Obtaining a credit card frequently necessitates the submission of a Social Security Number (SSN). However, the lack of these vital nine digits should not deter you. Alternatives exist for securing a credit card without an SSN. Here is your guide.
Procure an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
An ITIN, a nine-digit number allocated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), serves for tax filing purposes. It is provided to individuals required to file taxes in the U.S. without possessing an SSN, including immigrants (both documented and undocumented), and U.S. citizens in witness protection.
Key credit card companies like American Express, Capital One, and Chase can accept an ITIN instead of an SSN. Additional identification, like a passport picture or an in-person application, might be requested. However, as long as your ITIN is valid (typically for three years), this number can aid in your credit card acquisition.
Not all credit card providers permit the replacement of an SSN with an ITIN and those that may not accept it for all card types. But if you qualify for an ITIN, you might be eligible for one of the following cards:
American Express® Gold Card
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Navigating with No U.S. Credit History?
Many of the cards mentioned above require good to excellent credit. If you are new to the U.S. or haven’t established credit here, the card provider may have limited history to review. Though this restricts your options, it does not eliminate them.
An American Express card could be a good starting point if you possess a robust credit profile in your country of origin. Amex is the sole primary care provider considering foreign credit reports for U.S. applications. Foreign words include those from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, and the U.K. Furthermore, American Express can accept your passport number without an SSN or ITIN.
Another option is to apply for secured credit cards, such as the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. These cards necessitate an initial deposit, typically equivalent to the card’s credit limit, which acts as security. If you default, this deposit offsets your balance. You can start building your credit score by consistently repaying what you owe.
Lastly, consider becoming an authorized user on another individual’s credit card. This allows you to build credit, even without the account being in your name. The key is to identify a trusted person who agrees to include you in their credit card account and repay what you spend.
Acquiring a credit card without an SSN may require extra effort, but it is achievable. Demonstrate responsible borrowing habits, such as prompt bill payments and prudent charging once you obtain a card. Your credit score will improve as time passes, opening up possibilities for more beneficial cash-back credit cards.
