How to get a credit card with an ITIN

When you apply for a credit card in the U.S., you might have to provide your Social Security number (SSN) as proof of identity. But what if you don’t have an SSN?

That’s where an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can help. Learn more about ITINs, how to use them to apply for a credit card and which types of cards you may be able to get with them.

What you’ll learn:

• The IRS issues ITINs to certain noncitizens who need to comply with U.S. tax laws but aren’t eligible for SSNs.

• You might be able to use an ITIN in place of an SSN for some banking and credit applications.

• If an issuer accepts ITINs, the credit card application may be the same as it is with an SSN.

• If you have an ITIN and are building credit, you might want to look into secured credit cards, cards for fair and building credit, or even student credit cards.

ITINs are nine-digit numbers issued by the IRS to people who don’t qualify for SSNs. 

ITINs are mainly used for filing federal tax returns. But ITINs can sometimes be used in place of SSNs for things like applying for a credit card as a new immigrant or opening a checking or savings account.

While similar in function, ITINs and SSNs have some key differences. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSNs, and the IRS issues ITINs. SSNs don’t expire or need to be renewed, but ITINs can expire if they’re not used on a federal tax return at least once every three years.

The IRS provides information detailing what’s needed to apply for or renew an ITIN. You’ll need to fill out IRS Form W-7 and include proof of identity and foreign status documents, along with a copy of the U.S. tax return you intend to file.

Some credit card issuers let applicants use ITINs instead of SSNs when applying for a credit card. Some issuers may only accept ITINs for certain cards. 

When applying for a credit card with an ITIN, you may find that requirements differ from issuer to issuer and card to card. But you may also be asked to supply information such as your full legal name, date of birth and address. Issuers will consider things like your credit history, annual income and employment status in deciding whether to approve the application.

Generally, you apply for a credit card using an ITIN in the same way you would with an SSN: online, in person, over the phone or by mail. For more details, you can check out this guide on how to apply for a credit card. But here’s an overview of the steps you might take:

1. Compare cards from the issuer to see which might best suit your needs.

2. Find out if you’re pre-approved before accepting an offer. It can give you an idea of whether you’ll be approved, and it won’t hurt your credit scores.

3. Fill out and submit your application.

If you’re applying online, you could get a near-instant answer to your application. And if you’re approved, some issuers may give you a virtual card number to start using right away.

Card issuers decide which of their credit cards are eligible for ITIN applicants. If you’re new to credit in the U.S., you might start by exploring these options:

• Secured credit cards: Because they require a refundable deposit and typically have lower credit limits than unsecured cards, secured credit cards can be easier to qualify for.

• Cards for building credit: If you’ve already established fair credit scores and are looking to improve them, you may also qualify for unsecured credit cards designed with that goal in mind.

• Student credit cards: Some issuers offer credit cards for international students. If you’re an international student without an SSN, you may be able to apply for a student credit card using your ITIN.

Capital One has a number of credit cards you may be able to get with an ITIN. And if you’re doing things like staying within your credit limit and paying statements on time every month, you can use them to help build your credit. They include:

• Capital One Platinum Secured card: With the Platinum Secured card, an initial security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 can open an account with a credit line of at least $200. And you can raise the credit limit by depositing more than the minimum amount required.

• Capital One Quicksilver Secured card: The Quicksilver Secured card is a cash back rewards credit card that offers cardholders 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Cardholders make a $200 minimum deposit to open an account with an initial credit line of at least $200. 

• Capital One Platinum Mastercard: The Platinum card is an unsecured credit card for people with no credit history or fair credit scores. And in as few as six months, you may be considered for a credit limit increase. There’s no security deposit required to open an account, and it has no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

• Capital One Savor Student: Savor Student is an unsecured student rewards card that earns you unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services and 1% cash back on all other purchases. You can also earn elevated rewards on purchases through Capital One Travel and Capital One Entertainment, and there’s no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

• Capital One Quicksilver Student: Another unsecured student rewards card, Quicksilver Student offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. You can also earn elevated rewards on purchases through Capital One Travel and Capital One Entertainment, and there’s no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

ITINs enable people without an SSN to comply with U.S. tax laws. In some situations, ITINs can also be used for banking and credit applications.

If you have an ITIN and would like to apply for a credit card, you can get started by comparing Capital One credit cards. You can also find out whether you’re pre-approved before you accept an offer, without harming your credit.