- Copy of your passport
- Utility bill
- U.S. visa (if required for entry)
The card is currently available only through referrals from partner financial institutions, including:
- Bolton Global Capital
- XP Investments
- ProCapital Financial
- Global Wealth Management
Karta Card Fees & Rewards
Annual Fee
$300 — competitive compared to other premium travel cards:
Rewards Rate
1 point per $1 spent on all purchases
Points can be redeemed for:
- Statement credit
- Flights with preferred airlines
- Hotel stays
Credit Limit
Up to $200,000 based on your assets under management at your U.S. financial institution
Key Features & Benefits
Travel Perks
- Priority Pass Select membership: Access to 1,700+ airport lounges worldwide with 10 complimentary visits annually (valued at $329 if purchased separately)
- Automatic Europe tax refund: upload receipt via WhatsApp to get VAT refunds credited to your car
- Visa Infinite benefits: Baggage delay/loss insurance, price protection, purchase protection, auto rental insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
Unique Features
- WhatsApp-based customer service: Manage your card, dispute charges, and book reservations entirely through WhatsApp (with AI assistance and human support)
- Instant approval & digital card: Get approved in minutes and use immediately via Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Metal card: Premium physical card design
Buy Now, Pay Later Option
While Karta is technically a charge card (meaning you can't carry a balance month-to-month like traditional credit cards), it offers installment plans:
- 3-month, 6-month, or 9-month payment options
- Fixed finance charges apply (rates vary by plan)
Important Limitations
Credit Reporting
Only reports to Experian, not TransUnion or Equifax. This is a significant drawback if your primary goal is building a comprehensive U.S. credit history. For credit building, consider alternatives like the Zolve Classic Credit Card ($0 annual fee, reports to all three bureaus).
Availability
Referral-only through partner banks and brokers. You can't apply directly through Karta's website.
Who Should Get the Karta Card?
Best For:
✅ Non-U.S. residents with significant U.S. assets who need a premium card without SSN requirements
✅ International travelers who value airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees
✅ Anyone avoiding high foreign transaction fees on cards issued in their home country (some international cards charge 5-10% vs. Karta's 0%)
✅ High-net-worth individuals seeking credit limits above the typical $25K-50K maximums
Not Ideal For:
❌Credit building as primary goal. Only reports to one bureau, Experian
❌Rewards maximizers. 1 point per $1 is modest compared to category bonuses on other premium cards
❌ U.S. residents with SSN/good credit — Better options available with richer rewards and perks
Should You Apply?
The Karta card makes sense if you're a non-U.S. resident with substantial U.S. assets who values premium travel perks without the SSN barrier. The $300 annual fee is justified by Priority Pass access alone, and the lack of foreign transaction fees provides ongoing value.
However, if you already qualify for traditional premium cards (with SSN and good U.S. credit), cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum offer significantly richer rewards structures, more comprehensive benefits, and broader credit bureau reporting.
How to Apply
- Connect with a partner institution: Contact one of Karta's 22 banking partners (list available through referral channels)
- Provide required documentation: Passport, utility bill, U.S. visa (if applicable), proof of U.S. assets
- Get approved: Instant decisions in many cases
- Start using immediately: Add to Apple Pay or Google Pay while awaiting a physical metal card
Bottom Line: Karta fills an important niche for international high-net-worth individuals who maintain U.S. financial connections but lack traditional credit credentials. While not competitive with premium cards for rewards maximizers, it's a solid option for its target audience who prioritizes access over earning rates.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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