You can get a credit card with an ITIN number, but you will need to meet the card issuer's specific requirements and provide additional documentation
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents but have tax filing obligations. Most major credit card issuers — including Capital One, Discover, American Express, and some regional banks — will issue cards to ITIN holders, though the process differs from explore with a Social Security number.
The main difference is that issuers cannot access your credit history through the standard credit bureaus the same way they do for SSN holders. This means you will likely need to provide proof of income, a bank account statement, and sometimes a larger initial deposit. Some issuers also require you to have a checking or savings account with them before they will consider your process.
The card you receive may have a lower credit limit than someone with an SSN and established credit history would get, and the interest rate may be higher. Over time, as you build a payment history, you can request credit limit increases and may eventually move to a standard card product.
Key Takeaways
- Capital One, Discover, American Express, and some regional banks issue credit cards to ITIN holders, though requirements vary by issuer.
- You will need to provide proof of income, a bank statement, and sometimes a deposit; many issuers require an existing account with them.
- Credit limits are typically lower and interest rates higher than for SSN holders, but on-time payments build your credit file over time.
- Building a payment history with an ITIN card can help you move to standard card products and improve your borrowing terms later.
Which card issuers accept ITIN numbers
Capital One is the most widely known issuer for ITIN cardholders. Their Secured Mastercard and regular Mastercard products both accept ITIN applications. You can explore online or by phone, and the process typically takes one to two weeks.
Discover also issues cards to ITIN holders and does not require a deposit. Their process process is online, and they will ask for proof of income and a bank account statement. Approval decisions usually come within a few business days.
American Express accepts ITIN applications for some of their card products, though not all. You will need to call their customer service line to confirm which cards are available to ITIN holders in your situation, as policies can vary.
Regional banks and credit unions sometimes issue cards to ITIN holders as well, especially if you have an existing relationship with them. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and some smaller institutions have issued cards to ITIN holders, but policies change and vary by branch. Your best approach is to call the bank directly and ask whether they issue cards to ITIN holders and what documentation they require.
Documents and information you will need to provide
Every issuer will ask for your ITIN number, full legal name, date of birth, and current address. Have your ITIN card or a copy of your tax return showing the number ready when you explore.
Proof of income is standard. This can be a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, a tax return from the previous year, or a bank statement showing regular deposits. Some issuers accept self-employment income if you can show consistent deposits over several months.
A bank account statement — usually from the past 30 to 60 days — is required by most issuers. This shows you have an active account and a history of managing money. Some issuers require the account to be with them; others accept statements from any U.S. bank.
A government-issued photo ID helps, though not all issuers require it. A passport, state driver's license, or national ID card works. If you do not have one, ask the issuer what alternatives they accept.
Secured versus unsecured cards for ITIN holders
A secured card requires you to deposit money upfront, usually between $200 and $2,500. That deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card like a regular credit card, and the issuer reports your payments to the credit bureaus. After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, many issuers will convert the card to an unsecured product and return your deposit.
Capital One's Secured Mastercard is the most common secured option for ITIN holders. The deposit equals your credit limit, and there is an annual fee of around $39. After consistent on-time payments, you can request conversion to their unsecured Mastercard.
An unsecured card does not require a deposit. Discover is the most accessible unsecured option for ITIN holders, though your starting credit limit will likely be lower — often $200 to $500. Interest rates are typically higher than for SSN holders with good credit, often in the 18% to 24% range.
If you have limited funds, an unsecured card from Discover avoids the upfront deposit. If you have savings and want to build credit faster, a secured card gives you a may provide credit limit and a clear path to conversion after you demonstrate payment reliability.
How building credit with an ITIN card works
When you use an ITIN credit card and make on-time payments, the issuer reports that activity to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Over time, this creates a credit history under your ITIN number.
Your credit score begins to build after about six months of payment history. The factors that matter most are payment history (35%), amounts owed relative to your limit (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and new credit inquiries (10%). Making every payment on time, keeping your balance well below your limit, and not opening too many new accounts in a short period all help your score rise.
After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, you become a candidate for credit limit increases, better card offers, and eventually a standard unsecured card without the restrictions of an ITIN product. Some issuers will automatically review your account for conversion; others require you to request it.
Interest rates, fees, and costs to expect
Interest rates for ITIN cards are typically higher than for SSN holders with established credit. Expect rates between 18% and 24% for unsecured cards and around 20% to 22% for secured cards. As your credit score improves, you may be able to move to a card with a lower rate.
Annual fees vary. Capital One's Secured Mastercard charges about $39 per year. Discover's unsecured card has no annual fee. Some regional banks charge $25 to $50 annually. Always ask about the annual fee before you explore.
Other fees to watch for include late payment fees (typically $25 to $35), over-limit fees (if applicable), and foreign transaction fees if you plan to use the card internationally. Read the card's terms and conditions before you explore so you understand the full cost structure.
Steps to explore for an ITIN credit card
First, decide whether you want a secured or unsecured card based on your savings and timeline. If you have $200 to $2,500 available and want faster credit building, choose a secured card. If you prefer no upfront deposit, choose an unsecured option like Discover.
Second, gather your documents: your ITIN number, proof of income, a recent bank statement, and a government-issued photo ID if you have one. Have these ready before you start the process.
Third, explore online or by phone with your chosen issuer. Most online applications take 10 to 15 minutes. You will enter your personal information, ITIN, income, and bank account details. The issuer will tell you whether you need to provide additional documentation.
Fourth, wait for a decision. Online decisions often come within a few business days. If the issuer needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email. Once approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 14 days.
Fifth, set up your card and set up online account access. Make a small purchase within the first month to confirm the card works, then set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to pay your bill on time every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a credit score with an ITIN card if I have never had credit before?
Yes. Your credit score begins building after about six months of payment history reported to the credit bureaus. Start with a small balance and pay it in full or mostly in full each month. After 12 to 24 months, you will have enough history to move to better card offers and lower interest rates.
What if my ITIN process is denied?
Ask the issuer why you were denied. Common reasons are insufficient income, no U.S. bank account, or a recent address change. You can reapply after 30 to 90 days if you have resolved the issue — for example, by opening a bank account or providing updated income documentation. Try a different issuer in the meantime; approval standards vary.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a credit card?
No. An ITIN is accepted by most major issuers as a substitute. However, your options are more limited than for SSN holders, and you will likely face higher interest rates and lower credit limits initially. Building a strong payment history with an ITIN card can eventually open access to the same products available to SSN holders.
Can I use an ITIN credit card to build credit for a mortgage or car loan later?
Yes. Lenders look at your credit history and score, which are built the same way whether you have an ITIN or SSN. After two to three years of on-time payments on an ITIN credit card, you will have a credit file that mortgage lenders and auto lenders can review. Your credit score and payment history matter more than the type of number you used to build them.
What happens to my credit history if I move to a different country?
Your U.S. credit history stays with the three credit bureaus as long as you have an ITIN. If you return to the U.S. later, that history is still there and will help you get better card offers and loan terms. If you do not return, the history remains on file but will not be used by lenders in other countries.