Quick Answer
Immigrants can get a credit card without an SSN or U.S. credit history. Secured cards like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured ($200 minimum deposit) and Discover it Secured Cash Back (from $49) don't require U.S. credit history, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo accept an ITIN, Zolve accepts a passport and visa, and American Express can use credit history from some countries. Start with a secured card, then graduate to unsecured.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| SSN required? | No — American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo accept an ITIN |
| Capital One | Names 7 cards you can get with an ITIN |
| Starter secured cards | Capital One Quicksilver Secured ($200 minimum deposit); Discover it Secured Cash Back (from $49) |
| No U.S. credit history | Secured cards don't require it; American Express and Nova Credit can read credit history from select countries |
| Passport-and-visa option | Zolve |
| Without an ITIN | Card options mostly disappear — get an ITIN first |
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 | No — ITIN accepted | Newcomers wanting cash-back while building credit |
| Discover it Secured Cash Back | Secured | No — ITIN accepted | 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 | Yes — SSN required | Building credit and savings at the same time |
| Zolve / newcomer cards | Unsecured | Passport | Recent arrivals with a passport and visa |
| American Express (newcomer path) | Unsecured | No — ITIN accepted | Immigrants importing foreign credit history |
Card terms and deposits change — check current terms with each issuer before applying. Capital One's guide for immigrants confirms you can apply for its Platinum Secured and Quicksilver Secured cards with an ITIN.
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 Cash Back, and OpenSky Secured Visa — because none requires U.S. credit history to apply. Newcomers may instead qualify for an unsecured card through Zolve, which accepts a passport and visa, or American Express, which can use credit history from some countries.
Secured cards require a refundable deposit, often $49–$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. American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo all accept an ITIN on their applications, OpenSky runs no credit check at all, and immigrant-focused issuers like Zolve approve newcomers with a passport and visa. Without an SSN or ITIN, those passport-and-visa newcomer cards are the main route.
What are the best credit cards for new immigrants with no U.S. credit history?
The best credit cards for new immigrants with no U.S. credit history fall into three 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 and partners like Nova Credit can read 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, often $49–$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
Another starter option is Discover's secured card, now issued by Capital One — its application asks for an SSN or ITIN.
What credit cards can undocumented immigrants get?
With an ITIN, undocumented immigrants can apply at seven major issuers: American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo. A secured card such as the Capital One Platinum Secured ($49, $99 or $200 deposit) is the easiest first approval. Card applications ask for a tax ID number rather than a visa, though some forms ask about citizenship.
Without an ITIN, card options mostly disappear: OpenSky still verifies identity with a Social Security or tax ID number, and passport-based newcomer cards like Zolve also ask for a U.S. visa. Getting an ITIN first is the practical route — here's how to apply for an ITIN. No issuer guarantees approval; each still checks income and identity.
Which credit cards work if you have an ITIN but no SSN?
If you have an ITIN but no SSN, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo all take an ITIN: Discover's form asks for a "Social Security Number (or ITIN)", Chase's lists ITIN as a tax ID type, and Capital One names 7 cards you can get with one. Many credit unions issue cards to ITIN holders too.
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. American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo accept an ITIN instead of an SSN, as do some credit unions, and newcomer-focused Zolve doesn't require U.S. credit history. Secured cards, where a refundable deposit (often $49–$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 Cash Back is the best first card because neither requires U.S. credit history to apply. 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. American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo all accept an ITIN on their card applications, and many credit unions issue secured cards to ITIN holders. Capital One lists 7 cards you can get with an ITIN, including its Platinum Secured. See our full list of credit cards that accept ITIN for details.
What credit cards can undocumented immigrants get?
Undocumented immigrants with an ITIN can apply with American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover and Wells Fargo, which all accept an ITIN instead of an SSN. A secured card is the easiest first approval. Without an ITIN, options are very limited, because most cards ask for an SSN or ITIN and passport-based newcomer cards require a visa, so apply for an ITIN first.
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.