Bottom line
Yes — as of October 2026, Discover's secured card application asks for a "Social Security Number (or ITIN)," so ITIN holders can apply. The card is now the Discover it Secured Cash Back, issued through Capital One, with a $49, $99, or $200 refundable deposit and no annual fee. Approval isn't guaranteed.
Does the Discover it Secured Cash Back Card Accept ITIN?
Yes. As of October 2026, the Discover it Secured Cash Back application, now run through Capital One, asks for a "Social Security Number (or ITIN)," so ITIN holders can apply online. Approval still depends on identity verification and the issuer's credit review, which also asks for a U.S. residential address and income.
See the card's current terms on Discover's secured card page. To compare it with other issuers, see all credit cards that accept an ITIN.
What changed in 2026
Discover is now part of Capital One. In 2026 the original Discover it Secured was replaced for new applicants by the Discover it Secured Cash Back. If you're approved, the card is managed through Capital One's site and app.
Why Do Some Sites Say Discover Requires an SSN?
Most of those pages describe the original Discover it Secured, issued by Discover Bank, whose application asked for a Social Security Number. In 2026 Capital One replaced it for new applicants with the Discover it Secured Cash Back, whose application asks for a "Social Security Number (or ITIN)." The answer changed, so older pages are out of date.
Older forum posts about ITINs being rejected in Discover's SSN field also predate the relaunch. Card terms keep changing, so check the live application or Discover's card page rather than a list article.
Applying can still cost you a hard inquiry
Accepting an ITIN on the form isn't the same as approval. A submitted application usually triggers a hard inquiry, which stays on your credit report for two years. Read the terms before you apply, and compare cards with the CFPB's credit card tool.
What Is the Discover it Secured Cash Back Minimum Security Deposit?
The Discover it Secured Cash Back asks for a $49, $99, or $200 refundable deposit, set by your creditworthiness, and you can deposit more to raise your limit. You fund it by electronic transfer from a bank account. The original Discover it Secured required at least $200, so older articles quote that figure.
The card has no annual fee, earns 5% cash back in quarterly categories you activate (up to the quarterly maximum), and 1% on everything else. Discover says no credit score is required to apply.
For comparison, these secured cards have similar deposit requirements:
| Card | Min. Deposit | ITIN Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured Cash Back | $49, $99, or $200 | Yes — form asks for SSN or ITIN |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $49, $99, or $200 | Yes |
| BankAmericard® Secured | $200 | No published ITIN policy — ask a banker |
Can I Apply for the Discover it Secured Cash Back With an ITIN Instead of SSN?
Yes. On the Discover it Secured Cash Back application, enter your ITIN in the field labeled "Social Security Number (or ITIN)." The form also asks for your legal name, U.S. residential address, date of birth, employment status, annual income, and monthly rent or mortgage. Approval isn't guaranteed.
Here is what to expect:
- Online form: Enter your 9-digit ITIN in the taxpayer ID field. The application runs identity verification, which may ask you to confirm details or send documents.
- Credit decision: A submitted application usually triggers a hard inquiry, which stays on your credit report for two years, whether or not you're approved.
- Deposit: If approved, you fund the $49, $99, or $200 deposit by electronic transfer from a bank account.
Before you apply
Have a U.S. bank account ready for the deposit, and make sure the name and address you enter match your ITIN records. If verification stalls, follow the instructions you receive rather than starting a second application.
Which Other Secured Cards Accept an ITIN?
Capital One says you can apply for its Platinum Secured and Quicksilver Secured cards with an ITIN, and the Platinum Secured takes a $49, $99, or $200 refundable deposit with no annual fee. Bank of America's BankAmericard Secured needs a $200 minimum deposit, but its page doesn't state an ITIN policy, so call first.
Capital One Platinum Secured
Accepts ITIN No annual feeCapital One's guide to credit cards for immigrants says you can apply for Platinum Secured with an ITIN. It lists $49, $99, or $200 deposits, no annual fee, and reporting to the three major bureaus. Approval isn't guaranteed.
BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card
No published ITIN policy No annual feeBank of America lists a $200 minimum deposit (up to $5,000) and no annual fee on its BankAmericard Secured page, but doesn't state an ITIN policy there. Ask at a financial center whether it accepts an ITIN.
What to do first
Apply to one card at a time — each application can add a hard inquiry. After 6–12 months of on-time payments, compare unsecured options; approval is never guaranteed.
How Do I Build Credit With an ITIN?
The path from no U.S. credit history to a stronger profile varies. Start by confirming a secured card’s identification and reporting requirements, make payments on time, review your reports, and consider unsecured cards only when your profile and the issuer’s current criteria support an application. Check all 3 major bureaus when reviewing reported information. No card guarantees approval.
- Month 1: Compare products and apply only after confirming identification requirements, deposit, fees, reporting, and approval criteria.
- Months 1–6: Use the card for one or two small purchases per month. Pay the full statement balance before the due date every month, without exception.
- Later: If an issuer offers a graduation review, read its current terms; an upgrade, deposit refund, or higher limit is not guaranteed.
- Later: Consider unsecured cards only after reviewing your credit profile and the issuer’s current identification and approval requirements; acceptance and timing vary by product.
The one rule that matters
Pay your full statement balance before the due date every single month. Never carry a balance. This builds your score faster than anything else — and avoids interest charges on a secured card that should cost you nothing to hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Discover accept ITIN instead of SSN?
Yes. As of October 2026, the Discover it Secured Cash Back application, now run through Capital One, asks for a "Social Security Number (or ITIN)," so you can apply with an ITIN. Approval isn't guaranteed; it depends on identity verification and a credit review.
Can I apply for Discover by phone with an ITIN?
You don't need to call: the online application asks for a "Social Security Number (or ITIN)," so enter your ITIN there. If identity verification asks for documents, follow the instructions you receive.
Which secured cards accept ITIN?
Discover's secured card application asks for an SSN or ITIN, and Capital One says you can apply for its Platinum Secured and Quicksilver Secured cards with an ITIN. Bank of America doesn't state online whether its secured card accepts an ITIN; ask at a financial center.
Why do so many sites say Discover requires an SSN?
The original Discover it Secured, issued by Discover Bank, asked for a Social Security Number. After Capital One acquired Discover, that card was replaced in 2026 by the Discover it Secured Cash Back, whose application asks for a "Social Security Number (or ITIN)." Older articles describe the earlier card.
What is the minimum security deposit for the Discover it Secured?
The Discover it Secured Cash Back asks for a $49, $99, or $200 refundable deposit, set by your creditworthiness, and you can deposit more to raise your limit. The deposit is funded by electronic transfer from a bank account. The original Discover it Secured required $200.
Can I enter my ITIN in the SSN field on Discover's application?
Yes. The Discover it Secured Cash Back application labels the field "Social Security Number (or ITIN)," and its help text asks for your SSN or ITIN. Enter your 9-digit ITIN there. A submitted application can still be denied and usually triggers a hard inquiry.