How we compiled this: Our editorial team cross-referenced issuer disclosure pages, independent reviews from NerdWallet, WalletHub, Forbes Advisor, and CNBC Select, plus primary issuer sites, to verify ITIN acceptance, deposit requirements, APR ranges, annual fees, and credit limits for each card listed below. We excluded cards where ITIN acceptance could not be independently confirmed from at least two sources.
Last verified: July 6, 2026
You do not need a Social Security number to get a credit card in the United States. Some credit card companies accept applications from immigrants without a Social Security number, requiring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The real challenge is not eligibility. It is knowing which issuers actually accept ITINs, what their requirements look like on paper, and which card fits your profile right now.
This guide cuts through the noise. Below you will find a ranked, issuer-by-issuer comparison covering every major card that accepts an ITIN in 2026, with real deposit minimums, credit limit ranges, APRs, annual fees, and an honest read on approval odds.
At a glance: every major ITIN-accepting issuer in 2026
The table below is the fastest way to find your fit. Cards are sorted from easiest to hardest to get based on credit history requirements.
| Issuer / Card | Type | Min. Deposit | Annual Fee | APR (Variable) | Credit Check? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSky Secured Visa | Secured | $200 | $35 | 23.89% | No | Zero history, no credit check |
| OpenSky Plus Secured Visa | Secured | $300 | $0 | 28.24% | No | Zero history, no annual fee |
| OpenSky Launch Secured Visa | Secured | $100 | $0 (+ $3/mo fee) | 28.24% | No | Lowest entry deposit |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Secured | $49-$200 | $0 | ~29.49% | Soft pre-qual, hard on apply | Thin/no credit, major bank path |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | Secured | $200 | $0 | Variable | Soft pre-qual, hard on apply | No credit + 1.5%-5% cash back |
| Petal 2 Visa (now Tilt) | Unsecured | None | $0 | 28.24%-30.24% | Soft pre-qual, hard on apply | No-deposit, limited/fair credit |
| Zolve Classic | Unsecured | None | $0 | 19.50%-39.50% | Soft | Newcomers, students, no history |
| Chase Freedom Rise | Unsecured | None | $0 | Variable | Hard | Fair credit, Chase bank customer |
| Amex Gold / Blue Cash | Unsecured | None | Varies | Variable | Hard | Established credit 700+ |
| Bank of America Secured | Secured | $200-$5,000 | $0 | Variable | Hard | Existing BofA banking relationship |
| Wells Fargo Secured | Secured | $300 | $25 | Variable | Hard | WF banking relationship |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | Secured | $200 | $0 | Variable | Hard | Any credit level, Citi relationship |
| Capital One Spark Cash (Business) | Unsecured | None | $95 (yr 2+) | Variable | Hard | ITIN business owners, good credit |
APR ranges are approximate and vary with the Prime Rate. Always verify current terms directly with the issuer before applying.
The 2026 regulatory context: what every ITIN holder should know right now
Is it still safe to apply for a credit card using my ITIN in mid-2026?
This is the most urgent background question for every ITIN holder reading this guide in July 2026, so it deserves a direct, honest answer.
On May 19, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Integrity to America’s Financial System” that could significantly affect immigrants’ ability to access banking and credit cards. The order directs the Treasury Department and federal financial regulators to issue guidance treating immigration status as a factor in evaluating financial risk, and flags the use of ITINs as a potential red flag requiring enhanced scrutiny.
The executive order clarifies that an ITIN “facilitates tax compliance,” but its use in lieu of a Social Security number or valid work-authorized visa “may be identified as a risk factor requiring enhanced due diligence.” This does not ban ITIN credit card applications. It signals that some institutions may add verification steps.
The executive order does not impose a universal mandate requiring banks to collect citizenship or immigration status information from all customers. Instead, it contemplates a risk-based approach under which immigration status information may be sought when other risk indicators are present.
The data on ITIN holders as borrowers is worth knowing here: ITIN holders have a lower debt-to-income ratio and fewer accounts with payments past due compared to SSA holders, according to a 2026 Experian white paper. Once an immigrant enters the credit system, they have credit scores 26.7 points higher on average by age 30, compared to non-immigrants the same age living in the same area.
The order establishes short deadlines that will drive rapid regulatory and supervisory developments through the remainder of 2026. We will re-verify issuer policies and update this guide each quarter as guidance is finalized.
Which card is the easiest to get with an ITIN and zero U.S. credit history?
OpenSky Secured Visa: the no-credit-check standard
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card is one of the few secured credit cards that openly approves applicants without an SSN. An ITIN works. There is no credit check during the application, which makes it accessible if your U.S. credit history is thin or non-existent. You set the credit limit with your refundable security deposit, OpenSky reports your account activity to all three major credit bureaus every month, and there are no hidden fees.
OpenSky now offers three cards, not just one. OpenSky’s pitch has shifted from “the no-credit-check secured card” to a small family of secured cards that solve different problems. The original card is still here, but two newer options sit on either side: a lower-deposit entry tier (Launch) and a no-annual-fee tier (Plus). All three skip the hard pull, all three report to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and all three are issued by Capital Bank, N.A.
Here is how the three OpenSky options compare:
| Card | Min. Deposit | Annual Fee | Monthly Fee | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $200 | $35 | $0 | 23.89% variable |
| OpenSky Plus Secured Visa | $300 | $0 | $0 | 28.24% variable |
| OpenSky Launch Secured Visa | $100 | $0 | $3/month | 28.24% variable |
The Launch card has no annual fee but charges a monthly maintenance fee. That works out to $24 in year one and $36 per year afterward, paid in installments. So a “no annual fee” claim is technically true, but the monthly fee makes Launch the most expensive of the three over time. For most ITIN holders who can fund $300, the Plus card is the better long-run value: no annual fee, no monthly fee, no credit check, and all three bureaus reporting. OpenSky applicants have an 89% approval rate.
After roughly six months of on-time payments, eligible OpenSky cardholders are invited to upgrade to the unsecured OpenSky Visa Gold. Upgrades are by invitation rather than open application, but the path is real, your deposit is returned when you graduate, and it does not require a fresh hard credit pull.
Which major bank is the most accessible for ITIN holders?
Capital One Platinum Secured: the major-bank starting point
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is one of the best starter credit cards without an SSN requirement because applicants can use an ITIN instead of an SSN and may qualify despite limited or no credit history.
If you prefer a household-name bank over a niche issuer, Capital One is the most consistently ITIN-friendly option. You can get a Capital One credit card without an SSN. Capital One will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number, and you can apply without an SSN online, over the phone, or in person at a branch.
The Platinum Secured has a feature you will not find at most secured cards. You can get approved with a deposit as low as $49, $99, or $200 depending on your creditworthiness. Your credit limit starts at $200 regardless of which deposit amount you pay. That means if your credit profile qualifies you for the $49 tier, you are putting up less than a quarter of the capital required at most other secured issuers to get the same $200 line.
After six months of on-time payments, Capital One automatically reviews your account for a credit limit increase with no additional deposit required. The card also reports to all three bureaus monthly and has no foreign transaction fees.
The downside is no rewards on the base Platinum Secured. If you want cash back from day one, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured is the better pick: the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee and cardholders earn 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. You can get approved for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured with an ITIN.
Issuer-by-issuer breakdown: every bank that accepts an ITIN
Bank of America
Bank of America accepts ITIN for credit card applications. If you have a checking or savings account with them, your chances of approval improve significantly. Their secured credit card is a good starting option for ITIN holders with no U.S. credit history. Bank of America accepts ITINs and citizenship country and status determine whether you can apply online or in-branch. If your country of citizenship makes an online application unavailable, plan to visit a branch in person and bring your ITIN letter, passport, and proof of address.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN for all of its credit cards, which gives it broader ITIN acceptance than U.S. Bank (which restricts ITIN use to secured cards only). Wells Fargo accepts ITIN for credit card applications. 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.
Citi
Citi accepts ITIN for credit card applications, especially if you have an existing banking relationship with them. The Citi Secured Mastercard is a strong option for ITIN holders looking to build credit. The Citi Secured carries a $0 annual fee and a $200 minimum deposit, and it reports to all three bureaus monthly.
Chase
You can get a Chase credit card without an SSN. Chase will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number. You can apply without an SSN online, over the phone, or in person at a branch. That said, the approval bar is higher here. Chase accepts card applications online with an ITIN, though it may be more difficult to qualify with fair or limited credit history, as Chase requires a good credit score for most card applications.
The Chase Freedom Rise is the most accessible Chase card for ITIN holders starting out. The Chase Freedom Rise does not require a credit history, and you can apply with an ITIN number if you do not have a Social Security number. You can be considered for a credit limit increase within six months if you use the card responsibly and make payments on time.
One practical detail worth noting: the card allows you to increase your odds of approval with a Chase checking or savings account that holds a minimum balance of $250, but since those kinds of accounts require a Social Security number to open, you may not be able to take advantage of this option. If you cannot open a Chase checking account with your ITIN, that pre-qualification tip does not help you. Apply anyway, or try Capital One first to build your file.
American Express
You can apply online for American Express cards using your ITIN, including cards that earn Amex Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to 21 airline and hotel rewards programs. Amex has one advantage other major issuers lack: if you do not have an extensive credit history in the U.S., you may have an easier time getting approved for an American Express card because it can access credit history from a handful of other countries. If you built strong credit in your home country, Amex’s Global Card Relationship program may let you use that history.
For ITIN holders without established U.S. credit, the realistic Amex path is: start with a secured or starter card elsewhere, reach a score of 700+, then apply for an Amex card. For the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold, you typically need a score of 720+.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank will accept an ITIN as a replacement for SSN identification, but this applies to secured cards only. If you want a U.S. Bank unsecured card down the road, you will likely need to obtain an SSN first or use an alternative path.
Discover
Discover is a large credit card issuer that requires a Social Security number for applications. This is confirmed as of July 2026. Discover is not an option for ITIN-only applicants.
What about fintech and specialty ITIN cards?
Zolve: the no-deposit option for newcomers
The Zolve Classic Credit Card is friendly to international students and H-1B and L-1 visa holders. If you lack a Social Security number, you can qualify with alternative documentation like offer letters, pay slips, or other eligible documents. There is no security deposit or credit history requirement, and the card earns 1% cash back on all eligible purchases.
Zolve has one important constraint: Zolve accepts applicants from select countries and may not approve all nationalities. Check current eligibility at zolve.com before applying. The APR range of 19.50%-39.50% variable is wide, and the low end is competitive, but your offered rate depends on your profile.
Petal 2 (now Tilt Card): cash-flow underwriting for ITIN holders
Note a significant update: as of May 2026, Petal 1 and Petal 2 are no longer accepting new applications. After Empower Finance signed the definitive agreement to acquire Petal in April 2024, the brand has transitioned to Tilt Card, Inc. New applicants are now offered Tilt cards instead, while existing Petal cardholders keep their accounts and benefits.
The underlying product remains worth considering for ITIN holders. Unlike other credit card companies, one of the things Petal considers when determining whether you qualify is your digital financial records, including bank account information. This cash-flow underwriting means two to three months of positive bank transaction history can substitute for a credit score, making it one of the few unsecured cards accessible to new ITIN holders. The card carries a variable 28.24%-30.24% APR and no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no late payment fee, and no returned payment fee.
Self Visa Credit Card: building savings and credit at the same time
The Self Visa accepts an ITIN and pairs with a credit-builder savings account. As of January 2025, you can fund a $100 minimum security deposit directly with a debit card or bank account and get the card right away. If you prefer the traditional path, you can still open a Self Credit Builder Account first, make at least three on-time payments toward the loan, and reach $100 or more in savings progress, then use that balance to secure the Visa. The card carries a $0 annual fee for the first year and $25 after that, plus a 27.49% variable APR as of January 1, 2026.
How do the top ITIN cards compare side by side on fees and limits?
| Card | Annual Fee | Security Deposit | Starting Limit | Credit Check | Reports to All 3 Bureaus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $35 | $200-$3,000 | Equals deposit | No | Yes |
| OpenSky Plus Secured Visa | $0 | $300-$3,000 | Equals deposit | No | Yes |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $0 | $49-$200 (you choose) | $200 | Yes (soft pre-qual) | Yes |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | $0 | $200 | $200 | Yes (soft pre-qual) | Yes |
| Petal 2 / Tilt (Unsecured) | $0 | None | $300-$10,000 (varies) | Yes (soft pre-qual) | Yes |
| Self Visa | $0 yr 1, $25 after | $100+ | Equals deposit | No hard pull for card | Yes |
| Zolve Classic | $0 | None | Tied to Zolve account | Soft | Yes |
| Chase Freedom Rise | $0 | None | Varies | Yes (hard pull) | Yes |
| Bank of America Secured | $0 | $200-$5,000 | Equals deposit | Yes | Yes |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | $0 | $200-$2,500 | Equals deposit | Yes | Yes |
What credit score do I need for each tier of ITIN card?
For ITIN applicants, the credit profile question is more layered than for SSN holders because many of you are starting from zero. Here is a practical tiered view:
Tier 1: no credit history at all (no U.S. score) Best options: OpenSky (any tier), Self Visa, Zolve. These either skip the credit check or use alternative underwriting, so your lack of a U.S. file is not disqualifying. For most people without an SSN, the fastest path to a real credit card is through a credit-builder card that does not require a credit check.
Tier 2: thin credit (1-11 months of history, score 550-620) Best options: Capital One Platinum Secured, Capital One Quicksilver Secured, Petal/Tilt, Citi Secured. At this stage a soft pre-qualification check at Capital One gives you a risk-free read on your chances before any hard pull hits your file.
Tier 3: fair credit (12-23 months, score 620-669) Best options: Capital One QuicksilverOne (unsecured), Chase Freedom Rise, Petal/Tilt unsecured, Capital One Savor Student (if a student). Capital One Savor is more flexible and sometimes approves scores in the 650-670 range.
Tier 4: good credit (score 670+) At this level, many of the top credit card issuers have rewards credit cards you can apply for using an ITIN, including Chase, American Express, and Capital One. For the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you generally need a score of 670+.
Tier 5: very good credit (score 720+) For the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold, you typically need a score of 720+. At this point your ITIN is not a limiting factor at all; the full menu of rewards cards is available to you.
Do all of these cards report to all three credit bureaus?
Yes, every card listed in this guide reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. That matters because building a file at all three bureaus gives you the widest range of future card options. Make sure your card reports to at least one major bureau, ideally all three. If a card does not report, it will not help your score.
One nuance worth knowing: reporting timing varies. Most issuers report once per month, on or near your statement closing date. OpenSky explicitly states it reports monthly. It takes 1-3 months for OpenSky to improve your credit score, depending on how you manage your account. Nearly 50% of OpenSky cardholders who pay their bills on time during the first 6 months see a credit score increase of 40 points or more, according to the company.
What documents do I need to apply for a credit card with an ITIN?
When applying, have your ITIN, a valid form of ID such as a passport or consular ID, proof of address, and proof of income ready. A few additional notes from our research:
- ITIN letter: Keep the original IRS CP565 notice that assigned your ITIN. Some issuers ask to see it.
- Phone number: Issuers will text a one-time passcode during the application. A VoIP number such as Google Voice or Skype will fail this check. Use a real U.S. SIM.
- Bank account: For secured cards, you will need a U.S. bank or fintech account with routing and account numbers for ACH funding. The secured card requires a refundable security deposit that must be funded in the issuer’s window, and having a U.S. bank or fintech account with routing and account number is a must.
- ITIN expiration: ITINs can expire if they are not used on a federal tax return at least once every three years. Confirm your ITIN is active before applying.
How long until I can graduate from a secured to a rewards card?
After 12 months of on-time payments, your score will typically be in the 680-720 range, and you can apply for rewards cards. Some issuers review you earlier, though. The Chase Freedom Rise considers you for a credit limit increase within six months if you use the card responsibly and make payments on time. Capital One does the same: Capital One will begin automatically reviewing your account after just six months to see if you qualify for a higher credit line with no additional deposit.
The graduation path from secured to unsecured works differently at each issuer. Capital One may refund your deposit and convert the card automatically. OpenSky upgrades by invitation. Bank of America and Citi typically require you to apply for a new unsecured card. Plan your timeline so you are not leaving a deposit locked up for years when you could have it back.
For a step-by-step playbook on exactly how to move from secured to unsecured, see our guide on how to upgrade from secured to unsecured credit card with an ITIN.
What is the best first credit card for an ITIN holder in 2026?
Our editorial stance, grounded in the data above:
If you have zero U.S. credit history and limited cash: Start with the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa ($300 deposit, $0 annual fee, no credit check). It is the lowest total-cost path to three-bureau reporting without the uncertainty of a credit check. After 6-12 months, apply for Capital One Platinum Secured or Quicksilver Secured for the major-bank relationship.
If you have zero U.S. credit history but want no deposit at all: Zolve is the strongest no-deposit option for eligible nationalities, or look at the Self Visa if you prefer a U.S.-headquartered issuer.
If you have 2-3 months of positive U.S. bank history: Apply for Petal/Tilt unsecured. The cash-flow underwriting means your bank transaction record substitutes for a credit score. No deposit, no annual fee, 1%-1.5% cash back.
If you already have 12+ months of U.S. credit history: Skip the secured tier entirely and apply directly for Capital One QuicksilverOne, Chase Freedom Rise, or the Amex Blue Cash Everyday using your ITIN.
For more detail on the documents and step-by-step application process, see our complete guide on how to apply for a credit card with an ITIN. To understand how your new card reports to the bureaus and builds your score, see does your ITIN credit card report to all three bureaus.
Editorial note: Card terms change frequently. Annual fees, APRs, and deposit minimums listed here were verified against issuer and independent review sources as of July 6, 2026. Verify current terms directly with the issuer before submitting any application. The May 2026 executive order may result in additional due-diligence steps at some institutions; we will update issuer-specific notes as formal guidance is published.