You can get a credit card without an SSN, but the card issuer will use a different form of identification and may charge higher fees or offer lower credit limits
Most major credit card issuers require a Social Security number because they use it to pull your credit report and verify your identity. If you don't have an SSN — whether you're a non-citizen, immigrant, or ITIN holder — you have three realistic paths: explore with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, use a secured card that doesn't require a credit check, or look for issuers that specifically work with non-SSN applicants.
The catch is that cards issued without an SSN often come with trade-offs. You may pay an annual fee, face a lower credit limit, or get a higher interest rate. Some issuers won't report your payment history to the credit bureaus, which means the card won't build your credit score. Understanding which option fits your situation — and what each one actually costs — matters more than finding the cheapest entry point.
Key Takeaways
- An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) works as a substitute for an SSN with many card issuers and can be obtained from the IRS even if you're not a U.S. citizen.
- Secured credit cards require a cash deposit instead of a credit check and don't require an SSN, though you'll need to verify your identity with a state ID or passport.
- Some issuers like Deserve, LendingClub, and certain credit unions explicitly market cards to non-SSN holders, though terms and fees vary widely.
- Cards issued without an SSN may not report to the three major credit bureaus, meaning payments won't build your credit history even if you pay on time.
- You should compare annual fees, interest rates, and credit reporting practices before explore, because the lowest-fee option may not help you build credit.
Using an ITIN instead of an SSN
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit identifier issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but don't have an SSN. You can obtain one by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent. The process typically takes four to six weeks by mail, though some acceptance agents can issue an ITIN on the same day.
Once you have an ITIN, you can use it on credit card applications just as you would an SSN. Issuers like Deserve, LendingClub, and some regional banks accept ITINs and will pull your credit report using that number. The card terms — interest rate, credit limit, annual fee — depend on your credit history and income, not on whether you're using an ITIN or SSN. However, not all issuers accept ITINs, so you'll need to call the card issuer's customer service line before explore to confirm they work with ITIN holders.
The advantage of an ITIN is that it unlocks the full range of credit card options. The disadvantage is that you need to have filed taxes or be may be able to access to file taxes to get one. If you're not in the U.S. tax system, an ITIN won't be an option.
Secured credit cards that don't require an SSN
A secured credit card requires you to deposit cash into a savings account held by the card issuer. That deposit becomes your credit limit — if you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500. Because the issuer holds your money as collateral, they don't need to check your credit or require an SSN. You can open a secured card with a state ID, passport, or other government-issued ID.
Secured cards are designed to help people build credit from scratch, but they work equally well for people without an SSN. You use the card like a regular credit card, pay the bill each month, and the issuer reports your payment history to the credit bureaus. After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, many issuers will convert your secured card to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
The trade-off is that your money is tied up in the deposit, and you'll pay an annual fee (usually $25 to $95). Interest rates on secured cards are typically higher than unsecured cards — often 18% to 24% APR. If you carry a balance, the interest charges add up quickly. The best approach is to charge small amounts and pay the full balance each month, so interest never accrues.
Card issuers that work with non-SSN applicants
A handful of issuers have built their business model around serving people without an SSN, including immigrants and non-citizens. Deserve is a fintech company that issues cards to people with an ITIN or passport and no credit history. LendingClub offers credit cards to ITIN holders and reports to the credit bureaus. Some credit unions, particularly those focused on immigrant communities, also issue cards without requiring an SSN.
These issuers typically charge annual fees ($0 to $95 depending on the card), and their interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness. The advantage is that they understand the non-SSN market and don't treat it as an exception — their process process is built for it. The disadvantage is that their card networks and rewards programs are often more limited than major issuers like Chase or Capital One.
Before explore, check whether the issuer reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Some cards issued to non-SSN holders report to only one or two bureaus, or don't report at all. If you're building credit, this matters significantly — a card that doesn't report means your payments won't show up on your credit report, even if you pay perfectly.
What to compare before you explore
When you're choosing between options, look at four things: annual fee, interest rate (APR), credit reporting practices, and whether the card has a deposit requirement.
| Card Type | Annual Fee | Deposit Required | Credit Reporting | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secured card (no SSN) | $25–$95 | Yes ($300–$2,500) | Usually all three bureaus | Building credit from zero |
| ITIN-based card | $0–$95 | No | Varies by issuer | People with an ITIN and some credit history |
| Fintech card (Deserve, LendingClub) | $0–$95 | No | Varies by issuer | Non-citizens with no U.S. credit history |
Annual fees are straightforward — lower is better, but only if the card actually helps you build credit. A $0 annual fee card that doesn't report to the bureaus is less useful than a $50 annual fee card that does. Interest rate matters only if you plan to carry a balance. If you pay your full balance each month, the APR is irrelevant.
Credit reporting is the most important factor for long-term wealth building. A card that reports to all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) will build your credit score faster and more reliably than one that reports to only one bureau or none at all. Call the issuer and ask directly: "Does this card report to all three credit bureaus?" If they say "we report to the bureaus" without naming all three, ask again.
Building credit without an SSN over time
Your first card — whether secured or ITIN-based — is a starting point, not a destination. The goal is to use it responsibly for 12 to 24 months, then move to a better card with lower fees and better terms. Here's the typical path: open a secured card or ITIN card, charge small amounts monthly, pay the full balance on time, and watch your credit score climb.
After 12 months of perfect payment history, you'll have enough credit history to may have access to for an unsecured card from a major issuer. At that point, you can close the first card (or keep it open to maintain credit history length) and move to a card with better rewards or lower fees. Some secured card issuers will automatically convert your card to unsecured after 18 to 24 months, which saves you the step of explore elsewhere.
The key is consistency. One missed payment can set back your credit score by 100+ points and make it harder to may have access to for better cards later. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum balance, or better yet, the full balance each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a payment.
Alternatives if you can't get a credit card
If you've applied to multiple issuers and been turned down, you have other ways to build credit. A credit builder loan works like a secured card — you deposit money, the lender holds it, and you make monthly payments. After you finish paying, you get your money back and a credit history. Credit unions often offer these loans with lower fees than secured cards.
You can also become an authorized user on someone else's credit card. If a family member or friend adds you to their account, their payment history may show up on your credit report (depending on the card issuer). This builds your credit without requiring you to open your own account, though you have no control over the account and depend on the primary cardholder's behavior.
A third option is to use a debit card for everyday spending and focus on building credit through other means — a credit builder loan, a car loan, or a rent-reporting service that adds your rent payments to your credit report. This takes longer but avoids the fees and interest of credit cards entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card with just a passport and no SSN or ITIN?
Yes, secured cards accept a passport as proof of identity and don't require an SSN or ITIN. Some fintech issuers like Deserve also accept a passport. You'll need to provide other information like your address, income, and date of birth, but the card issuer won't run a credit check because your deposit serves as collateral.
Will a credit card issued without an SSN help me build credit?
Only if the issuer reports to the credit bureaus. Before you explore, call and ask whether the card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If it doesn't report, your payments won't show up on your credit report, and the card won't help you build credit — it's just a payment tool.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
By mail, four to six weeks. If you go through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent in person, you can get an ITIN the same day. You'll need to file Form W-7 and provide proof of identity and tax residency. Check the IRS website for acceptance agents near you.
What happens to my deposit if I close a secured card?
The issuer returns your deposit to your bank account, usually within five to seven business days. If you've paid all your bills on time, many issuers will convert your secured card to an unsecured card instead of closing it, which keeps your account open and helps your credit score.
Can I use a credit card without an SSN to rent an apartment or get a loan later?
Yes, if the card reports to the credit bureaus. Landlords and lenders pull your credit report to assess risk, and a card that reports will show up there. A card that doesn't report to the bureaus won't help — you'll still have no credit history as far as they're concerned.