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7 Credit Cards without SSN Requirements

These credit cards don’t require an SSN, but you may need an ITIN instead.

Most credit card companies require a Social Security number (SSN) for identity verification and credit reporting purposes. But if you don’t have an SSN because you recently moved to the US or you’re an international student, there are international-friendly credit cards to check out.

How to get a credit card without an SSN

If you don’t have an SSN, a credit card issuer may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a unique tax processing number issued by the IRS for individuals who either can’t or don’t have an SSN, and it can serve as an identification number much like an SSN can.

You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS. The required form is called a W-7, and you can mail the completed form, along with your tax return, proof of identity and foreign status documents, directly to the IRS. If you’d rather not mail your sensitive information, you can also apply for an ITIN through a Certifying Acceptance Agent or by visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

7 top credit cards that don’t require an SSN

Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card

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Welcome Offern/a
RewardsUp to 15% cash back
Annual fee$0

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.3
★★★★★

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Terms apply, see rates & fees..
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Welcome Offern/a
RewardsUp to 5% cash back
Annual fee$39
Minimum credit score580

Fizz debit card

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Welcome Offern/a
RewardsUp to 100% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score580

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

4.6
★★★★★

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Welcome Offer$200
RewardsUp to 3% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score670
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

4.7
★★★★★

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Welcome Offer$150
RewardsUp to 5% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score670
The information about Chase Freedom Unlimited® has been collected independently by Finder and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card

3.9
★★★★★

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Welcome Offern/a
RewardsNone
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score300

Amazon Prime Secured Card

Welcome Offern/a
Rewards2 % cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit scoreNew / limited credit

Why do I need an ITIN or SSN for a credit card?

There are two main reasons credit card issuers require an SSN, ITIN or other form of identification.

First and foremost, they need to verify your identity before they can approve you for the credit line. An SSN and ITIN are unique numbers, so they’re often used to verify your identity, along with other information, such as your address and government-issued ID.

The second reason has to do with credit reporting. Credit cards are a form of credit, meaning the card’s credit limit, owed balance and payment history are reported to the credit bureaus. To report that information accurately, the credit card company asks for your SSN or ITIN.

Can I get a credit card without an ITIN?

It’s possible to get a credit card without an ITIN or SSN. Some credit card issuers accept a passport number, including Amex or Bank of America.

However, if you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, it severely limits your credit card options. If you can get an ITIN, it can make building a US credit history much easier and significantly expand your opportunities for US lines of credit.

What if I don’t have a US credit history?

Some credit card issuers partner with Nova Credit, a cross-border credit bureau designed to help US newcomers establish a credit history and open US lines of credit and accounts.

In a nutshell, credit card companies that work with Nova Credit can consider foreign credit history for US credit products. For example, American Express partners with Nova Credit, making it a great place to start looking for cards if you’re new to the US.

Do credit cards build credit history?

Yes, credit cards can greatly impact your credit history — for better or worse.

Credit cards are a form of revolving credit, meaning you can use the credit line repeatedly. Even if you max out your credit card limit, you can pay it down and access the credit again. Other forms of credit, like installment loans, are a one-and-done type of loan, where the account closes once you pay it off.

Bottom line

It’s very possible to get a credit card without an SSN, but for most options, you’ll likely need an ITIN instead. While they exist, very few credit card companies accept a passport number in place of an SSN or ITIN. For more information on ITINs and how to apply, we recommend visiting the IRS’s website.

If you’re an international student, compare more student credit cards here, or check out credit cards for no credit if you’re just starting to build a US credit history.

Frequently asked questions

Does Discover accept ITINs for credit cards?

No, Discover accepts only SSNs for its credit card applications.

Can a non-US citizen get a credit card?

Yes, non-US citizens can apply and obtain a credit card. However, you’ll need to verify your identity and likely provide an ITIN in place of an SSN.

Can I open a bank account without an SSN?

Yes, some banks like SoFi and Chase accept an ITIN in place of an SSN for a bank account

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.
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Editor, Banking

Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto. Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt. Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others. Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio

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