How to get a credit card without a Social Security number

The best way to build good credit is to use your credit cards wisely.

But if you’re an international student or a new immigrant, qualifying for a credit card can be a challenge. This is because many card issuers require a Social Security number (SSN) as part of the credit card application process. If you don’t have an SSN, you won’t qualify for those cards.

SSNs are issued by the Social Security Administration to people who are born in the U.S. They are also issued to people who are authorized to work in the country — and new arrivals to the U.S. can apply for one once they are.

So, what if you don’t have an SSN? You still have options. Keep reading to find out how you might be able to get a credit card without an SSN — and how to choose one that will help you build credit quickly.

Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Some credit card issuers allow applicants to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. The IRS issues ITINs to nonresident and resident aliens (as well as qualifying spouses and dependents) who can’t obtain an SSN but must pay U.S. taxes.

If you’re an international student studying stateside, you can also apply for an ITIN if you’re ineligible for an SSN. And if you’re in the country on an F-1 visa (students in traditional academic programs) or an M-1 visa (students in vocational programs), you might also be eligible for one.

To get an ITIN, you must first complete IRS Form W-7, also known as the IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You’ll need to provide documents that prove your foreign or alien status and true identity. You can submit this information by mail or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Choose a credit card issuer that doesn’t require a Social Security number

Some credit card issuers don’t require applicants to provide Social Security numbers and some do. Here’s what you need to know:

• American Express will accept applications from people with ITINs or passports.
• Bank of America will accept applications from people with ITINs or passports, but only if you apply through a Bank of America branch.
• Capital One allows applicants who have ITINs instead of SSNs.
• Chase allows applicants to use ITINs in place of SSNs.
• Citi requires applicants to submit SSNs.
• Credit One Bank requires applicants to submit SSNs.
• Discover requires applicants to submit SSNs.
• Wells Fargo allows applicants to apply with ITINs instead of SSNs.

Of these major credit card issuers, it’s worth noting that American Express has a program in place designed to help newcomers to the U.S. build credit. The American Express Passport by Nova Credit allows them to use the credit history they’ve built in their home countries when applying for Amex personal credit cards — which could be a viable option for those who have already established good credit.

Alternative cards that don’t require an SSN 

If you’re looking for cards you can get without a Social Security number outside those offered by major issuers, the following options may be a good fit:

• Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card: This card requires you to be a U.S. resident and have either a Social Security number or an ITIN.
• Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students: This card requires you to be a student, but a Social Security number isn’t needed.
• Oportun Visa Credit Card: This card requires you to have a Social Security number or an ITIN.
• Tomo Credit Card: This card requires you to have a Social Security number or an ITIN.

Select a card that helps you build credit quickly

If you’re hoping to apply for a credit card so that you can build credit in the U.S., select one that can help you build it quickly. In many cases, that means applying for a secured credit card.

Secured cards allow you to open a modest line of credit in exchange for a small, refundable security deposit — and if you use your card responsibly, you’ll start building the kind of positive credit history that could allow you to graduate to a standard credit card with a higher credit line.

Want to build a credit history without applying for a secured credit card? No problem. Cards like the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card are designed to help creditworthy applicants start building credit histories — with no security deposit required. As noted, Petal accepts applications from those with permanent residence in the U.S., and they can provide either an SSN or an ITIN. It also offers cash back rewards.

Bottom line

Although some credit cards require an SSN, it’s still possible to get one if you don’t have one. Many credit issuers allow applicants to provide an ITIN instead of an SSN. If you’re new to the country and hoping to establish a positive credit history, knowing how to get a credit card without an SSN could be the first positive step of your journey.