Credit Card Without SSN and ITIN – Guide For Beginners – 2026

Having a credit card is necessary, especially when you are living in the United States. However, getting the credit card without SSN and ITIN is difficult but not impossible if you follow the right path. In the U.S., many people are undocumented residents, like international students, new immigrants, or temporary workers. These people really required a credit card to manage their expenses smartly and save money. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss how you can get a credit card without an SSN or ITIN. Therefore, stay with us to know more. 

Who Generally Requires a Credit Card Without SSN and ITIN? 

Below, we have explained in detail who really requires credit cards without SSN and ITIN : 

1. International Students on F-1, J-1 visas. 
2. New immigrants in the U.S. who are waiting for the SSN. 
3. H-1B, L-1, O-1, workers in transition. 
4. People who are dependent on H-4 or F-2 visas. 
5. Foreign nationals who recently arrived in the U.S. 
6. People or users building U.S. credit for the very first time. 

These are some of the people who really require a credit card without any SSN or ITIN. 

What Does Credit Card Mean Without SSN or ITIN? 

A credit card without SSN or ITIN leads to a credit product that is provided without asking for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at the time of application. 

• Some Important Clarification 
  • In the United States, banks usually require an SSN or TIIN for reporting to all major credit bureaus. 
  • Some credit card issuers allow applicants to use temporary alternatives like their passport, visa, or a foreign ID. 

While applying for a credit and completely avoiding SSN or ITIN is rare, stating without these documents is possible. 

Types of Credit Cards Available Without SSN and ITIN 

There are several credit cards without SSN and ITIN available in the US, which we have listed below. Have a look for a better understanding : 

1. Secured Credit cards – A secured credit card is considered one of the best and safest ways to get a credit card without SSN and ITIN.

• How It Works 
  • Applicant provided a refundable security deposit (e.g., $200 to $2000). 
  • You get equal credit limits that you deposit. 
  • No SSN required at the time of applying by some issuers. 

• Pros 
  • Comes with a high approval rate. 
  • Helps to build U.S. credit history. 
  • Offer to convert your card later. 

• Cons 
  • It requires a refundable deposit. 
  • Offer only limited rewards compared to other cards. 

Note – Several banks allow a passport and a visa as alternatives and request an SSN later. 

2. International Student and Newcomer Credit Cards – Some US financial institutions partner with global credit agencies or use alternative data. 

• They May Accept : 
  • Your Passport. 
  • Your student ID. 
  • The letter of University Enrollment. 
  • US Bank Account. 

These cards are mainly designed for people new to the US credit system. 

3. Authorized User Credit Cards – Becoming an authorized credit card user on someone else’s credit is one of the safest secure options. 

• How it works : 
  • A primary credit card holder needs to add you to their account.
  • No SSN or ITIN required in most cases. 
  • You received a card in your name. 

• Pros
  • Helps to build credit history. 
  • No credit check required. 
  • It doesn’t require any income proof. 

Note – Your credit depends on the primary cardholder’s behaviour. 

4. Alternative Credit Cards Using Passport Only – There are some fintech companies in the United States that issue credit cards using : 

• Passport.
• US address proof. 
• Bank account details. 
• Your Mobile Number. 

• These Cards often operate as :
  • Credit builder cards. 
  • Hybrid prepaid and credit products. 

These cards may not offer users rewards like traditional cards, but they help establish credit. 

Documents Commonly Accepted Instead of SSN/ITIN

If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, there are alternative documents that are commonly accepted by the issuer. List we have mentioned below : 

• A valid passport. 
• Your US visa (F-1, H-1B, Etc)
• US address proof. 
• Your US bank account statements. 
• Employment or enrollment proof. 
• Your utility bill or lease agreement. 

These are some common documents that are accepted by card issuers. 

Steps to Apply for a Credit Card Without SSN or ITIN 

If you are looking to apply for a credit card without SSN and ITIN, follow the steps mentioned below : 

1. Confirm Your Eligibility – Before applying for the card, check your eligibility first : 

• You are physically living in the US. 
• You have a valid US address proof. 
• You have identity documents like a passport, a visa, etc.
• You have a source of income. 

2. Choose the Right Credit Card – Remember, not all credit cards allow applicants to apply without an SSN or ITIN. Therefore, focus on these available options : 

• Secured credit cards. 
• International student card or newcomer credit cards. 
• Authorized user credit cards. 
• Alternative credit builder credit cards. 

3. Open a US Bank Account – Before applying, open a US account, because most of the issuers require an account. For this, you may need : 

• Your passport. 
• Maybe your visa immigration documents. 
• A valid proof of US address. 

4. Gather all the Required Documents – At the palace of an SSN or ITIN, the issuer may ask for : 

• Valid passport.
• US visa. 
• Valid address proof.
• Proof of your enrollment in the course or employment. 
• Your Bank statement or deposit proof. 

5. Apply for a Secured Credit Card – This is one of the most reliable and secure steps when applying without an SSN or ITIN : 

• It requires a deposit, which is a refundable amount. 
• Your deposit amount becomes your credit limit. 
• Your card functions like a regular credit card. 

6. Skip the SSN or ITIN Field Correctly – If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN number, skip the field correctly and look for the options like “I don’t have an SSN”. 

7. Complete your Identity Verification – After submission, the issuer may ask you for verification : 

• Upload your passport or visa.
• Confirm your US address.
• Verify your bank account.
• Provide answers to the given security questions. 

8. Wait for Approval – If you have applied for a credit card without SSN and ITIN, such an application often goes through manual review : 

• Approval may take 3 to 10 business days. 
• Some card issuers may request additional documents. 
• Do not submit multiple applications at once. 

By following these simple and safe steps, you can easily apply for a credit card without SSN and ITIN. 

Best Practices To Improve Approval Chances

To elevate your approval chances, we have given some tips for you below. Have a look at it : 

1. Before applying, open a US account first. 
2. Maintain a consistent US address. 
3. For better, you can start with secure or unauthorized user cards. 
4. Always keep your credit utilization under 30%. 
5. Pay all bills on time to elevate your chances. 
6. Apply for an SSN or ITIN number as soon as possible. 

These are some of the best practices that elevate your approval chances. 

Can You Build Credit Without SSN or ITIN?

Yes, users can build credit without SSN or ITIN, but with limitations. Below, we have  mentioned the process of how a credit report works : 

• Credit bureaus prefer an SSN or ITIN. 
• Without an SSN or ITIN, your credit reporting may be delayed. 
• Once your SSN or ITIN is added later, history is linked. 

This is how a credit report works and helps to build your credit. 

Note -Always update your card issuer once you receive your SSN or ITIN. 

Risks and Things to Be Careful About

There are some things that you need to be careful about while searching for a credit card without SSN or an ITIN: 

• A website that offers fake promises like “Guaranteed Approvals”. 
• Credit cards with heavy fees.
• Card issuers are asking for illegal documents. 
• Card issuers are requesting sensitive personal data via email. 

Do not share any sensitive information like your passport or visa details with unverified sources. Sharing details with unverified websites may be risky. 

What Happens After You Get an SSN or ITIN?

Once you get your SSN or ITIN from the authority : 

• Update your card issuer as soon as possible. 
• After receiving an SSN or ITIN, your credit history can be merged. 
• You become eligible for better credit cards and offers. 
• Your interest rates and limits may improve. 

If you are looking for long-term final growth, these steps are essential. 

Conclusion 

Looking for a credit card without SSN and ITIN is possible if you go for the right available options. If you go with a secure credit card that requires a refundable deposit, that becomes your credit. It doesn’t require any SSN or ITIN. Apart from that, there are many more options available for people who are new to the US, but also for international students. 

A credit card helps international students to manage their expenses smartly and earn rewards that reduce the cost and help save a healthy dollar every month. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Discalimer

The information provided on this website is for general guidance on credit cards, loans, and insurance products. We do not provide financial, legal, or professional advice. Product features, eligibility, and terms may change anytime, so users should verify details directly with the provider before applying. We may earn commissions through affiliate links, but this does not influence our reviews or recommendations. Users are responsible for their own financial decisions based on their personal situation.

creditworld

Hi, my name is Sachin. I am currently studying Economics in college and have a strong interest in personal finance topics like credit cards and loans. Along with my studies, I work as a content writer, where I create educational and easy-to-understand content to help readers better understand financial topics and make informed choices.