Which U.S. credit cards can be applied for with an ITIN?

When applying for a credit card in the United States, you usually need a Social Security Number (SSN) as proof of identity. However, new immigrants or international students may not have an SSN. In that case, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be very useful. Next, we’ll take an in-depth look at ITIN, how to use it to apply for credit cards, and what card types may be available.

What is an ITIN?

ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for non-citizens who are not eligible to apply for an SSN. Although the main purpose of an ITIN is to make tax filing easier, some banks may allow ITIN to be used when applying for credit cards or opening checking and savings accounts. ITIN and SSN are similar in some ways, but they have important differences. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSNs, while the IRS issues ITINs. An SSN is permanent and does not require renewal, while an ITIN expires if it is not used on a federal tax return for three years.

To apply for or renew an ITIN, you need to fill out IRS Form W-7 and provide proof of identity and foreign status, as well as a copy of the U.S. tax return you plan to file. You can also apply remotely through an IRS-designated CAA.

• Information about applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Which credit cards can be applied for with an ITIN?

Card issuers decide which cards accept ITIN applications. I tested several banks, checking whether their application pages explicitly allow ITIN, and I also added user-tested outcomes. Because data here can be mixed and change over time, please treat it as a reference; your actual result will still depend on your own profile.

• AMEX clearly states it supports ITIN, and tests also showed that applications can be approved with ITIN.

• Bank of America only lists SSN and does not mention ITIN. In testing, online applications could not be submitted, but in a local branch you can use a passport, visa, etc., to open a credit card or secured card.

• Citi’s application page lists both SSN and ITIN. Some users reported successfully applying with ITIN, but it may be more difficult.

• Chase’s application page also allows both SSN and ITIN. Many users also reported successful approval.

• Capital One appears to be the most ITIN-friendly. Its application page allows ITIN, and there is even an official article about applying for credit cards with an ITIN on its site. Most users with ITIN started with a Capital One card or a Secure Card to build credit gradually.

• The Wells Fargo application page also allows both SSN and ITIN. No one has reported a confirmed ITIN approval yet, but some of their secured cards can be applied for with ITIN.

• US Bank’s application page only has SSN as an option. No confirmed ITIN approval reports, but some of their secured cards can be applied for with ITIN.

• Barclays’ application page allows both SSN and ITIN. There are only a small number of reported approvals using ITIN.

• Discover only allows SSN on the online application page. There have been no reported cases of successful approval with ITIN.

How to apply for a credit card using ITIN?

In general, using ITIN to apply for a credit card is the same as using SSN—you can apply online directly. You may need to provide additional documents such as proof of income and U.S. address. Especially for your first few cards, the credit bureau may not have a credit record to pull or may not be able to verify your address, so address proof is often required. They may also call you to verify your identity and ITIN number.

Common address-proof documents include:

• ITIN letter scan (showing your address, usually the mailing address)
• Lease agreement
• Utility bill
• Mobile phone bill
• Bank or credit card statement

If a bank requests one of these and you don’t have it, ask whether another document can be used instead. Generally, any bill that shows your name and address may be accepted, so don’t give up. Some banks may ask for further verification after receiving address proof, which can include a three-way call, so be prepared in advance.

Which cards should you apply for first with ITIN?

If you are new to U.S. credit cards and applying for your first card, you can consider these options:

• Secured Card: Requires a refundable deposit, usually with a lower credit line, so it is easier to be approved. (Introduction to secured cards)
• Student Card:If you are an international student without an SSN, you may be able to apply for a student card with an ITIN.
• Capital One credit cards:According to community testing, these are often a strong option to start with.

Please note that secured card applications require you to deposit dollars first before using the card, so make sure you have a checking account that allows funding transfers.

Below are some ITIN starter cards commonly used:

• Personal suggestion: try from top to bottom
• All Capital One application links ask pre-approval questions first, so just start filling them out
• It is possible to be approved only for a no-bonus lower tier card, such as Savor for good credit (no sign-up bonus)
• If this is your first ITIN card, take whichever card gets approved
• Apply for your next card after using your first card for about three months or six months
• If the first two are denied, try the last secured card

Capital One has secured cards

• Capital One Platinum Secure card (pre-approval check first, then application)

• Click apply now, and the pre-approval screen appears first.