Credit cards you can get with an ITIN (no SSN)
Chase, Capital One, Discover, Bank of America and Citi all say on their own application pages that an ITIN works in place of an SSN. You get an ITIN from the IRS with Form W-7, and it is meant for people who can't get an SSN.
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Which issuers take an ITIN
| Issuer | Apply with an ITIN | Passport only (no SSN or ITIN) | Uses credit history from abroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | Yes | No | Not stated |
| Capital One | Yes | No | Not stated |
| Discover | Yes | No | Not stated |
| Bank of America | Yes | No | Not stated |
| Citi | Yes | Not stated | Not stated |
| American Express | Not stated (yes for existing Amex cardholders moving to the US) | Not stated | Yes (existing Amex cardholders only) |
"Not stated" means we could not find the issuer saying so on its own site. Tap an issuer for the details and sources.
What an ITIN is
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a 9-digit number the IRS issues to people who need a US tax ID but are not eligible for a Social Security number. It is for federal taxes only: it does not let you work, does not change your immigration status, and does not qualify you for Social Security benefits. If you can get an SSN (for example as a green card holder or with a work visa), get the SSN instead.
How to get one
Fill in IRS Form W-7 and send it with your US federal income tax return (unless an exception applies) and documents that prove your identity and foreign status. You can mail it to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas, or apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or VITA site that offers ITIN services, or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent, who can check most documents on the spot so you keep your originals. The IRS says to allow 7 weeks, or 9 to 11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or if you apply from abroad.
Applying with an ITIN
Where the application asks for a Social Security number, these issuers accept your ITIN in the same box. Some may still ask for documents after you apply: Chase, for example, says it may ask for proof of identity such as a Social Security card or a US driver's license. An ITIN can also limit you later: Citi says you need a valid SSN on file to upgrade from its secured card to a regular one. Each issuer page on this site quotes what that issuer says and links to the page.
Guides
Sources
- IRS: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- IRS: How to apply for an ITIN
- IRS: About Form W-7
- Chase Freedom Rise offer page
- Citi Secured Mastercard
Last checked: . General information from the issuers' and agencies' own pages, not financial advice. We are not a bank and don't get paid by any issuer for these pages. We never ask for your SSN, ITIN, passport or card number.