This is the most comprehensive, issuer-verified reference on the web for ITIN holders navigating U.S. credit card applications in 2026. Every institution listed below was individually researched for its current ITIN policy, application channel, required documents, and product availability.
How we compiled this: We cross-referenced each issuer’s official application pages, recent third-party reviews (WalletHub, Forbes Advisor, NerdWallet), and community-sourced data to verify which banks and credit unions explicitly accept an ITIN in 2026. Last verified: July 20, 2026.
At a glance: which major issuers accept an ITIN? (2026 snapshot)
Of the top 10 credit card issuers in the U.S., seven accept an ITIN, including Bank of America and Capital One. Here is how each major player stacks up:
| Issuer | ITIN Accepted? | Apply Online? | Apply In-Branch? | Best ITIN Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Yes, all cards | Yes | Yes | Blue Cash Everyday / any card |
| Bank of America | Yes | Partial (varies by country) | Yes (preferred) | BofA Customized Cash Secured |
| Capital One | Yes | Yes | Yes | Quicksilver Secured |
| Chase | Yes | Yes | Yes | Freedom Rise |
| Citibank | Yes | Partial | Yes (preferred) | Citi Secured Mastercard |
| Wells Fargo | Yes, all cards | Yes | Yes | Active Cash / Autograph |
| U.S. Bank | Yes (secured only) | Yes | Yes | Cash+ Secured Visa |
| OpenSky | Yes | Yes | No | OpenSky Secured Visa |
| Discover | No | N/A | N/A | SSN required |
| USAA | No | N/A | N/A | SSN required |
Editorial stance: For most ITIN holders with no U.S. credit history, Capital One Quicksilver Secured or OpenSky Secured Visa are the best starting points. Both accept ITIN fully online, have low entry deposits, and report to all three bureaus. Once you have 12 months of history, Chase Freedom Rise or an American Express card become realistic next steps.
What documents do I actually need to apply with an ITIN?
Common documentation includes a valid ITIN confirmation letter from the IRS, government-issued photo identification (passport or foreign driver’s license), proof of residence (utility bills or lease agreements), and proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns).
A few practical notes that most guides skip. Your IRS ITIN assignment letter, the physical letter mailed to you when your ITIN was issued, is the preferred proof of ITIN, not just the number written on a form. A passport is the single strongest ID document because it confirms both your identity and your foreign status at once. If your ID shows a different address than your current residence, bring a separate proof-of-address document such as a utility bill in your name.
If an online form will not accept an ITIN, call the issuer’s customer line and apply by phone. Some digital applications only surface the ITIN field after you select “I do not have a Social Security number” from a dropdown, so look carefully before assuming the form does not support ITINs.
How does each major bank handle ITIN applications, exactly?
A question we hear often: “I know the bank ‘accepts ITINs,’ but what does that actually mean when I’m sitting at the application screen or walking into a branch?”
Below is a bank-by-bank breakdown of what to expect.
American Express
You can apply for an American Express credit card without an SSN. Amex accepts an ITIN in place of a Social Security number, and you can complete the application online or over the phone.
All American Express credit cards accept an ITIN. This makes Amex one of the most flexible major issuers for ITIN holders. There is also a Global Transfer option: Amex accepts ITIN applications through both direct application and Global Transfer paths. Direct ITIN approval is harder without any U.S. credit history, but Global Transfer is one of the fastest routes if you already hold a non-U.S. Amex card.
Best starting card for ITIN holders with some credit history: the Blue Cash Everyday (no annual fee, 3% cash back on groceries). For thin-file applicants, the standard application process applies, but approval is harder without any U.S. credit history.
Bank of America
Bank of America accepts ITIN for credit card applications. If you already have a checking or savings account with them, your approval odds improve significantly. Their secured credit card is a solid starting option for ITIN holders with no U.S. credit history.
Your citizenship country and residency status determine whether you can apply online or need to go to a branch. In practice, most ITIN holders will be directed to complete their application in person. As one consistent observation from community sources puts it: large national banks like Bank of America accept ITINs, but you almost always have to apply in person. Having an existing banking relationship, a bank account, makes the process noticeably smoother.
Capital One
Capital One is one of the most ITIN-accessible issuers. You may be able to use an ITIN in place of an SSN, and if the issuer accepts ITINs, the credit card application process is generally the same as it is with an SSN. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card requires a refundable minimum security deposit of $200, and Capital One accepts ITINs as identification.
Capital One’s pre-qualification tool is a real advantage: it lets you check your odds without affecting your credit. After six months of responsible use, Capital One automatically reviews your account to see whether you qualify for a higher credit line with no additional deposit. With continued on-time payments, you may get your deposit back and receive an upgrade to an unsecured card.
Chase
Chase accepts card applications online with an ITIN, though qualifying can be harder if you have fair or limited credit history, since Chase requires a good credit score for most of its cards. The exception is the Chase Freedom Rise, which is specifically designed for limited-history applicants.
The Chase Freedom Rise application accepts both a Social Security Number and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The card does not require a credit history, and you can be considered for a credit limit increase within six months if you use the card responsibly and pay on time.
The starting credit limit for the Chase Freedom Rise is $500 or more, which is a notably higher floor than most secured cards. The card also offers a $25 statement credit for enrolling in automatic payments. Every 12 months, Freedom Rise cardmembers are evaluated for an upgrade to a Chase Freedom Unlimited.
One practical tip: having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 improves your approval odds. Note that opening a Chase checking account itself may require an SSN at some branches, so call ahead to verify your local branch’s ITIN policy.
Citibank
Citi accepts ITIN for credit card applications, and an existing banking relationship helps. The Citi Secured Mastercard is a strong option for ITIN holders building credit from scratch.
The Citi Secured Mastercard has a minimum deposit of $200 and a typical maximum of $2,500. Citi’s requirements list SSN or ITIN among standard identity fields, which makes this a viable route when documentation and address validation pass.
Like Bank of America, Citibank works best when you already have an account there. That said, Citibank is one of only two major credit card companies that will consider you with just a passport, a secondary form of identification, and proof of income, which can make them accessible even without a prior U.S. bank account in some cases.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN for all of its credit cards, a broader policy than most banks, which typically limit ITIN acceptance to secured products only. The Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card reports to all three credit bureaus and has a pathway to upgrade to an unsecured card after responsible use.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank accepts an ITIN as a replacement for SSN identification, but only for secured cards. Their Cash+ Secured Visa is worth considering if you have an existing U.S. Bank relationship and want a card with category-based rewards.
Which ITIN cards can I actually apply for online without going to a branch?
Readers frequently ask: “Every guide says to ‘apply in person,’ but I live an hour from the nearest branch and work full time.”
The honest answer is that your options depend on the issuer and sometimes your country of origin. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Card | Online with ITIN? | No Credit Check? | Min. Deposit | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSky Secured Visa | Yes | Yes | $200 | $35 |
| OpenSky Plus Secured Visa | Yes | Yes | $300 | $0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | Yes | No (soft pull at pre-qual) | $49-$200 | $0 |
| Chase Freedom Rise | Yes | No | $0 (unsecured) | $0 |
| American Express (all cards) | Yes | No | $0 (unsecured) | Varies |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | Partial (may need branch) | No | $200 | $0 |
| Bank of America Secured | Partial (often branch required) | No | $200-$300 | $0 |
| Self Visa Secured | Yes | No | $100 | $0 yr 1, $25/yr after |
| Latino Credit Union Visa | Branch only (NC members) | No | Varies | $0 |
| Self-Help CU Secured | Branch only | No | Varies | $0 |
For a deeper look at online vs. in-branch application rules and tips for navigating rigid online forms, see our guide on applying for a credit card with an ITIN online vs. in-branch.
What do credit unions offer that big banks don’t, and which ones accept ITINs?
This one comes up a lot, especially from readers in states like North Carolina, California, or Texas with large immigrant communities who want more personalized service.
Many local credit unions and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) accept ITIN for credit cards and loans, and they often have more flexible requirements than big banks. The key difference is the relationship model: credit unions evaluate your full financial picture rather than relying solely on automated underwriting.
Here is a verified list of credit unions confirmed to accept ITINs for membership and credit card access:
| Credit Union | Geography | ITIN Card Access | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latino Credit Union (LCCU) | NC (branches) | Yes, after membership | IRS-authorized ITIN Acceptance Agent on site |
| Self-Help Credit Union | NC, SC | Yes (secured card) | Community-focused, in-branch application |
| Self-Help Federal CU | CA, IL | Yes (secured card) | Same organization, West Coast branches |
| Bay Federal Credit Union | Santa Cruz, CA | Yes (full product suite) | Spanish-speaking staff, broad ITIN services |
| La Capitol FCU | Louisiana | Yes | Accepts ITIN holders and non-residents |
| Resource One CU (R1CU) | Dallas-area TX | Yes | ITIN accepted as primary ID for all products |
Latino Credit Union is an IRS-authorized ITIN Certified Acceptance Agent and can help you submit an application for a new ITIN or renew an existing one. This is unusually convenient: you can get your ITIN and your credit card from the same institution.
Bay Federal Credit Union welcomes members with an ITIN, offering the same financial services and support it provides to all members.
Your experience may vary across institutions. La Capitol FCU appears the most lenient, accepting ITIN holders and non-residents. Wings Financial will accept ITINs but only for permanent residents with a valid Green Card. First Tech FCU only accepts applications with a valid SSN.
The practical takeaway: call the specific branch before visiting. ITIN policies at credit unions can vary by branch staff knowledge and local membership rules.
What does the application process look like at a bank that “accepts ITINs” but prefers in-branch visits?
Before visiting, call the branch and tell them you want to open an account with an ITIN. This ensures you speak with a representative who knows the process and can prepare the right paperwork. Not all branch staff are equally familiar with ITIN accounts.
When you arrive, bring these four items at minimum:
- Your physical IRS ITIN assignment letter (not just the number)
- A valid passport (strongly preferred over other IDs because it proves identity and foreign status simultaneously)
- A secondary ID if available (state ID, consular ID, or foreign driver’s license)
- Proof of U.S. address dated within 60 days (utility bill, bank statement, or lease)
Walking into a branch changes the dynamic. You get to have a real conversation with a banker, explain your situation, and physically hand them your documents. A helpful banker can work through internal policies or find options that an online application form simply cannot offer.
One thing to watch for during online applications: issuers will text a one-time passcode (OTP) during the process. A VoIP number such as Google Voice or Skype will fail this check. Use a real mobile number tied to your name.
What is the best first credit card to apply for with an ITIN and zero U.S. credit history?
This depends on whether you want to apply online or in person, and whether you can fund a security deposit.
Best online, no credit check option: OpenSky Secured Visa. You need a valid U.S. address and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN to apply. International students with an ITIN may qualify. You must make a refundable security deposit between $200 and $3,000, and that amount sets your starting credit limit. Activity is reported to all three major credit bureaus. The standard card carries a $35 annual fee; the OpenSky Plus has no annual fee but requires a $300 deposit.
Best online, soft-pull pre-qualification: Capital One Quicksilver Secured. No annual fee, with a minimum security deposit as low as $49 depending on your creditworthiness. Capital One reviews your account for a credit line increase and possible upgrade to an unsecured card after six months of responsible use.
Best unsecured card with limited history: Chase Freedom Rise. It earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has no annual fee. It does not require a deposit, but it does require some credit footprint or a Chase banking relationship to improve approval odds.
Best fintech option: The Self Visa Secured Card accepts an ITIN fully online. The card has no annual fee for the first year, then $25 per year, plus a 27.49% variable APR. Self has high approval rates and remains a consistent option for thin-file applicants.
For a full side-by-side of secured card deposits and upgrade timelines, see our guide to secured credit cards for ITIN holders.
Does having a bank account at the same institution help my credit card approval odds?
A question we hear often, particularly from readers who have already opened a checking account but are unsure whether it actually moves the needle.
The short answer is yes, and materially so. Having a checking or savings account at the same institution where you are applying for a credit card meaningfully improves your chances.
This matters for a few reasons. First, the bank can verify your income indirectly by reviewing deposit patterns, which reduces underwriting risk on a thin-file application. Second, some issuers such as Chase officially tie improved approval odds to an existing deposit relationship: the Chase Freedom Rise allows you to increase your odds of approval with a Chase checking or savings account holding a minimum balance of $250. Third, community banks and credit unions specifically build their credit decisions around the full member relationship, meaning six months of clean checking activity carries real weight.
Establishing a banking relationship by opening a checking or savings account before applying for credit may strengthen an application. If you are deciding between two ITIN-friendly banks and one already holds your deposits, apply there first.
One nuance worth knowing: most credit card issuers want to see at least a few months of U.S. banking activity before they approve you. If you are brand new to the U.S., give yourself two to three months of active banking before submitting your first credit card application. This is not a formal rule at every issuer, but it reflects underwriting reality.
Does Discover accept an ITIN for credit card applications?
Discover does not issue credit cards to ITIN holders. An SSN is required. Discover and USAA are both on the list of issuers that do not accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for credit card applications.
This is a firm policy, not a branch-by-branch judgment call. If you have seen older blog posts suggesting Discover’s Secured Card works with an ITIN, that information is out of date. Do not waste a hard inquiry applying there.
How do I know if my application will trigger a hard credit pull?
This one comes up a lot, especially from readers building their first U.S. credit file who cannot afford a score drop from an unnecessary inquiry.
Most standard credit card applications, even with an ITIN, will trigger a hard inquiry. The exceptions are:
- OpenSky (all three secured cards): OpenSky does not check your credit when you apply.
- Capital One pre-qualification tool: A soft inquiry only. You get a pre-qualification result with no score impact. The hard pull only happens if you formally submit the application.
- American Express pre-qualification: Also a soft pull at the pre-approval stage.
A hard inquiry will appear on your credit report after you apply. Space out applications by at least 6 months to avoid score drops.
If you are just starting out and have no U.S. credit file at all, the inquiry may have little or no effect because there is nothing to subtract from. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), hard inquiries typically affect scores by fewer than five points and fade within 12 months.
8 practical tips for a stronger ITIN credit card application
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Call the branch before you visit. Always confirm exactly what they will ask for, since requirements can change.
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Bring your physical ITIN letter. The IRS letter is stronger proof than writing the number on an application form.
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Use a real mobile number. VoIP numbers fail OTP checks during online applications and can trigger automatic rejections.
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Start with a secured card if you have no U.S. history. Secured cards are the most accessible option for ITIN holders. The cash deposit typically becomes your credit limit.
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Pre-qualify before applying. Capital One and American Express both offer soft-pull pre-qualification, which tells you your odds before the hard inquiry.
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Open a bank account first. Even two to three months of clean banking activity improves your approval odds at the same institution.
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Keep initial deposits modest. Most ITIN-friendly cards start with a credit limit between $200 and $700. Start small and request increases after six months.
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Do not apply to multiple issuers at once. Each hard inquiry hits a thin file harder than it would hit an established one. Space applications at least six months apart.
FAQs
Which banks accept an ITIN instead of an SSN for a credit card?
Chase, Bank of America, American Express, Capital One, Citi, and Wells Fargo all accept ITINs for credit card applications. Wells Fargo accepts an ITIN for all of its credit cards. U.S. Bank accepts ITIN for secured cards only.
Can I apply for a credit card with an ITIN online, or do I have to go to a branch?
Most issuers offer several ways to apply: online, in person, or by phone. Capital One, American Express, Chase (Freedom Rise), and OpenSky all accept ITIN fully online. Bank of America and Citibank may require an in-branch visit depending on your residency status.
What documents do I need to apply for a credit card with an ITIN?
Your IRS ITIN confirmation letter, a valid passport or government photo ID, proof of U.S. address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns).
Do credit unions accept ITIN for credit card applications?
Many credit unions are welcoming to ITIN holders, and some even help you apply for an ITIN as part of their services. Latino Credit Union, Self-Help Credit Union, Bay Federal Credit Union, and La Capitol FCU are confirmed examples.
What is the easiest credit card to get with an ITIN and no U.S. credit history?
OpenSky Secured Visa (no credit check, ITIN accepted online, $200 minimum deposit) and Capital One Quicksilver Secured (pre-qualify without a hard pull, minimum deposit as low as $49) are the most accessible starting points. Both report to all three bureaus.
Does Chase accept ITIN for credit card applications?
Yes. Applicants need to be 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address and an SSN or ITIN to get a Chase credit card. The Chase Freedom Rise is the most accessible Chase card for ITIN holders with limited credit history.
Does Discover accept an ITIN for credit card applications?
No. Discover requires an SSN for all applications and does not accept an ITIN as a substitute. This policy applies to their secured card as well.
Will my ITIN credit card application affect my credit score?
Most applications trigger a hard inquiry. OpenSky is the main exception, with no credit check at all. Use Capital One’s or Amex’s pre-qualification tools for a soft pull before committing to a formal application.
Can I use an ITIN to apply for an American Express card?
Yes. All Amex cards accept an ITIN in place of an SSN, and you can apply online or by phone. The Global Transfer program is also available if you already hold a non-U.S. Amex card.
How long does it take to get approved for a credit card with an ITIN?
Online applications can return a near-instant decision. In-branch applications at institutions that need to manually verify your ITIN documentation may take several business days. Ask the banker for an estimated timeline before leaving the branch.