How to Get a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number

Can You Actually Get a Credit Card Without an SSN?

Yes. The short answer is that several major U.S. banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number on credit card applications. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but are not eligible for an SSN — including many immigrants, visa holders, and their spouses.

The credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) do not require an SSN to create a credit file. They can match your credit history using your name, date of birth, and address. Once a bank reports your account to the bureaus, you start building a U.S. credit profile — regardless of whether you used an SSN or ITIN to apply.

This matters because credit history follows you for years. Starting early — even with a basic card — gives you a foundation for renting apartments, financing a car, or qualifying for better cards down the road.

Which Banks Accept an ITIN?

Not every issuer does, and policies can change. As of early 2026, these banks are known to accept ITIN applications for at least some of their credit cards:

• Bank of AmericaAccepts ITIN on most consumer cards. The Customized Cash Rewards card is a popular starting point.
• Capital OneKnown for accepting applicants with limited or no U.S. credit history. The Quicksilver Secured card is a common entry point.
• CitiAccepts ITIN on many products. The Citi Custom Cash card works well for focused spenders.
• American ExpressAccepts ITIN on some cards, including the Blue Cash Everyday. May require an existing banking relationship or higher income documentation.
• DeserveA fintech issuer that specifically markets to international students and immigrants. No SSN or credit history required.
• Nova CreditNot a bank, but a service that translates your foreign credit history into a U.S.-readable report. Partners with Amex and other issuers so you can apply using credit history from your home country.

Smaller credit unions often accept ITINs as well. If you already have a checking or savings account at a local credit union, that is worth asking about first — an existing relationship can improve approval odds.

How to Get an ITIN

If you do not already have an ITIN, you can apply for one by filing IRS Form W-7. Here is the basic process:

1. 1
   Complete Form W-7. Download it from irs.gov. You will need to indicate your reason for requesting the ITIN — for most people, this is "filing a U.S. tax return."
2. 2
   Attach a tax return. In most cases, you submit Form W-7 along with a federal tax return (Form 1040). There are exceptions if you qualify for treaty benefits or are receiving certain types of income.
3. 3
   Provide identity documents. You need a valid passport or a combination of other documents (national ID card, birth certificate, visa). The IRS lists acceptable documents in the W-7 instructions.
4. 4
   Submit your application. You can mail it to the IRS, apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or use a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) — a third-party authorized to verify your documents so you do not have to mail originals.
5. 5
   Wait for processing. The IRS typically processes W-7 applications in 7 to 11 weeks. During tax season, it can take longer.

Once you receive your ITIN, it does not expire as long as you use it on a tax return at least once every three years. Keep the original assignment letter in a safe place — some banks may ask to see it during the application process.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Card With an ITIN

1. 1
   Open a U.S. bank account first. If you do not already have one, open a checking or savings account at a bank that accepts ITINs. This establishes a relationship with the institution and gives you a U.S. address on file.
2. 2
   Check whether the card accepts ITIN applicants. Not all cards at a given bank may be available. Call the issuer or check the application page for language about "ITIN" or "tax identification number." Our guide at /start-here/no-ssn lists specific cards.
3. 3
   Gather your documents. You will typically need your ITIN (or ITIN assignment letter), a valid passport or government-issued ID, proof of U.S. address (utility bill, bank statement), and proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or offer letter).
4. 4
   Apply online or in person. Some banks let you enter your ITIN in the SSN field during online applications. Others require you to apply in a branch. If the online form rejects your ITIN, try calling or visiting a branch.
5. 5
   Start with a secured card if needed. If you have no U.S. credit history at all, a secured card — where you put down a refundable deposit — is the easiest approval path. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, most issuers will upgrade you to an unsecured card and refund your deposit.

What About Cards That Need No SSN and No ITIN?

A few fintech companies and neobanks offer debit-like products or charge cards that do not require any tax ID at all. These can be useful for day-to-day spending, but most of them do not report to the credit bureaus — which means they will not help you build a credit score.

If your goal is to build credit (and it should be), prioritize cards that report to at least one bureau. A secured credit card with ITIN acceptance is almost always the better long-term move, even if the application process takes more effort.

Tips for Building Credit as a Newcomer

• •Pay your full balance every month. Carrying a balance does not help your score — it just costs you interest.
• •Keep your credit utilization below 30%. If your limit is $500, try not to carry more than $150 at any point in the billing cycle.
• •Do not apply for multiple cards at once. Each application creates a hard inquiry, and too many in a short period can lower your score.
• •Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment. A single missed payment can set you back months.
• •Be patient. It takes about 6 months of reported activity to generate a FICO score. After 12 months, you will likely qualify for better cards.