What Is an ITIN and Who Needs One?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but don't qualify for a Social Security number. This includes many immigrants, non-resident aliens, and their dependents. Anyone can get an ITIN regardless of immigration status, and TheITIN.com makes the application process fast and 100% online.
If you have an ITIN instead of an SSN, you might think building credit in the US is impossible. It's not. Several credit card issuers accept ITIN applications, giving you a real path to establishing credit history in this country. Workers on specific visa categories have additional options too — see our guide to credit cards for H1B visa holders if you are employed in the U.S. on a temporary work permit.
Top Credit Cards That Accept ITIN
For most people without an SSN, the fastest path to a real credit card is through a credit-builder card that doesn't require a credit check. Two stand out as the easiest to qualify for with an ITIN.
1. Current Build Card — Our Top Pick
The Current Build Card is our number-one pick for ITIN holders. There's no credit check, no minimum security deposit, and 0% APR — so approval doesn't hinge on a US credit history you don't have yet. You spend like a debit card from your Current account, and the activity gets reported as on-time credit usage to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. You also earn 1 point per dollar on dining and groceries while you build credit. For ITIN applicants, the no-credit-check pathway and zero deposit requirement are the two biggest advantages over a traditional secured card.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
2. OpenSky Secured Credit Card — Strong Runner-Up
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card is one of the few secured credit cards that openly approves applicants without an SSN — an ITIN works. There's no credit check during application, which makes it accessible if your US credit history is thin or non-existent. You set the credit limit with your refundable security deposit, OpenSky reports your account activity to all three major credit bureaus every month, and there are no hidden fees. If you'd rather build credit through a traditional secured card with a deposit you control — instead of a debit-style product like the Current Build Card — OpenSky is the cleanest option for ITIN holders.
Major Banks That Accept ITIN
If you'd rather work with a large national bank — especially one where you already have a checking or savings account — several major issuers accept ITIN applications.
Bank of America
Bank of America accepts ITIN for credit card applications. If you have a checking or savings account with them, your chances of approval improve significantly. Their secured credit card is a good starting option for ITIN holders with no US credit history.
Capital One
Capital One is known for being immigrant-friendly. They accept ITIN applications for several cards, including the Capital One Platinum Secured Card. Their pre-qualification tool lets you check your odds without affecting your credit.
Citibank
Citi accepts ITIN for credit card applications, especially if you have an existing banking relationship with them. The Citi Secured Mastercard is a strong option for ITIN holders looking to build credit.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo accepts ITIN for credit card applications. The Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card reports to all three credit bureaus and has a pathway to upgrade to an unsecured card after responsible use.
TheITIN.com
TheITIN.com
No SSN? No problem. TheITIN.com makes getting your U.S. tax ID (ITIN) fast and painless — 100% online. Perfect for people who need to start building credit, file taxes, or open bank accounts in America.
Standout feature
100% online ITIN application. No hidden fees. Trusted by thousands with 4.8★ on Trustpilot.
Fees
Starting at $497
Pros
Fast, fully online process. Highly rated customer support (4.8★ Trustpilot). Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Cons
Processing time depends on IRS (can take up to 14 weeks).
Credit Unions
Many local credit unions and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) accept ITIN for credit cards and loans. These organizations often have more flexible requirements than big banks.
How to Apply for a Credit Card With an ITIN
Get your ITIN first. If you don't have one yet, apply using IRS Form W-7. Processing takes about seven weeks. You'll need proof of identity and your foreign status.
Open a bank account. Having a checking or savings account at the same institution where you're applying for a credit card dramatically improves your chances. Many banks that accept ITIN for bank accounts also accept it for credit cards.
Start with a secured card. If you have no US credit history, a secured card is your best bet. The deposit reduces the lender's risk and makes approval more likely.
Bring documentation. When applying, have your ITIN, a valid form of ID (passport or consular ID), proof of address, and proof of income ready.
Building Credit With an ITIN
Once you have a credit card, building credit works the same way regardless of whether you used an SSN or ITIN.
Make every payment on time. Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. Set up autopay to make sure you never miss a due date.
Keep your balance low. Use less than 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $500, keep your balance under $150.
Don't close your first card. The length of your credit history matters. Keep your first card open even after you qualify for better options.
Check your credit report. You can get a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com using your ITIN. Review it regularly for errors. Learn more about building credit with an ITIN.
TheITIN.com
TheITIN.com
No SSN? No problem. TheITIN.com makes getting your U.S. tax ID (ITIN) fast and painless — 100% online. Perfect for people who need to start building credit, file taxes, or open bank accounts in America.
Standout feature
100% online ITIN application. No hidden fees. Trusted by thousands with 4.8★ on Trustpilot.
Fees
Starting at $497
Pros
Fast, fully online process. Highly rated customer support (4.8★ Trustpilot). Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Cons
Processing time depends on IRS (can take up to 14 weeks).
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
No US credit history. This is the biggest hurdle. A secured card solves this problem because the deposit guarantees the issuer's risk.
Limited card options. Not every issuer accepts ITIN, which narrows your choices. Focus on the issuers listed above and consider credit builder tools designed for people building credit from scratch.
Higher deposits or lower limits. Without credit history, you may need a larger deposit or start with a lower credit limit. This is normal and temporary. Responsible use leads to better terms over time.
Language barriers. Some banks offer customer service in multiple languages. Bank of America and Capital One both offer Spanish-language support, which can make the process smoother.
The Bottom Line
Having an ITIN instead of an SSN doesn't lock you out of the US credit system. Several major banks and credit unions accept ITIN applications, and building credit follows the same principles regardless of which number you use. Start with a secured card, pay on time, and watch your credit grow. If you want a broader overview of how non-citizens can get a first card, read our guide on how foreigners can get a credit card in the U.S. or learn more at the credit builder card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card with only an ITIN and no SSN?
Yes. Bank of America, Capital One, Citibank, Wells Fargo, and many credit unions accept ITIN in place of an SSN for credit card applications. Your best odds come from starting with a secured card and applying at a bank where you already have a checking or savings account.
Does using an ITIN for credit affect my credit score differently than an SSN?
No. Once a credit account is opened using your ITIN, it reports to the credit bureaus the same way as any other account. Your payment history, utilization, and account age all factor into your credit score identically whether you used an ITIN or SSN to open the account.
How long does it take to build credit from scratch with an ITIN?
You'll typically have a scoreable credit file after six months of account activity. From there, consistent on-time payments and low utilization can get you to a score of 650-700 within 12-18 months. The timeline is the same as for anyone starting with no credit history — your ITIN status doesn't slow the process down.
