Yes. You can get a US credit card without a Social Security number (SSN) by applying with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and a secured card is the most accessible way to start.
Quick answer
An SSN is the most common ID for a credit card application, but it is not the only one. Many newcomers apply with an ITIN, a nine-digit tax number from the IRS. Secured cards, which use a refundable deposit as your credit limit, have the highest approval odds when you have no US credit history. A card builds your credit only if the issuer reports your payments to the credit bureaus, so confirm that before you apply.
What you need to know
- You do not need an SSN to apply for a credit card. Legal presence in the US is required, but citizenship is not.
- An ITIN is the most common SSN alternative for credit applications. It is a nine-digit IRS number that begins with 9.
- Secured cards are the most accessible starting point, because the deposit lowers the risk for the issuer.
- A card builds credit only if the issuer reports your payments to the bureaus. Prefer one that reports to all three.
- Payment history is the single biggest factor in your score, so paying on time every month matters most.
- Credit bureaus track activity by ITIN, so you can build and check a credit file without an SSN.
How an ITIN works for credit
An ITIN is issued by the IRS for people who have US tax-filing obligations but are not eligible for an SSN. You apply with IRS Form W-7 plus proof of identity and foreign status, and processing typically takes 7 to 11 weeks. Once you have an ITIN, some issuers will accept it in place of an SSN. Policies vary by issuer and approval is never guaranteed, so check each issuer's current requirements before you apply.
Types of cards you can apply for without an SSN
| Card type | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Secured card | A refundable cash deposit typically sets your credit limit, often $200 to $2,500 | Highest approval odds with no credit history; confirm it reports to all three bureaus |
| Student card | Some issuers accept an ITIN or passport for international students | Usually lower limits; designed for first-time credit |
| Unsecured card | No deposit required | Usually needs an established banking relationship, steady income, or international credit history |
A secured card only helps your credit if the issuer reports your payments. Some report to just one or two bureaus, which limits the benefit, so look for one that reports to all three (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax).
Documents you will usually need
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Your ITIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- Proof of US address, such as a utility bill or lease
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or bank statements
How to apply
- Open a bank account and keep it in good standing for 3 to 6 months, which shows responsible account management.
- Gather your documents and proof of income.
- Choose a secured card that reports to all three bureaus.
- Apply online, by phone, or in person. In-person applications let a representative answer ITIN questions directly.
How to build credit once you are approved
Pay on time every month, because payment history is the largest factor in your score. Keep your balance below 30% of your limit, and lower is better. Check your credit reports regularly, since the bureaus track activity by ITIN. A first FICO score usually appears after about 6 months of activity. A VantageScore can appear sooner, though most lenders still rely on FICO. If you get an SSN later, you can ask all three bureaus to merge your ITIN credit history into your new file so you keep what you have built.
How MAJORITY can help
MAJORITY offers the MAJORITY Visa® Secured Credit Card, a secured card designed to help you build credit when used responsibly. Qualification is based on eligibility requirements and a security interest rather than your prior credit history. You can learn more at majority.com.
Related resources
- Can I get a credit card with an ITIN? for the full ITIN path
- The migrant's guide to building credit in the US for the bigger picture
- What if I have a bad credit score? if you already have a score to repair
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a credit card without a Social Security number?
Yes. Many issuers accept an ITIN in place of an SSN. Secured cards have the highest approval odds when you have no US credit history.
What is an ITIN and how do I get one?
An ITIN is a nine-digit IRS tax number for people who file US taxes but are not eligible for an SSN. You apply with Form W-7, and it typically takes 7 to 11 weeks.
Do all banks accept an ITIN for a credit card?
No. Some issuers accept an ITIN and some do not, and approval is never guaranteed. Check each issuer's current requirements before applying.
Can I build a credit score without an SSN?
Yes. Credit bureaus track activity by ITIN, so a card that reports your payments builds a credit file. A first FICO score usually appears after about 6 months.
What happens to my credit if I get an SSN later?
You can ask all three bureaus to merge your ITIN credit history into your new SSN file, so you keep the history you have already built.
Disclosures
The MAJORITY Visa® Secured Credit Card is issued by WebBank, a member of the FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.
Qualification for the MAJORITY Visa® Secured Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements, having a Majority account in good standing, and establishment of a security interest. Criteria are subject to change.
Since your credit history is reported to major credit bureaus, it can help build/rebuild your credit if used responsibly. Other factors, such as late payments or delinquencies with your other accounts or loans, may adversely impact your credit. There is no guarantee regarding any impact on your credit score.
The MAJORITY app facilitates banking services through Axiom Bank, N.A. ("Axiom"), Member FDIC. The funds deposited in the account held at Axiom, Member FDIC, are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 per depositor in the event Axiom fails and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.
Additional onboarding questions may apply for members with no SSN.