Quick Answer
Immigrants can get a credit card without an SSN or U.S. credit history. Secured cards like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured and Discover it Secured approve newcomers with a refundable $200–$500 deposit, several issuers accept an ITIN, and newcomer fintechs such as Zolve and American Express can use a foreign credit history. Start with a secured card, then graduate to unsecured.
A credit card is how most immigrants build a U.S. credit score from zero. The good news: you don't need to be a citizen, hold a green card, or even have an SSN to get approved for a starter card. What matters is which card you pick. This guide compares the realistic options by situation, then links to the ITIN-specific card list for full detail.
| Card / Program | Type | SSN required? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | Secured | ITIN OK | Newcomers wanting cash-back while building credit |
| Discover it Secured | Secured | Usually SSN | Rewards plus a path to graduate to unsecured |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | Secured | No credit check | Anyone declined elsewhere; no bank account needed |
| Self Visa | Secured + builder | ITIN OK | Building credit and savings at the same time |
| Zolve / newcomer cards | Unsecured | Passport | Recent arrivals with a credit history abroad |
| American Express (newcomer path) | Unsecured | Varies | Immigrants importing foreign credit history |
Card terms, deposits, and ITIN/SSN policies change frequently — confirm current requirements directly with each issuer before applying.
What are the best credit cards for immigrants in 2026?
The best credit cards for immigrants in 2026 are secured cards — the Capital One Quicksilver Secured, Discover it Secured, and OpenSky Secured Visa — because they approve people with no U.S. credit history. Newcomers with a credit record abroad may instead qualify for an unsecured card through Zolve or American Express, which can read international credit data.
Secured cards require a refundable deposit, typically $200–$500, which becomes your credit limit. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains how secured cards work and why they're a standard first step.
Can immigrants get a credit card without a Social Security number?
Yes. Immigrants can get a credit card without an SSN. Capital One accepts an ITIN on secured and some unsecured cards, OpenSky runs no credit check at all, and immigrant-focused issuers like Zolve approve newcomers with a passport and visa. Most big banks ask for an SSN on online forms, so an ITIN-friendly issuer or a branch visit is the workaround.
What credit cards can new immigrants get with no U.S. credit history?
New immigrants with no U.S. credit history have three realistic paths: a secured card (deposit-backed, so approval doesn't depend on U.S. credit history), a no-credit-check card like OpenSky, or a newcomer card that imports your foreign credit. American Express can use its global credit data and partners like Nova Credit to read a credit history from select countries, so a recent arrival may skip the secured step.
Are secured credit cards good for immigrants building credit?
Yes — secured credit cards are the most reliable way for immigrants to build credit. You put down a refundable deposit, usually $200–$500, and that becomes your limit. The card reports to all three credit bureaus exactly like a regular card, so on-time payments build your score. Many issuers refund the deposit and upgrade you to an unsecured card after responsible use.
Member tip
A popular ITIN-friendly starter is the Discover it Secured card — see whether it fits your situation, including the deposit and graduation timeline.
Which credit cards work if you have an ITIN but no SSN?
If you have an ITIN but no SSN, Capital One is the most ITIN-friendly major issuer, accepting an ITIN on secured and select unsecured cards. Many credit unions and the Self Visa also accept ITIN. Because online applications usually demand an SSN, ITIN holders often apply in a branch or through an issuer that explicitly takes an ITIN.
Go deeper
See the full vetted list on best credit cards that accept ITIN → — with deposits, fees, and how to apply for each.
How do immigrants qualify for better credit cards over time?
Immigrants qualify for better cards by using a starter card responsibly for about 6–12 months. Keep your balance under 30% of the limit, pay in full each month, and never miss a due date. Once a score forms, many secured cards refund your deposit and graduate you to unsecured, opening the door to rewards and travel cards. Here's how immigrants build credit step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can immigrants get a credit card without a Social Security number?
Yes. Several issuers accept an ITIN instead of an SSN, including Capital One and some credit unions, and immigrant-focused fintechs like Zolve and Self approve newcomers with no U.S. credit history. Secured cards, where a refundable deposit of $200–$500 sets your limit, are the most accessible starting point.
What is the best credit card for new immigrants?
For most newcomers, a secured card such as the Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Discover it Secured is the best first card because approval doesn't require U.S. credit history. Immigrants with a credit history abroad may qualify for an unsecured newcomer card through American Express, which can use international credit data.
Can I get a credit card with an ITIN?
Yes. Capital One accepts an ITIN on its secured and some unsecured cards, and many credit unions issue secured cards to ITIN holders. Most major issuers ask for an SSN online, so applying in a branch or choosing an ITIN-friendly issuer matters. See our full list of credit cards that accept ITIN for details.
How can immigrants get approved for better credit cards over time?
Use a secured or starter card responsibly: keep balances under 30% of your limit and pay in full every month. After about 6 months a credit score forms, and many issuers let you graduate to an unsecured card and refund your deposit. From there you can qualify for rewards and travel cards.