Credit Cards That Don't Require SSN: Complete List for 2025
Credit cards that accept ITIN instead of SSN. 2025 list of banks, secured and unsecured options for non-SSN holders building credit in the United States.
Credit Cards That Don't Require SSN: Complete List for 2025
Every credit card application asks for your Social Security Number. If you don't have one, you might assume credit cards are off limits.
They're not.
Multiple banks accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) in place of SSNs. Some cards are specifically designed for newcomers to the US. Others simply have flexible policies.
Here's who will approve you without an SSN.
Banks That Accept ITIN for Credit Cards
Major Banks
Bank of America
- Accepts ITIN for most credit cards
- In-branch applications often easier
- Need valid photo ID
- May require existing relationship
Cards available:
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
- Bank of America Travel Rewards
- Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo
- Accepts ITIN on case-by-case basis
- Apply in-branch for best results
- Existing account holders have advantage
- May require additional documentation
Cards available:
- Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Wells Fargo Reflect
- Wells Fargo Autograph
Citibank
- Accepts ITIN for some products
- May require in-branch application
- Existing relationship helpful
Cards available:
- Citi Double Cash
- Citi Custom Cash
American Express
- Reports accepting ITIN for some cards
- In-branch or phone applications
- Strong income documentation helps
Cards available:
- Blue Cash Everyday
- Blue Cash Preferred
- Some business cards
Credit Unions (Often Most Flexible)
Why credit unions work well:
- Mission to serve underserved communities
- Local decision-making
- Relationship-based lending
- Often have specific ITIN programs
Finding ITIN-friendly credit unions:
- Latino Community Credit Union
- Self-Help Credit Union
- Various state/local credit unions
- Search: "[your city] ITIN credit union"
Secured Credit Cards (Easiest Approval)
Secured cards are often the easiest entry point for ITIN holders.
Bank of America Secured Card
- Accepts ITIN
- Minimum deposit: $300
- Reports to credit bureaus
- Path to unsecured card
OpenSky Secured Visa
- No credit check
- ITIN accepted
- No bank account required
- Deposit: $200-$3,000
Chime Secured Card
- ITIN accepted
- No minimum deposit
- No credit check
- Build credit with purchases
Self Credit Builder
- ITIN accepted
- Not traditional credit card
- Build credit through savings
- Good for establishing history
Cards Designed for Newcomers
Deserve Cards
Specifically for:
- International students
- New US residents
- Those without SSN
Features:
- No SSN required
- No credit history required
- Rewards program included
- Reports to credit bureaus
TomoCredit
Specifically for:
- Those without credit history
- New to US
- Students
Features:
- Uses income/banking for approval
- No traditional credit check
- Reports to bureaus
Petal Cards
Features:
- Cash Score technology (bank data analysis)
- May work with limited credit history
- No SSN sometimes possible
- Reports to credit bureaus
ITIN Credit Card Comparison
| Card Type | SSN Required? | Credit Check? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | ITIN accepted | Yes | Building credit |
| Wells Fargo | ITIN case-by-case | Yes | Existing customers |
| Secured cards | ITIN often accepted | Varies | Starting out |
| Credit union cards | ITIN accepted | Yes | Community members |
| Newcomer cards | No SSN needed | Alternative methods | New to US |
How to Apply Without SSN
In-Branch Applications (Recommended)
Why in-branch is better:
- Explain your situation directly
- Submit ITIN documentation
- Often more flexible than online
- Build relationship with banker
What to bring:
- ITIN confirmation letter (CP565)
- Passport or foreign ID
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements)
- Any existing bank statements
Online Applications
Challenges:
- May only have SSN field
- No option to explain ITIN situation
- Higher denial rate
Workarounds:
- Some sites accept ITIN in SSN field
- Call after submitting if issues
- Try in-branch if online fails
Phone Applications
Can work well:
- Explain ITIN situation to representative
- May have manual processing options
- Ask specifically about ITIN policy
Building Credit Without SSN
Step 1: Start with Secured Card
Best first step for most ITIN holders.
Why secured cards work:
- Deposit reduces lender risk
- Easier approval
- Reports to credit bureaus
- Builds credit history
Step 2: Use Responsibly
Build credit by:
- Using card for regular purchases
- Paying on time every month
- Keeping utilization low
- Not maxing out limit
Step 3: Graduate to Unsecured
Timeline: 6-12 months of responsible use
Then:
- Request upgrade from secured to unsecured
- Apply for additional unsecured cards
- Continue building
Step 4: Expand Credit Profile
Add more accounts:
- Additional credit cards
- Credit-builder loans
- Eventually auto loans, mortgage
What NOT to Do
Don't Use Fake SSN
Serious consequences:
- Federal crime (identity fraud)
- Application denial
- Account closure
- Legal prosecution
- Immigration consequences
Never do this. Use ITIN legally instead.
Don't Use Someone Else's SSN
Same consequences as above. Not worth the risk.
Don't Give Up After One Denial
One denial ≠ no options
- Different lenders have different policies
- Try credit unions
- Try secured cards
- Try in-branch application
ITIN Credit Card FAQs
Can I use ITIN instead of SSN on credit card applications?
Yes, many banks accept ITIN. Apply in-branch for best results and bring ITIN documentation.
Which banks definitely accept ITIN?
Bank of America is most consistently reported as ITIN-friendly. Credit unions often accept ITIN as well.
Will I get the same credit limit as SSN applicants?
Limits depend on income and credit history, not SSN vs ITIN. You may start with lower limits and increase over time.
Do ITIN credit cards report to credit bureaus?
Yes. Cards obtained with ITIN report to the same credit bureaus as SSN accounts.
Can I get a rewards credit card with ITIN?
Yes, once you have credit history. Start with basic card, build history, then apply for rewards cards.
What if my ITIN expires?
Renew your ITIN with IRS. Credit accounts remain active during renewal process. ITINs expire if not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, so file taxes annually to keep your ITIN active.
Can I get business credit cards with ITIN?
Yes, some business cards accept ITIN, especially from ITIN-friendly banks like Bank of America. Apply in-branch with your business documentation (EIN, business license, articles of organization) alongside ITIN paperwork. Business cards can help build both personal and business credit profiles simultaneously.
Best Strategy by Situation
Just Arrived in US
Start with:
- Newcomer card (Deserve, Tomo) or
- Secured credit card
- Credit union account
Have ITIN, No Credit History
Start with:
- Secured credit card from major bank
- Credit union credit card
- Credit-builder product
Have ITIN and Some Credit
Options:
- Apply for unsecured cards at ITIN-friendly banks
- Try Bank of America first
- Credit union options
Have ITIN and Good Credit
Options:
- Most unsecured cards at ITIN-accepting banks
- Premium rewards cards
- Business credit cards
Your Action Plan
This Week
- Locate your ITIN confirmation letter
- Gather ID and proof of address
- Research credit unions in your area
- Identify 2-3 cards to apply for
This Month
- Visit bank or credit union in person
- Apply for first credit card
- If approved, set up autopay
- Begin using responsibly
Ongoing
- Pay on time every month
- Keep utilization under 30%
- Check credit report quarterly
- Apply for additional cards as credit builds
Next Steps
Not having an SSN doesn't mean no credit cards. It means finding the right lenders and applying the right way.
Start with a secured card or newcomer card if needed. Build history. Graduate to better products. Your path to credit is open.
Need help building credit with ITIN? Freedom Consulting specializes in credit strategies for ITIN holders. Book a free consultation to start building your credit profile.
Related: ITIN Credit Guide | Banks That Accept ITIN
Disclaimer: Bank policies change. Verify current ITIN acceptance before applying. Approval depends on individual circumstances.
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:
Need Help with Your Credit Strategy?
Freedom Formation helps business owners build credit and access funding. Book a free consultation to discuss your goals.
Book Free Consultation