How to get a credit card with an ITIN

If you live in the U.S. and don’t have a Social Security number (SSN), you might be able to apply for a credit card with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

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 requires people who have federal tax obligations but aren’t eligible for an SSN to apply for an ITIN.

• 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 want to build credit, you could consider secured credit cards, cards for fair or building credit, or even student credit cards.

ITINs are nine-digit numbers issued by the IRS to people who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but don’t qualify for an SSN. 

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.

To apply for an ITIN, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form W-7 and include proof of identity and foreign status documents and a copy of the U.S. tax return you intend to file. You can visit the IRS website for more information.

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 be asked to supply information such as your:

• Full legal name, date of birth and address
• Proof of income 
• Employment status
• Foreign credit history

Generally, you apply for a credit card using an ITIN in the same way you would with an SSN. 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 if you already have an ITIN:

1. Check issuer requirements. Confirm which card issuers accept ITINs and check other eligibility requirements. 

2. Research cards. Compare cards and choose one that best suits your needs. 

3. Find out whether you’re pre-approved. Some issuers let you see whether you’re pre-approved, which can give you an idea of which cards you may qualify for without hurting your credit scores.

4. Fill out and submit your application. Most issuers offer several ways to apply, including online, in person or by phone.

5. Wait for a response. 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 available for ITIN applicants. If you’re new to credit and trying to get a credit card in the U.S. without an SSN, 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 qualify for unsecured credit cards designed with that goal in mind.

• Student credit cards: Some issuers offer credit cards for international students that you may be able to get with an ITIN.

Capital One has a number of credit cards you may be able to get with an ITIN. They include:

• 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.

• Quicksilver Secured card: 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. 

• Platinum card: An unsecured credit card for people with no credit history or fair credit scores. 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.

• SavorOne card: An unsecured rewards card for people with no credit history or fair credit scores. Customers can earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services and 1% cash back on all other purchases for a $39 annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

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

• QuicksilverOne card: Another unsecured rewards card for people with no credit history or fair credit scores. Customers can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase for a $39 annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

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

ITINs enable people without an SSN to comply with U.S. tax laws. In some situations, ITINs can 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 apply, without harming your credit scores.