Credit Cards for ITIN Holders: Complete List of Options

Getting a credit card with an ITIN is harder than it should be—but it's not impossible.

Most credit card applications ask for a Social Security Number. Many online systems reject ITINs outright. But a growing number of issuers recognize that ITIN holders are creditworthy customers who deserve access to financial products.

Here's every credit card option available to ITIN holders, from secured starter cards to premium rewards cards.

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How Credit Cards Work for ITIN Holders

The Application Challenge

When you apply for a credit card:

1. The issuer requests your SSN
2. You provide your ITIN instead
3. The system may reject it—or it may work

Key insight: Many issuers accept ITIN but their online systems don't. Applying by phone or in-branch often succeeds when online fails.

What Gets Reported

When approved, your credit card activity reports to credit bureaus using your ITIN. This builds your credit history just like an SSN would.

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Best Secured Cards for ITIN Holders

Secured cards are the most reliable option for ITIN holders building credit.

Chime Credit Builder

Best for: No deposit, no credit check

How to apply:

1. Open Chime Spending Account (accepts ITIN)
2. Enable Credit Builder feature
3. Move money to Credit Builder to set limit

Why it works: Chime is specifically designed for underbanked populations, including ITIN holders.

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OpenSky® Secured Visa®

Best for: Guaranteed approval

Why it works:

• No credit check means no SSN verification issues
• Specifically designed for credit building
• Doesn't require bank account

How to apply: Apply at opensky.com. Enter ITIN where SSN is requested.

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Bank of America Secured Card

Best for: Major bank relationship

How to apply:

1. Open BoA checking account with ITIN first
2. Apply for secured card in-branch
3. Reference existing relationship

Note: Online application may not work. Apply in-branch with banker assistance.

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Self Credit Builder Card

Best for: Combined credit-builder loan + card

The program:

1. Open credit-builder account ($25-$150/month)
2. After 3 months, unlock secured card
3. Card limit based on savings progress

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Unsecured Cards for ITIN Holders

After building credit history, unsecured cards become accessible.

Deserve® EDU Mastercard

Best for: Students and young adults

Why it works: Designed for international students, specifically accommodates ITIN/no SSN applicants.

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Credit One Bank Platinum Visa

Best for: After 6+ months of credit history

How to apply:

• Apply by phone rather than online
• Explain you have ITIN, not SSN
• Have credit history established first

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Capital One Cards (Select Products)

ITIN acceptance: Varies by product and application method

Products that may work:

• Capital One Quicksilver (after credit history)
• Capital One Platinum (starter unsecured)

How to apply:

• Apply in-branch if possible
• Call if online rejected
• Some success with certain products

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Store Credit Cards for ITIN Holders

Store cards sometimes have easier approval for ITIN holders.

Amazon Store Card

ITIN acceptance: Sometimes (results vary)

Apply through Amazon account with ITIN on file. Some ITIN holders report success.

Target RedCard

ITIN acceptance: Possible in-store

Apply at Target store with ITIN. Debit version may be easier than credit.

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Business Cards for ITIN Holders

Business credit cards use EIN, potentially bypassing ITIN issues.

The Business Card Strategy

1. Form LLC (ITIN-friendly state like Wyoming)
2. Get EIN for LLC
3. Apply for business cards using EIN

Cards That May Work

Brex

• No personal credit check
• Approval based on business revenue
• Uses EIN for business

Ramp

• No personal guarantee
• Revenue-based approval
• Business-focused

Note: You still need to list yourself as an owner (with ITIN), but approval is based on business factors.

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Application Strategies

Strategy 1: Start with Secured

Highest success rate. Deposit eliminates risk for issuer.

1. Apply for Chime Credit Builder or OpenSky
2. Use for 6-12 months
3. Build credit history
4. Apply for unsecured cards

Strategy 2: Bank Relationship First

Build relationship before applying for cards.

1. Open checking/savings with ITIN-friendly bank
2. Use account responsibly for 3-6 months
3. Apply for bank's credit card in-branch
4. Reference your existing relationship

Strategy 3: Phone Applications

When online fails, phone often works.

1. Attempt online application
2. If rejected, call customer service
3. Explain you have ITIN, not SSN
4. Ask to complete application by phone
5. Be patient and persistent

Strategy 4: Business Credit Path

Build credit through business, not personal.

1. Form LLC
2. Get EIN
3. Open business bank account
4. Apply for business credit cards
5. Business credit builds independently

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What to Do If Rejected

Ask Why

Call the reconsideration line. Common reasons:

• System doesn't accept ITIN (try phone/branch)
• No credit history (start with secured)
• Insufficient relationship (open checking first)

Try Different Method

• Online rejected? → Try phone
• Phone rejected? → Try in-branch
• One issuer rejected? → Try another

Build More History

If rejection is due to thin file:

• Use secured card for 6 more months
• Add authorized user account
• Add credit-builder loan
• Reapply when score improves

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Credit Card Timeline for ITIN Holders

Months 1-3: Foundation

• Open bank account with ITIN
• Apply for secured credit card
• Get approved, make deposit
• Use card for small purchases

Months 4-6: Building

• Pay all statements in full
• Keep utilization under 30%
• Check credit score progress
• Add credit-builder loan (optional)

Months 7-12: Expanding

• Apply for second card (another secured or first unsecured)
• Request credit limit increases
• Continue perfect payment history

Year 2+: Graduating

• Apply for unsecured rewards cards
• Request secured card graduation
• Consider premium cards if score supports

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ITIN Credit Card Comparison

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Important Reminders

Documentation Needed

Keep these ready for applications:

• ITIN (CP565 letter from IRS)
• Passport or government ID
• Proof of US address
• Proof of income (if requested)

Patience Required

Building credit with ITIN takes longer than with SSN. Expect:

• More rejections initially
• Need to apply by phone or in-person
• 12-24 months to reach good credit

Protect Your Information

Only provide ITIN to legitimate financial institutions. Scammers target ITIN holders. Verify any institution before sharing sensitive information.

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Next Steps

Start with what works: Chime Credit Builder or OpenSky Secured. These cards approve ITIN holders consistently and report to all credit bureaus.

Use your first card responsibly for 6-12 months, then expand. The path is longer for ITIN holders, but the destination is the same: good credit that opens financial doors.

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Need help navigating credit cards with ITIN? Freedom Consulting specializes in helping ITIN holders build credit. Book a free consultation to create your personalized strategy.

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Related: Building Credit with ITIN | Banks That Accept ITIN

Disclaimer: Card availability and ITIN policies change. Verify current policies before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only.

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Continue Learning

This article is part of our Building Credit with ITIN: The Complete Guide for Non-Citizens guide series.

Related articles in this series:

• ITIN vs SSN: Key Differences and What You Can Do With Each
• Best Banks That Accept ITIN for Account Opening (2025)
• ITIN Business Funding: How to Access Capital Without SSN