In the U.S., credit cards are practically essential, and if you use them well, the rewards can be substantial. But for students who have just arrived in the U.S.—especially undergrads and grad students with no income—not having an SSN (Social Security Number) is a major obstacle when applying for a credit card. As mentioned before in standard credit card applications, SSN is a required field for online credit card applications. Without an SSN, it is like not having the key to enter the credit card world. But is that really true? If you do not have the key, can you not use a side door or climb over the wall? Today, let us talk about applying for credit cards without an SSN.

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Common Ways to Apply Without an SSN

The methods below are some ways people have used in the past to get a credit card without an SSN. However, as banks update their terms, some of these methods may no longer work well. Also note that some bank employees may not be sure whether a person without an SSN can get a credit card at all, so it is worth asking multiple people if necessary.

Method 1 for Applying Without an SSN — Security Card

  • Examples: BofA (Bank of America)
  • Process: When opening a checking account at BofA, you can ask the staff whether you can get a security card. Note that this is not a traditional credit card. You need to deposit money first and then spend against it. Its purpose is to help you build credit and lay the groundwork for applying for a credit card without an SSN later. At the same time, this card may be converted into a regular credit card after 1-2 years.
  • Goal: Build credit history and create a solid foundation.
  • Difficulty: Regular staff can usually handle it; if not, ask a manager for help.

Method 2 for Applying Without an SSN — Student Route

  • Examples: Citi, BofA (Bank of America)
  • Process: At a local Citi branch, you can ask the staff whether you can apply for a student credit card, such as the student version of Citi ThankYou Preferred or the student version of Dividend (this is no longer possible now). Usually the staff will need to copy your passport, visa, and a series of other documents before processing the application (please ask the staff about the exact requirements). These are regular credit cards and can help build credit, but the cashback and other rewards are usually fairly limited.
  • Goal: Build credit history and create a solid foundation.
  • Difficulty: Regular staff can usually handle it; if not, ask a manager for help.
  • Successful cards: A list of cards people have successfully obtained
    • Student version of Citi ThankYou Preferred
    • Student version of Citi Forward

Method 3 for Applying Without an SSN — Large Deposit

  • Goal: Build credit history, lay a foundation, and get a good card
  • Difficulty: You need to deposit a large amount of money, so this is not suitable for everyone. However, you could deposit the money before paying tuition, get approved for the card, and then use the money to pay tuition afterward. The key issue is whether your local branch can process this type of application.
  • Successful cards: A list of cards people have successfully obtained

Method 4 for Applying Without an SSN — Apply with an ITIN

  • Examples: Capital One, Citi
  • Process: This is similar to the normal application process. You simply enter your ITIN in the SSN field. You will very likely need to verify your identity over the phone.
  • Goal: Get a card that helps build credit
  • Difficulty: You need to have an ITIN; parents in the U.S. may be able to get one.

Method 5 for Applying Without an SSN — Push Through Online

  • Example: AMEX (American Express)
  • Process:
    • First, you need to have laid the groundwork with the first four methods, or established a credit history through an authorized user card (explained in more detail below).
    • When applying for an AMEX credit card online, you can enter 000-00-0001 in the SSN field. After submission, you will usually receive an email or phone call asking you to confirm your information.
    • At that point, tell customer service that you do not have an SSN, but you do have some credit history and savings, and that you can provide passport information to verify your identity.
    • After reviewing your credit history and documents, customer service will usually decide whether to approve your application.
  • Goal: Get a good card
  • Difficulty: Requires some existing credit history
  • Successful cards: A list of cards people have successfully obtained

Things to Keep in Mind When Applying Without an SSN

Credit History

Not having an SSN does not mean you have no credit history. In general, your credit history is matched using your name, date of birth, and address. Hard pulls (HP) will also stay with your credit history. Once you eventually get an SSN, all related records will automatically be matched to it. So even if you have a credit card but do not yet have an SSN, you still need to pay on time and maintain a good credit record.

Building Credit History Through an Authorized User Card

The credit history needed for Method 5 can come from the first four methods, or from being added as an authorized user. For example, if your classmate or family member has a credit card, you can ask them to add you as an authorized user. That way, you may also benefit from their on-time payment history. Of course, make sure the person is reliable—bad history will not help you build good credit.

Preparing Application Materials

For in-branch applications, it is best to communicate with the staff in advance and bring all required documents at once. For aggressive online applications, you may need to fax in certain materials. In any case, the key is simply to prepare everything carefully and be patient.

Summary

For applications without an SSN, every bank has different standards, so it is best to communicate directly with the bank to see whether it is possible and what materials are required. Once you successfully get one card and continue building credit history, you may be able to use Method 5 to apply for many good AMEX cards. Of course, applying without an SSN is still less convenient than applying with one. If you can get an SSN through an on-campus job, that may help you avoid this more troublesome path.

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