Quick Answer
Yes — Chase, American Express, and Capital One all accept an ITIN in place of an SSN. Best options by credit history:
- No U.S. credit: Capital One Platinum Secured ($49–$200 deposit, no annual fee) — reports to all three bureaus.
- After 12 months of on-time payments: Chase Freedom Unlimited — 1.5–5% cash back, no annual fee.
- Travel rewards: American Express Gold or Chase Sapphire Preferred — both accept ITIN on the application.
To apply: enter your ITIN in the SSN field on the online application. No branch visit required.
The In-Branch Chase Approach
A path some ITIN holders have used for a first U.S. credit card: open a Chase checking account in person, then ask the banker about the Chase Freedom Unlimited the same day — even with zero U.S. credit history, no prior cards, and nothing on file. Bankers often recommend the Freedom Flex first since it can be easier to qualify for with thin credit. Applicants can ask to be considered for the Freedom Unlimited instead. A common piece of branch advice: funding the new Chase account with a meaningful deposit can strengthen the application. Reported starting limits in these cases tend to be modest, and approval, timing, and credit limits depend on the full credit profile and the bank's policies at the time. Approval is never guaranteed.
Some applicants report applying online for the Chase Sapphire Preferred roughly six months later. Having an existing banking relationship may help the conversation but does not guarantee approval. If you're considering applying in branch, call ahead and ask what documents and credit profile they typically look for.
After two Chase cards have reported several months of on-time payments, some ITIN holders go on to apply online for the Capital One Savor, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, the Amex Gold, and the Amex Blue Business Plus. Approval criteria and ITIN acceptance can change, so check the issuer's current application before you apply.
Can You Get a Credit Card With an ITIN?
Yes. Seven of the ten largest U.S. card issuers accept an ITIN — including Chase, American Express, and Capital One (WalletHub, 2026). Every card listed on this page has been obtained using an ITIN. With no U.S. credit history yet, start with a secured card, then work up to rewards cards after 12 months of on-time payments.
Newer to the U.S. and weighing all your options? See best credit cards for immigrants, which compares secured, newcomer, and ITIN cards by situation.
Which Credit Cards Accept ITIN in 2026?
All cards in this table accept ITIN in place of an SSN. With no U.S. credit history, the Capital One Platinum Secured ($49–$200 deposit, no annual fee) is the standard starting point. After 12 months of on-time payments, most ITIN holders qualify for a no-fee rewards card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Savor.
| Card | Deposit | Annual Fee | Credit Check | Cash Back | Foreign Txn Fee | All 3 Bureaus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $49–$200 | $0 | Hard pull | None | None | Yes | First card, zero credit history |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® | $200–$3,000 | $35 | None | None | 3% | Yes | No credit check — if denied elsewhere |
| Self Visa® Credit Card | $100+ (from savings) | $0 yr1 / $25 | None | None | 1% | Yes | Build savings + credit simultaneously |
| BofA Customized Cash Secured | $300–$4,900 | $0 | Hard pull | 3% chosen category | 3% | Yes | Building credit with some cash back |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne | None | $39 | Hard pull | 1.5% everywhere | None | Yes | Thin/fair credit, rewards without deposit |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | None | $0 | Hard pull | 1.5–5% | None | Yes | Good credit, top no-fee rewards card |
| Amex Blue Cash Everyday® | None | $0 | Hard pull | 3% groceries/gas/retail | None | Yes | Everyday spending, established credit |
| Discover it® Secured | — | — | — | — | — | — | SSN required — not available with ITIN |
Terms set by each issuer and subject to change — confirm on the issuer's site before applying. Credit check type reflects the application inquiry.
Which Rewards Cards Can ITIN Holders Get?
Every card below accepts ITIN on applications — confirmed through issuer policies and community reports. All require a U.S. address and an established credit history, typically 12+ months of on-time payments. The no-annual-fee options from Chase, American Express, and Capital One are the standard next step after a secured card.
For category-specific picks, see the best travel, cash back, dining & grocery, and no-annual-fee credit cards for ITIN holders.
Chase Cards
1.5–5% cash back on all purchases. No annual fee. A popular starter rewards card for ITIN holders — generally approachable with a score of 670+, though approval depends on the full credit profile. Apply online by entering your ITIN in the SSN field.
5x points on Chase Travel, 3x on dining. $50 annual hotel credit. Strong travel rewards card. Typically requires good to excellent credit (720+). ITIN accepted online. A strong option if you travel and want to earn transferable points.
American Express Cards
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail, and U.S. gas stations. No annual fee. A solid everyday card. ITIN accepted online. Worth considering if you don't travel much and want simple cash back.
2x Membership Rewards points on all purchases up to $50,000/year. No annual fee. Excellent for freelancers and self-employed ITIN holders. Counts as a business card but does not require a formal business — sole proprietors qualify.
4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights. $120 dining credit + $120 Uber Cash annually. A top-rated food and dining card. Typically requires excellent credit (720+). ITIN accepted. The credits can offset a significant portion of the annual fee depending on usage.
Capital One Cards
3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and grocery stores. No annual fee. ITIN accepted. Great everyday card. Apply online — Capital One is generally more flexible on credit score requirements than Chase.
1.5% cash back on every purchase — no categories, no rotating quarterly limits. No security deposit required — this is an unsecured card designed for thin or fair credit. $39 annual fee. ITIN accepted online. A good bridge between secured cards and full rewards cards: you skip the deposit, earn cash back from day one, and Capital One reviews your account for an upgrade after several months of on-time payments.
Which Secured Cards Work for ITIN Holders With No Credit History?
If you just got your ITIN and have no U.S. credit history, you need a secured card first. A secured card requires a cash deposit (as low as $49) that becomes your credit limit. A scoreable file typically appears after 3–6 months of account activity (FICO); most ITIN holders reach fair credit (580–669) in 4–6 months and good credit (670+) within 12–24 months of consistent on-time payments (FICO).
$49–$200 deposit for a $200 credit limit. No annual fee. Capital One reviews your account after several months for a possible unsecured upgrade. ITIN explicitly accepted. A widely used starting card for ITIN holders building credit from zero.
$300 minimum deposit (up to $4,900). No annual fee. No rewards, but reports to all three credit bureaus and has a straightforward approval process. ITIN accepted. Good alternative if Capital One does not approve you.
No credit check — not even a soft pull. Deposit $200–$3,000 (becomes your credit limit). Reports to all three credit bureaus every month. No bank account required to apply. ITIN accepted. $35 annual fee. The best option if Capital One or Bank of America declines you — OpenSky's approval process is based purely on your deposit, not your credit history. Over 1.6 million cardholders have used it to build credit from scratch.
Unique two-step approach: first open a Self Credit Builder Account (a savings-backed installment loan), make monthly payments, then unlock the Self Visa using those accumulated savings as your deposit ($100 minimum). No credit check for either product. Reports to all three bureaus. ITIN accepted. $0 annual fee the first year, $25/year after. Best if you want to build savings and credit simultaneously — every payment grows your deposit and your credit history at the same time.
$200 minimum deposit. 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, 1% everywhere else. No annual fee. Excellent card — but requires an SSN. ITIN is not accepted. If you're building credit with an ITIN, use Capital One Platinum Secured instead.
Does Discover accept ITIN? →The one rule that matters
Pay your full balance before the due date every single month. Never carry a balance. This builds your score faster than anything else. Setting up autopay for the full balance removes the risk of ever missing a payment.
How Do I Apply for a Credit Card With an ITIN?
Apply online and enter your 9-digit ITIN in the application's Social Security Number field — most issuer forms accept it, and Chase, American Express, and Capital One all process ITIN applications. You'll also need a U.S. address, income information, and (for rewards cards) an existing credit history. Follow these steps:
An ITIN is a tax ID issued by the IRS to people not eligible for an SSN — see the IRS ITIN page for official requirements.
- Choose the right card for your credit level. No credit history: start with a secured card (Capital One Platinum Secured or OpenSky). Score of 670+: you can apply for unsecured rewards cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Savor.
- Go to the issuer's website and start the application. Use the official issuer site — not a third-party comparison site — to avoid misdirected applications.
- Enter your ITIN in the SSN field. Most Chase, Amex, and Capital One applications accept ITIN directly. Some show an option to select "I have an ITIN instead of an SSN" — click it. If the online form rejects it, proceed to step 4.
- Apply in-branch if the online form fails. Visit a branch location and apply at the counter. Branch applications always allow ITIN — the representative can process it manually. Bring your ITIN, a government-issued photo ID (passport), and proof of U.S. address.
- Wait for approval and activate. Approval usually takes 7–10 business days by mail. Once approved, activate the card, set up autopay for the full statement balance, and keep utilization below 10% of your limit.
What Mistakes Should ITIN Holders Avoid With Credit Cards?
- Applying for rewards cards before any credit history. Chase, Amex, and Capital One rewards cards require an established credit score. If you apply with no history, you'll be declined and take a hard inquiry hit. Build 12 months with a secured card first.
- Carrying a balance. Paying only the minimum costs you interest and keeps your utilization high — the single biggest drag on your score. Pay the full statement balance before the due date every month.
- Closing your first secured card once you upgrade. Your first card's age and credit limit both help your score. Don't close it — just stop using it or put one small recurring charge on it. Many secured cards graduate to unsecured automatically.
- Applying for multiple cards at once. Each hard inquiry temporarily dips your score. Space applications at least 3–6 months apart, especially in the early stages of building credit.
- Using a card that doesn't report to all three bureaus. Some store cards and fintech products only report to one or two bureaus. Make sure your card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — all cards on this page do.
- Assuming Discover or other SSN-only cards will accept your ITIN. Discover it Secured is a great card — but it requires an SSN. Don't apply and take the denial. Use Capital One Platinum Secured or OpenSky instead.
How Do I Check My Credit Score With an ITIN?
You can check your credit score for free even before you have an SSN. Once you have at least one account reporting to the bureaus for 3–6 months, a score will appear. Free annual reports are a federal right, but the online portal requires an SSN, so ITIN holders request reports by mail from each of the 3 bureaus instead.
AnnualCreditReport.com has the mail-in forms, and the CFPB's credit reports guide explains your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For ongoing monitoring, many credit cards (including Capital One and Chase) show your score for free in their apps once your account is open.
For a full walkthrough, see: How to check your credit score with an ITIN →
Do I Qualify for a Travel Credit Card With an ITIN?
Yes — ITIN holders with good to excellent credit (700+) can qualify for travel rewards cards. Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold both accept ITIN applications. The main barrier is credit history, not your ITIN: most travel cards require 12–24 months of U.S. credit history and no recent late payments. With less than 1 year of history, start with a secured card first.
If you have less than 1 year of U.S. credit history with an ITIN, the Capital One Platinum Secured is the fastest path to building the score you'll need for travel cards. Capital One also offers the Venture X (a travel card) and uses a holistic underwriting model that can be more favorable to newer-history applicants than other issuers.
Full breakdown: best travel credit cards with an ITIN →
Which Banks Accept ITIN for Credit Cards?
Five major U.S. card issuers accept an ITIN: Capital One, Citibank, Bank of America, Chase, and American Express. Capital One accepts ITIN fully online — Platinum Secured (no credit history, $49 deposit), QuicksilverOne, and Savor. Amex accepts ITIN online for Gold, Blue Cash, and Blue Business Plus cards, but generally requires established U.S. credit history. Chase and BofA require an in-person branch visit. Discover requires an SSN and does not accept ITIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants get a credit card?
Yes. Undocumented immigrants can get a credit card using an ITIN. Chase, American Express, and Capital One all accept ITIN applications. You will need an established U.S. credit history and a U.S. address. If you are just starting out, begin with the Capital One Platinum Secured — it accepts ITIN and requires only a $49–$200 deposit. Note: Discover requires an SSN and does not accept ITIN.
What credit score do I need to get a Chase or Amex card?
For the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you generally need a score of 670+. For the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold, you typically need 720+. Capital One Savor is more flexible and sometimes approves scores in the 650–670 range. These are general guidelines — actual approval depends on your full credit profile.
How long does it take to go from no credit to a rewards card?
Many people are in a range to apply for rewards cards after 12–18 months of consistent payments. Start with a secured card, pay on time every month, and consider adding a credit-builder loan after 3 months. After 12 months, applicants often have a score in the 680–720 range — at which point cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Savor may be accessible. Approval always depends on the full credit profile.
Which secured credit cards for ITIN holders report to all three bureaus?
All three secured cards recommended for ITIN holders on this page — Capital One Platinum Secured, OpenSky Secured Visa, and Self Visa — report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This is important because a card that reports to only one bureau builds a thinner credit file. Discover it Secured also reports to all three but requires an SSN, not an ITIN.
Is there a credit card for ITIN holders with no credit check at all?
Yes — the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card requires no credit check whatsoever, not even a soft pull. Approval is based solely on your $200–$3,000 deposit. The Self Visa® Credit Card also has no credit check. Both accept ITIN and report to all three bureaus. These are the best options if Capital One or Bank of America declines you.
Can I get a credit card with an ITIN and no credit history?
Yes. Capital One Platinum Secured accepts ITIN with no prior credit history and requires a $49–$200 deposit. OpenSky Secured Visa requires no credit check at all — just a $200 deposit. Both report to all three credit bureaus so your on-time payments start building your U.S. credit file immediately. These secured cards are specifically designed as credit-building starter products for people with no credit history.
Does applying for a credit card with an ITIN hurt my credit score?
Yes — any credit card application triggers a hard inquiry that can temporarily lower your score by a few points. If you have no credit history yet, the impact is minimal since there is no established score to lower. To avoid hard inquiries entirely, start with the OpenSky Secured Visa or Self Visa — neither requires a credit check. Once you have an established score, limit applications to 1–2 cards per year to minimize inquiry impact.