Credit Cards That Accept an ITIN (2026)

Which Credit Cards Accept an ITIN in 2026?

No US credit yet but credit history abroad? American Express partners with Nova Credit, so newcomers from certain countries can apply for some Amex cards using their foreign credit record (American Express).

Cards that will not work with an ITIN: Chime requires an SSN to open the checking account its credit builder card depends on. Discover requires an SSN. Deserve closed its consumer cards in 2025.

Can You Get a Credit Card with an ITIN in 2026?

Yes. An ITIN works as your tax ID on a credit application, and federal law does not require credit card issuers to use SSNs. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 USC 1691) prohibits discrimination based on national origin in credit decisions. Credit bureaus accept ITINs as valid identifiers and build credit files using the same algorithms applied to SSN-based files.

The key is choosing issuers that accept ITIN holders. Not every bank does. Applying to the wrong issuer wastes time and creates hard inquiries that lower your score by 5 to 10 points each. Start with the cards in the table above.

How Credit Bureaus Handle ITIN Credit Files

Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion each create separate credit files for ITIN holders. Your ITIN serves as the unique identifier, just as an SSN does for US citizens. Payment history, credit utilization, account age, and credit mix all factor into your FICO score identically. There is no separate scoring model for ITIN holders.

What Is the Difference Between Secured and Unsecured ITIN Credit Cards?

ITIN holders can get 2 types of credit card. Which one is right depends on your current credit history.

How Do the ITIN-Friendly Secured Credit Cards Compare?

Capital One Platinum Secured Card

The cheapest way in. $0 annual fee and a refundable minimum deposit of $49, $99 or $200 depending on your credit. You can add more, up to $1,000, to raise the limit. Capital One reports the account to all three major credit bureaus.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card

The secured card with rewards. $0 annual fee, a $200 minimum security deposit (up to $5,000), and cash back in a category you choose. Bank of America periodically reviews secured accounts and may return your deposit, though not every customer qualifies. If you also want a checking account, see the ITIN bank account guide.

American Express (Foreign Credit History Route)

Not a secured card. If you had credit in one of the countries Nova Credit covers, Amex may let you apply for some cards using that foreign credit report, which can get you an unsecured card without starting from zero.

How Should ITIN Holders Choose Between These Credit Cards?

• If you have under $200: Capital One Platinum Secured ($49 minimum deposit for some applicants).
• If you have $200 and want rewards: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured.
• If you have credit history abroad: check whether an American Express card will accept your foreign credit report through Nova Credit.

For the full credit-building strategy, see the build credit with ITIN guide. Once your score reaches 680+, you qualify for ITIN mortgage programs.

How Do You Build a 700+ Credit Score with an ITIN?

Building a strong credit score requires 5 consistent practices over 12 to 18 months. The FICO scoring model weighs these factors identically for ITIN and SSN holders.

Pay in Full Every Month (35% of FICO Score)

Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score. Pay your full statement balance by the due date every month. Set up autopay to prevent missed payments. A single 30-day late payment drops your score by 80 to 110 points.

Keep Utilization Below 30% (30% of FICO Score)

Credit utilization is 30% of your FICO score. If your limit is $500, keep your balance under $150. Below 10% utilization produces the strongest scores. Pay mid-cycle if needed to keep reported balances low.

Keep Your First Card Open (15% of FICO Score)

Length of credit history is 15% of your score. Your first credit card establishes the age of your credit file. Keep it open even after you get better cards. A longer credit history produces higher scores.

Space Applications 6 Months Apart (10% of FICO Score)

New credit inquiries account for 10% of your score. Each hard inquiry reduces your score by 5 to 10 points. Wait at least 6 months between credit applications.

Monitor Your Credit Report (Free)

Check your report at annualcreditreport.com. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 USC 1681), you are entitled to one free report from each bureau per year. Stagger requests: Experian in January, Equifax in May, TransUnion in September. Report errors within 30 days for fastest correction.

What Is the Timeline to Good Credit with an ITIN?

Here is the month-by-month credit building timeline based on consistent on-time payments and under-30% utilization.

A credit score of 680+ opens the door to ITIN mortgage programs for buying a home. Learn about all the financial products available in our what can you do with an ITIN guide.

What Laws Protect ITIN Credit Card Holders?

3 federal laws protect your rights as an ITIN credit card holder.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 USC 1691)

Prohibits credit discrimination based on national origin, race, and other protected traits. It does not force an issuer to accept an ITIN: lenders may still consider residency and immigration status, which is why ITIN policies differ from bank to bank.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 USC 1681)

Gives you the right to access your credit report, dispute errors, and receive one free report per bureau per year. These rights apply equally to ITIN holders.

Truth in Lending Act (15 USC 1601)

Requires card issuers to disclose interest rates, fees, and terms clearly before you open an account. Applies to all credit cardholders regardless of tax identification type.

What Are the First Steps to Getting an ITIN Credit Card?

Follow this 4-step process to get your first ITIN credit card.

1. Get your ITIN. Apply through itin-number.com (flat $297, ready in 7 days). The IRS takes about 7 weeks to process Form W-7 applications (9 to 11 weeks in tax season or from abroad).
2. Open a bank account. Visit our ITIN bank account guide to choose between Mercury, Relay, Wise, or a traditional bank. You will need it to fund the security deposit and pay the bill.
3. Apply for a secured card. Start with the cards in the table above. Have your ITIN, passport, proof of address, and income details ready. Deposits start at $49 (Capital One) or $200 (Bank of America).
4. Use responsibly for 12+ months. Small purchases, full payments, under 30% utilization. Your score reaches 680+ within 12 to 18 months.

Once you have credit established, explore ITIN real estate investing, freelancing with an ITIN, and PayPal and Stripe verification.