What is the best credit card for ITIN holders?

The best starting option for most ITIN holders is a secured credit card from Bank of America or Capital One. These cards report to all three credit bureaus, have low deposit requirements ($200 to $500), and provide a clear path to upgrading to an unsecured card after 6 to 12 months of responsible use.

How long does it take to build credit with an ITIN?

You can establish a credit score within 6 months of opening your first credit account. Reaching a score of 680 or higher typically takes 12 to 18 months of consistent on-time payments and low credit utilization. A score of 750 or above usually requires 2 to 3 years of positive credit history.

Do ITIN credit cards report to credit bureaus?

Yes, major credit card issuers that accept ITINs report your payment activity to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This is what builds your credit history. Always confirm that your card issuer reports to at least one bureau before applying, as some smaller issuers may not.

What credit score do I start with using an ITIN?

You do not start with any credit score. You begin with no credit history, which is different from having a bad score. After 6 months of credit card activity, the bureaus generate your first score. Starting scores for new credit files typically range from 580 to 650 depending on your payment behavior.

Can I get an unsecured credit card with an ITIN?

Yes, once you build 6 to 12 months of positive credit history with a secured card, many issuers will upgrade you to an unsecured card or you can apply for new unsecured cards. Deserve offers unsecured cards to ITIN holders even without prior US credit history, making it a good option for those who want to skip the secured card step.

ITIN Credit Card: Build US Credit as a Non-Resident

You can get a credit card with an ITIN and start building US credit history without a Social Security Number. Several major card issuers, including Bank of America, Capital One, and Deserve, accept ITINs on credit card applications. Most non-residents begin with a secured ITIN credit card that requires a refundable deposit. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you build a credit score that unlocks unsecured cards, auto loans, and other financial products available in the US.

Can You Get a Credit Card with an ITIN?

Yes. Federal law does not require credit card issuers to use an SSN for applications. Many banks accept an ITIN as a valid tax identification number on credit card applications. The credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) can create credit files using an ITIN, which means your payment history gets reported and your credit score builds over time.

The key is choosing card issuers that explicitly accept ITIN holders. Not every bank does, so applying to the wrong issuer wastes time and can result in hard inquiries on your credit report. Stick to the issuers listed below that have a proven track record of approving ITIN applicants.

Secured vs Unsecured Credit Cards for ITIN Holders

Understanding the difference between secured and unsecured cards is important before you apply:

Secured Cards

Secured cards require a refundable cash deposit (typically $200 to $500) that serves as your credit limit. The deposit reduces risk for the issuer, which is why secured cards are easier to get approved for with no credit history. After 6 to 12 months of responsible use, most issuers refund your deposit and upgrade you to an unsecured card.

Unsecured Cards

Unsecured cards do not require a deposit. The issuer extends credit based on your creditworthiness. Most unsecured cards require an existing credit score, which means non-residents typically need to use a secured card first. Deserve is an exception, offering unsecured cards to ITIN holders without prior US credit history.

Best ITIN Credit Card Options

These card issuers have a documented history of accepting ITIN holders:

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card: No annual fee, reports to all three bureaus, cashback rewards, and a clear upgrade path. Requires a $300 minimum deposit. You need an ITIN bank account at Bank of America first.
Capital One Platinum Secured Card: Low $49 to $200 deposit depending on creditworthiness, no annual fee, and automatic review for a credit line increase after 6 months. Capital One accepts ITINs on the application.
Deserve Pro Card: An unsecured card that does not require a deposit or prior US credit history. Deserve uses alternative data for approval decisions, making it one of the most accessible options for ITIN holders who want to skip secured cards.
Chime Secured Credit Builder Card: No credit check required, no annual fee, and no interest charges. You load money onto the card and spend from your balance. Chime reports to all three bureaus.

Building Your US Credit Score with an ITIN

Getting the card is just the beginning. Building a strong credit score requires consistent, responsible behavior over time. Follow these practices to maximize your credit growth:

Pay your balance in full every month. On-time, full payments are the single most important factor in your credit score. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments.
Keep utilization below 30%. If your credit limit is $500, keep your balance below $150 at all times. Lower utilization signals to lenders that you manage credit responsibly.
Do not close your first card. Length of credit history matters. Keep your first credit card open even after you get better cards, as it anchors the age of your credit file.
Avoid multiple applications at once. Each credit application creates a hard inquiry on your report. Space applications at least 6 months apart.
Monitor your credit report. Check your report at annualcreditreport.com every 4 months (rotating between the three bureaus) to catch errors early.

Timeline to Good Credit with an ITIN

Building credit is a marathon, not a sprint. Here is a realistic timeline for ITIN holders starting from zero credit history:

Month 0: Open your secured credit card and make a small purchase.
Month 6: Credit bureaus generate your first score, typically between 580 and 650.
Month 12: With consistent payments and low utilization, your score reaches 650 to 700. You may qualify for a credit line increase or unsecured card.
Month 18: Score reaches 700 to 730. You qualify for most standard credit cards and auto loans.
Month 24+: Score approaches 750+. You qualify for premium rewards cards, favorable loan rates, and apartment rentals without extra deposits.

Monitoring Your Credit Report as an ITIN Holder

Regularly checking your credit report is essential for catching errors, monitoring progress, and protecting against fraud. ITIN holders have the same rights as SSN holders when it comes to accessing credit reports.

Visit annualcreditreport.com to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major bureaus once per year. You can stagger your requests: check Experian in January, Equifax in May, and TransUnion in September to monitor your credit year-round at no cost.

Many credit card issuers also provide free credit score monitoring through their apps. Bank of America, Capital One, and Deserve all offer this feature. Use it to track your progress month over month.

Learn more about everything you can do once you have your tax ID in our what can you do with an ITIN guide.

Building US Credit with an ITIN Number

Frequently Asked Questions About ITIN Credit Cards

Yes, several US credit card issuers accept an ITIN in place of an SSN. Bank of America, Capital One, and Deserve all offer credit cards to ITIN holders. Most non-residents start with a secured credit card, which requires a refundable deposit that becomes your credit limit.

Need an ITIN to start building US credit? Apply for your ITIN today.