Key Points

• You can get credit cards using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport instead of an SSN.
• Major issuers like Chase, American Express, and Capital One accept ITIN applications for many of their cards.
• Secured credit cards and student-focused options offer the easiest approval paths for those without SSNs.

Introduction

Moving to the United States without a Social Security Number doesn't mean you're locked out of the credit card world. Whether you're an international student, recent immigrant, or working in the U.S. on a visa, you can absolutely build credit and earn rewards—you just need to know which doors to knock on.

Here's what most people don't realize: major credit card issuers accept alternative identification. Chase, American Express, Capital One, and others will approve applications using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or even your passport. The catch? You need to know which cards accept these alternatives and how to position your application for success.

Let me walk you through exactly how to get your first U.S. credit card without an SSN, including which cards to target and how to maximize your approval odds.

Can You Really Get a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number?

Yes—and it's more common than you think. Credit card issuers need to verify your identity before approving you, but federal law doesn't specifically require a Social Security Number for credit cards. That's why many major banks accept alternative forms of identification.

The key is understanding what these alternatives are and which issuers accept them. Most commonly, you'll use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though some cards accept passport information directly.

What Is an ITIN and How Do You Get One?

An ITIN is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who need to file U.S. taxes but aren't eligible for a Social Security Number. It's formatted just like an SSN (XXX-XX-XXXX) but always starts with the number 9.

To apply for an ITIN, you'll need to:

1. Complete IRS Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
2. Attach a valid federal tax return or qualify for an exception
3. Provide documentation proving your identity and foreign status (typically your passport)
4. Submit everything to the IRS by mail, through a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), or at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

The process typically takes 7-11 weeks, though it can take longer during busy tax season. Using a Certifying Acceptance Agent can speed things up because they verify your documents on-site, so you don't have to mail original documents to the IRS.

Important: An ITIN doesn't grant work authorization or legal status in the U.S. It's purely for tax purposes. However, once you have one, many credit card doors open.

Which Major Credit Card Issuers Accept ITIN Applications?

Not all banks are created equal when it comes to accepting ITINs. Here's the current landscape:

Issuers That Accept ITINs:

• Chase (all consumer cards, including travel rewards)
• American Express (all cards)
• Capital One (most cards)
• Bank of America (select cards)
• Wells Fargo (select cards)
• U.S. Bank (primarily secured cards)
• Citi (select cards)

Issuers That Require SSNs:

• Discover
• Credit One Bank
• Most regional banks and credit unions

The good news? The issuers that accept ITINs include some of the best rewards credit cards in the market. You're not limited to subpar options.

Best Credit Cards You Can Get Without a Social Security Number

Let's break down the top options based on your credit situation and goals.

For Building Credit: Chase Freedom Rise

If you're starting from scratch with no U.S. credit history, the Chase Freedom Rise is designed specifically for you. Chase accepts ITIN applications and doesn't require established credit history.

You'll earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, and you can request a credit limit increase after six months of responsible use.

For Maximum Flexibility: Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited accepts ITIN applications and offers strong rewards once you have some credit history.

You'll earn 5% on Chase travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on everything else. The real advantage: these rewards are actually Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Pair this with the Chase Sapphire Preferred later, and you can transfer points to airline and hotel partners for 2-3x more value.

For Everyday Spending: Capital One QuicksilverOne

The Capital One QuicksilverOne works well for building credit. Capital One approves many applicants with limited history and accepts ITINs on all applications.

You'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no foreign transaction fees. There's a $39 annual fee, but it's waived for the first year. If you have better credit, the regular Capital One Quicksilver has no annual fee.

For Travel Enthusiasts: American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card is excellent for travel rewards if you have established credit history. American Express can access credit history from several countries including Canada, UK, Mexico, India, and Australia.

You'll earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 yearly), and 3x on flights. The $325 annual fee is offset by dining credits. Points transfer to 21 airline and hotel partners. Learn more in our guide to American Express rewards programs.

For Students: Secured Credit Cards

If you're an international student without an ITIN, secured cards accept passport information directly.

Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card accepts ITIN or passport, reports to all three bureaus, and earns 1% cash back. Annual fee is $25-$75 depending on deposit.

U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card accepts ITINs, requires $300-$5,000 deposit, and has no annual fee. Apply by phone or in-branch, not online.

For more options, see our best credit cards for students.

How to Apply for a Credit Card Without an SSN: Step-by-Step

The application process is nearly identical to applying with an SSN, with a few key differences:

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before you start any application, have these ready:

• Your ITIN (or passport if the issuer accepts it)
• Proof of U.S. address (utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, employment letter, or bank statements)
• Your existing U.S. credit history, if any

Step 2: Choose Your Target Card

Based on your credit situation:

• No credit history: Chase Freedom Rise or secured card
• Some credit history: Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One QuicksilverOne
• Good credit history: American Express Gold or Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Established credit: Chase Sapphire Reserve or premium cards

Step 3: Apply Online or By Phone

Most issuers that accept ITINs allow online applications. Enter your ITIN where it asks for SSN (XXX-XX-XXXX format). If the form won't accept it, call the issuer.

Chase: Enter ITIN directly in online application.

American Express: Apply online or call (800) 223-2670.

Capital One: Apply online or call (800) 227-4825 if you have questions.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

Issuers may request additional documentation, especially on your first application. Have these ready:

• Copy of your ITIN assignment letter from the IRS
• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license)
• Additional proof of address

Step 5: Start Building Credit

Once approved, the real work begins. To build strong credit without an SSN:

• Keep your utilization below 30% (preferably under 10%)
• Pay your full balance every month
• Set up autopay to never miss a payment
• Request a credit limit increase after 6-12 months of on-time payments

For a deeper dive into building credit strategically, read our 5 strategies to build credit fast.

Alternative Options: When You Can't Get Approved Yet

If you're not ready for a traditional credit card, these alternatives can help you start building credit:

Become an Authorized User

If you have family or friends with good credit in the U.S., ask if they'll add you as an authorized user on their account. You'll benefit from their positive payment history without needing to qualify on your own.

Important: Make sure the card issuer reports authorized user activity to the credit bureaus. Not all do, and some only report to two bureaus instead of all three. For more details on this strategy, check out our authorized user guide.

Credit-Builder Loans

Some credit unions and online lenders offer credit-builder loans specifically designed for people establishing credit. You make monthly payments into a savings account, and once the loan is paid off, you receive the money. It's not glamorous, but it works.

Secured Cards Without ITIN Requirements

A few specialized secured cards accept passport information without requiring an ITIN:

• Firstcard Secured Credit Builder Card (discussed earlier)
• Amazon Store Card (for Amazon purchases only, very limited)

These won't get you into the travel rewards game yet, but they're legitimate starting points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for too many cards too quickly: Multiple applications in a short period hurt your chances. Space applications 3-6 months apart when starting out.

Not verifying your ITIN is active: ITINs expire if not used on a tax return for three years. Verify yours is valid by calling the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

Ignoring foreign transaction fees: Cards with these fees cost you 2-3% on every international purchase. Choose cards that waive them.

Neglecting U.S. address history: Establish a clear paper trail at your current address through utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements.

Forgetting about credit report access: Without an SSN, you must submit written requests to each credit bureau with proof of identity. Do this annually to monitor progress.

How Credit Cards Without SSN Affect Your Credit Building

Using an ITIN instead of an SSN doesn't create "second-class" credit. Credit bureaus track your history using multiple identifiers: name, date of birth, addresses, and your identification number (SSN or ITIN).

Credit card issuers report your activity to all three major credit bureaus the same way. Your credit file gets created and updated monthly with payment history, utilization, and account age.

If you later obtain a Social Security Number, contact each credit bureau with documentation proving both numbers belong to you. They'll merge your credit files—this doesn't happen automatically.

What About Business Credit Cards?

Yes, you can get business credit cards without a Social Security Number. The same issuers that accept ITINs for personal cards accept them for business cards.

You'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) plus your ITIN. Getting an EIN is easier than getting an ITIN—apply online through the IRS website.

Popular business cards accessible with ITINs:

• Chase Ink Business Preferred: 3x points on travel, shipping, internet, and advertising (first $150,000)
• American Express Business Gold Card: 4x points on your top two spending categories
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: 2x miles on every purchase

For a complete guide, see choosing and applying for business credit cards.

International Credit History Transfer: A Hidden Advantage

Some banks can access your credit history from your home country and use it for U.S. credit card applications.

American Express has the most robust program. If you maintained good credit in Canada, UK, Mexico, India, or Australia, you can qualify for premium cards immediately—even without U.S. credit history.

Apply for an American Express card using your ITIN and mention your international credit history. They'll verify it with their international counterpart. Many international professionals get approved for the American Express Platinum or Gold within weeks of arriving in the U.S.

Nova Credit facilitates credit history transfers from India, Mexico, Brazil, UK, and several other countries. They partner with American Express and other lenders to bridge your credit history.

Maximizing Your First Credit Card

Once you're approved, here's how to use your card strategically:

Build Credit Score Quickly

Focus on these key factors:

• Payment history (35%): Never miss a payment. Set up autopay.
• Credit utilization (30%): Keep balance below 10% of your credit limit.
• Length of history (15%): Keep your first card open forever.
• Credit mix (10%): Diversify eventually, but don't rush.
• New credit (10%): Avoid multiple applications in the first year.

For more detail, read our complete guide to FICO scores.

Plan Your Next Cards

Once you've had your first card for 6-12 months with perfect payment history, you can add more cards.

Typical progression:

Months 1-6: One starter card

Months 6-12: Add Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex

Months 12-18: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture

Months 18-24: Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum

For the best options once you've built credit, see best travel credit cards.

Understand Chase's 5/24 Rule

Chase automatically denies applications if you've opened five or more personal credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months. This applies whether you use an SSN or ITIN.

Get Chase cards before you hit 5/24 by opening cards with other issuers. For details, read our complete guide to Chase's 5/24 rule.

FAQ

Can I get approved for a credit card with just my passport?

Some specialized cards like Firstcard Secured Credit Builder accept passport information directly without requiring an ITIN. However, most major issuers require either an SSN or ITIN. If you don't have an ITIN yet but want access to better cards, applying for one should be your priority.

What if I don't have a U.S. tax return to submit with my ITIN application?

The IRS allows certain exceptions to the tax return requirement for ITIN applications. International students, spouses of visa holders, and others may qualify. Review the instructions for Form W-7 to see if you meet an exception, or consult with a tax professional or Certifying Acceptance Agent.

Will applying for credit cards with my ITIN affect my immigration status?

No. Applying for and using credit cards has no impact on your immigration status. Credit card activity is not shared with immigration authorities. However, failing to pay taxes when required could affect certain immigration applications, which is why having an ITIN and filing taxes properly is important.

Can I upgrade my secured card to an unsecured card?

Most secured cards offer a path to upgrade once you've demonstrated responsible use for 6-12 months. However, some issuers only allow this upgrade if you have an SSN. Ask the issuer about their upgrade policy before applying for a secured card. U.S. Bank, for example, requires an SSN to upgrade their secured card.

What happens to my credit history if I get a Social Security Number later?

Your credit history doesn't disappear or reset. However, you'll need to manually link your ITIN-based credit file to your new SSN by contacting each of the three credit bureaus with documentation proving both numbers belong to you. Once linked, your credit history will be complete and accessible using your SSN.

Do I need to tell my credit card issuer if I get an SSN?

Yes. When you obtain a Social Security Number, you should notify your credit card issuers and update your account information. This ensures smooth reporting to the credit bureaus and prevents any issues with account maintenance or future applications.

Conclusion

Getting a credit card without a Social Security Number is not only possible—it's a legitimate path to building strong U.S. credit and earning valuable rewards. The key is knowing which issuers accept ITINs, starting with the right cards for your situation, and using them responsibly.

Whether you start with a simple cash-back card like the Chase Freedom Rise or dive straight into travel rewards with the American Express Gold, you're establishing the foundation for your financial life in the United States.

Focus on building payment history, keeping your utilization low, and avoiding the common mistakes that derail newcomers. Within 12-18 months, you'll have access to the same premium rewards cards that long-term residents use to fund their travel dreams.

The most important step is the first one: apply for that initial card and start building your credit history today.

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