Chase is one of the largest card issuers in the country, and it openly accepts ITINs on credit card applications. Whether you are building credit from zero or already have a solid U.S. credit file, there is likely a Chase card that fits where you are right now. This guide covers which cards are realistic for ITIN holders at each stage, how the online application actually works, and what Chase looks at beyond your tax ID.
Can I really apply for a Chase credit card using an ITIN?
Yes, and Chase makes this official in its own application language. The Freedom Rise application checklist asks for your “Social Security Number (SSN) and/or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).” That “and/or” wording matters: it signals that neither is strictly superior to the other in the identity-verification step.
To use your ITIN instead of an SSN when applying online, select “Individual Tax ID number” under “Tax ID type” on the application. The rest of the form is identical to what any applicant fills out. ITIN acceptance means the issuer takes the application, but it is not approval, and Chase’s normal eligibility criteria (income, history, deposit) still apply.
One practical caveat: Chase may request identity documents after you apply, and its published list names a Social Security card. Calling Chase before applying with an ITIN only is worth doing. Bringing a valid passport and your ITIN assignment letter to a branch can also smooth the verification step.
Which Chase cards can I actually get with an ITIN?
A question we hear often: Not all Chase cards are equally realistic for ITIN holders, because approval requirements vary considerably across the portfolio.
Chase calibrates its credit score expectations to each card. Freedom Rise requires limited or no credit history. Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, and Sapphire Preferred require roughly 700. Sapphire Reserve targets 750 or higher.
Here is a quick overview of the main personal cards and where ITIN holders realistically stand:
| Chase Card | Annual Fee | Recommended Credit | Cash Back / Rewards | ITIN Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Rise | $0 | None required | 1.5% on all purchases | Online or in branch |
| Freedom Unlimited | $0 | ~700 | 1.5%-5% by category | Online or in branch |
| Freedom Flex | $0 | ~700 | 1%-5% by category | Online or in branch |
| Sapphire Preferred | $95 | ~700 | 1x-5x points | Online or in branch |
| Sapphire Reserve | $550 | ~750 | 1x-10x points | Online or in branch |
Beyond a good or excellent credit score and enough income to cover at least the monthly minimum, the main requirements for the Sapphire Preferred are being at least 18 years old and having an SSN or ITIN.
For ITIN holders just starting to build U.S. credit, the Freedom Rise is the clear entry point. For those who already have 12-24 months of positive history on another card (see our guide on building credit with an ITIN credit card), the Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex become realistic targets.
What is the Chase Freedom Rise and why is it the best starting card for ITIN holders?
This one comes up a lot: The Freedom Rise was launched for people with thin or no U.S. credit files, and it treats ITIN applicants the same as SSN applicants.
Chase does not require a prior credit history to qualify. That said, having at least $250 in a Chase checking account within three days of submitting your application may improve your chances. This is a meaningful edge for ITIN holders: if you open a Chase checking account first (which Chase allows with an ITIN at most branches), you give yourself an explicit boost before touching the card application at all.
Freedom Rise earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no annual fee and no minimum to redeem rewards. That is a better structure than most secured cards, which typically offer no rewards. Every purchase earns something while you build your file.
Chase also evaluates Freedom Rise cardmembers each year for an upgrade to the Freedom Unlimited, as long as your account is open and you have made at least one purchase in the past 12 months. Starting with the Freedom Rise is not a dead end. It is step one of a longer Chase relationship. For a broader look at upgrade timelines, see our secured to unsecured credit card upgrade guide for ITIN holders.
What is Chase’s 5/24 rule and does it affect ITIN holders?
Readers frequently ask: The 5/24 rule is one of Chase’s most discussed internal policies, and ITIN holders are not exempt.
If you have opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months from any issuer, Chase will likely deny your application even with excellent credit. The rule counts cards that appear on your U.S. credit report, which is exactly where your ITIN-linked accounts live. So if you have been actively building credit and opened several cards over the past two years (a reasonable strategy overall), you could hit the 5/24 ceiling before you are ready for a premium Chase card.
The practical takeaway: if a Chase Sapphire card is a medium-term goal, plan your applications carefully. Open Chase cards early in your credit-building journey rather than after you have already accumulated five cards from other issuers. For guidance on managing multiple cards without tripping 5/24, see our article on having multiple credit cards with an ITIN.
How do I fill out the Chase online application with an ITIN?
The process is straightforward once you know where to look.
To apply for Freedom Rise online: go to the application page on Chase’s website, fill in your name, address, phone number, and SSN or ITIN, then enter your financial information including income, sources of income, and employment status. The application also asks for your housing costs. When you reach the tax ID field, choose “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” from the drop-down instead of “Social Security Number,” then type your nine-digit ITIN in the field that follows.
After submitting, you may get a decision immediately, or it could take up to 30 days. A “7 to 10 days” or “30 days” response means Chase is doing additional review, not that you were denied. If you get that message, it is worth calling the reconsideration line. Check our credit card reconsideration line guide for ITIN holders for exactly what to say.
What income and documents do I need when applying with an ITIN?
A question we hear often: Chase does not publish an income floor, but real-world data points suggest it does verify income for ITIN applicants.
According to community data points shared by an applicant who went through the reconsideration line, Chase asked for income documentation such as pay stubs and, as long as those stubs check out, it does not care where the income originates, only that it is sufficient to cover the debt.
Approval odds are best for applicants with a score of 700 or higher. Other factors Chase weighs include existing debt load, recent inquiries, number of open accounts, housing status, and employment status. For ITIN holders, that means gathering these documents before applying:
- Your ITIN assignment letter from the IRS or a recent tax return showing the ITIN
- A valid passport or consular ID for identity verification
- Proof of U.S. address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- Recent pay stubs, bank statements, or a signed employer letter showing income
For a full breakdown of what each document covers and how issuers use them, see our income requirements guide for ITIN credit cards.
Can I use foreign credit history to help my Chase application?
If you do not have an established U.S. credit file, some issuers, including American Express and Chase, may allow you to use international credit history to qualify. Chase works with Nova Credit to translate foreign credit files from select countries into a format Chase can read for certain card products. This is not guaranteed and not available for every card, but it is worth checking if you have a strong credit file in your home country. For details on how this works in practice, see our guide on using foreign credit history for a U.S. credit card with an ITIN.
How does Chase report my account to the credit bureaus?
Chase reports to all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for all of its credit cards, including accounts opened with an ITIN. Your payment history, utilization, and account age all flow into your U.S. credit file each month. According to our ITIN credit card bureau reporting guide, scores typically begin appearing within 60-90 days of your first reported payment.
Applicants generally need to be 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address and an SSN or ITIN to get a Chase credit card. Once approved, there is no ongoing ITIN renewal requirement for the card itself, though keeping your ITIN current with the IRS protects your broader financial standing. For more on what happens if your ITIN lapses, see our article on expired ITINs and your credit card.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Chase credit card with an ITIN instead of an SSN? Yes. Chase’s online application includes a “Tax ID type” field where you select “Individual Tax ID Number” and enter your ITIN. All Chase personal credit cards accept an ITIN in place of an SSN.
Which Chase card is easiest to get with an ITIN and no U.S. credit history? The Chase Freedom Rise is designed for people new to credit and explicitly lists “SSN and/or ITIN” in its application checklist. No prior credit history is required, making it the most accessible Chase card for ITIN holders starting from zero.
Does the Chase 5/24 rule apply to ITIN holders? Yes. If you have opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months and those accounts appear on your U.S. credit report, Chase will typically decline your application regardless of your ITIN or SSN status.
Can I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred with an ITIN? Yes, Chase accepts ITINs for the Sapphire Preferred, but you generally need a credit score of 700 or higher and a solid U.S. credit history to be approved. It is not a beginner card for ITIN holders starting from scratch.
Does having a Chase checking account help me get approved with an ITIN? Yes. Chase officially states that having a Chase checking or savings account with at least $250 in it within 96 hours of applying improves approval odds for the Freedom Rise, especially if you have no prior credit history.