How we compiled this: Our editorial team cross-referenced each issuer’s official application page, direct issuer guidance, and verified community reports gathered through September 2026. Every data point below is tied to a named source. Last verified: September 14, 2026.
Getting a credit card without a Social Security number is possible for millions of people. ITINs have been issued since 1996, created by the IRS so non-citizens and immigrants could pay taxes. What fewer people know is which banks will actually approve a credit card application when you enter that nine-digit ITIN instead of an SSN. The answer varies issuer by issuer, and the difference between “applies online” and “must visit a branch” can determine whether the whole process takes 10 minutes or 10 days.
This guide pulls together what is scattered across issuer sites, community reports, and official disclosures into one verified, ranked reference.
At a glance: which banks accept ITIN for credit cards? (2026 master table)
| Issuer | ITIN Accepted? | Online Application? | Branch Required? | Best Card for ITIN Holders | Min. Deposit (Secured) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One | Yes | Yes | No | Platinum Secured | $49 / $99 / $200 |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Yes | No | Active Cash / Autograph | N/A (unsecured) |
| Citi | Yes | Yes (may route to branch) | Sometimes | Citi Secured Mastercard | $200-$2,500 |
| Bank of America | Yes | No (ITIN only) | Yes | BofA Customized Cash Secured | $200-$5,000 |
| Chase | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | Freedom Rise / Sapphire Preferred | N/A |
| American Express | Yes | Yes | No | Blue Cash Everyday / Gold | N/A (unsecured) |
| OpenSky (Capital Bank) | Yes | Yes | No | Secured Visa | $200-$3,000 |
| U.S. Bank | Yes (secured cards) | Limited | Sometimes | Cash+ Secured | Varies |
| Alliant Credit Union | Yes | Yes | No | Visa Platinum | N/A |
| Self-Help Credit Union | Yes | Varies | Sometimes | Secured Visa | Varies |
| Discover | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| USAA | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Policies can change. Always confirm the current ITIN policy on the issuer’s official site or by calling the branch before you apply.
What documents do I actually need before I apply anywhere?
A question we hear often:
No matter which issuer you choose, plan to have four things ready before you start any application:
- Your original IRS ITIN assignment letter (Form CP565 or CP567). This is your proof of number, and some branch staff will not accept a photocopy.
- A valid foreign passport or government-issued photo ID. A consular ID (Matrícula Consular) is accepted at some banks, especially for in-person applications.
- Proof of a physical U.S. address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement works. Post office boxes are not accepted by most issuers, as federal regulations require a physical address.
- Proof of income. Pay stubs, a tax return, or bank statements showing regular deposits. Self-employment income counts.
For secured cards, add a fifth item: a U.S. bank or fintech account with a routing and account number to fund a secured deposit by ACH.
Having a checking or savings account at the same institution where you are applying for a credit card improves your chances considerably. Many banks that accept ITIN for bank accounts also accept it for credit cards. If you can open a bank account first, do it.
Does Capital One really let me apply online with an ITIN, or is that a myth?
This is not a myth. Capital One has a number of credit cards you can apply for with an ITIN. For the Platinum Secured card, an initial security deposit of $49, $99, or $200 can open an account with a credit line of at least $200, and you can raise the credit limit by depositing more than the minimum amount required.
If you have an ITIN and want to apply for a credit card, you can get started by comparing Capital One credit cards, and you can find out whether you are pre-approved before you apply without harming your credit scores. That pre-approval tool is a genuine soft inquiry, so use it first.
Capital One’s preapproval page accepts an ITIN and says the check causes no score harm. If Platinum Secured is offered, its live terms show a $0 annual fee, a refundable $49, $99, or $200 minimum deposit, at least a $200 initial line, and a 28.99% variable APR.
Capital One automatically considers you for a higher credit limit after six months of on-time payments. That automatic review makes it one of the clearest upgrade paths for ITIN holders starting from zero.
Editorial pick: for most ITIN holders starting from scratch, Capital One Platinum Secured is the strongest first move. The online application works, the deposit floor is one of the lowest in the market, and there is no minimum credit score requirement.
Can I get a Wells Fargo credit card with an ITIN without visiting a branch?
This one comes up a lot:
Yes. You can get a Wells Fargo credit card without an SSN. Wells Fargo will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number, and you can apply without an SSN online or in person at a branch.
To apply for a credit card issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., you will need your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, income information, and an email address. The online form accepts either identifier in the same field.
Wells Fargo requires a steady income, an SSN or ITIN, and a physical U.S. address (not a P.O. box). While not required, having a Wells Fargo bank account can strengthen your application.
One timing rule worth knowing: if you opened a Wells Fargo credit card account within the last six months, you may not qualify to open an additional Wells Fargo credit card account. Plan your application timing accordingly.
All Wells Fargo credit cards accept an ITIN in place of an SSN, which means you are not restricted to a single secured starter card. If your credit profile is strong enough, you can go directly for a rewards card like the Active Cash.
What is the deal with Bank of America and ITIN? Why do some people say it requires a branch visit?
Both things are true at once, and that is why this is confusing. You must be a U.S. resident to apply for a Bank of America credit card. You may apply online or at a local branch if you have a Social Security number, but only in person if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
That one sentence from Bank of America’s own published requirements explains everything. ITIN-only applicants are routed away from the online flow, and in-branch is the standard path.
That said, phone applications are sometimes possible. Applying for a Bank of America credit card over the phone was surprisingly simple, even as an ITIN holder, and it has been possible to get approved over the phone with an ITIN for some cardholders who already had an account with BofA.
Bank of America’s secured card features a refundable deposit of $200 to $5,000 that sets your credit line, there is no annual fee, and monthly reporting builds your track record toward a possible deposit return or upgrade after about 12 months.
Practical tips for your branch visit: call ahead and ask specifically for a rep who handles non-resident or ITIN applications. Not every branch employee knows the process equally well. Bring your ITIN letter, passport, and proof of U.S. address. 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.
Bank of America and Capital One both offer Spanish-language support, which can make the process smoother for applicants more comfortable in Spanish.
Does Citi actually accept ITIN, or do I still get sent to a branch?
Readers frequently ask:
You can apply for the Citi Secured Mastercard easily online or at Citi branches. You will need to provide some personal identifying information to apply, including your name, address, and SSN or ITIN. Citi’s own site explicitly lists ITIN as an accepted identifier, and Citi confirmed this for its secured card as recently as April 2026.
The Citi Secured Mastercard has an annual fee of $0, provides free online access to your FICO score, and your security deposit of $200 to $2,500 will be placed in a collateral holding account for 18 months.
Here is the honest caveat: like Bank of America, an ITIN-only applicant may not always be able to finish the application fully online and can be routed to phone or branch verification. Plan for this possibility and have your documents ready.
There is also a graduation limitation worth knowing before you apply. Graduating to an unsecured card requires a valid SSN on file, so an ITIN-only holder can open it and build credit but may not graduate it until they later obtain an SSN. If you expect to get an SSN in the future, that is not a dealbreaker. If you never expect to get an SSN, factor this into your card strategy.
Does American Express take ITIN applications? Which cards?
Yes. American Express identifies an ITIN as an accepted U.S. card-applicant tax identifier, and its application requires having a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Cards that accept an ITIN include the American Express Blue Cash Everyday and the American Express Gold Card, among others in the Amex lineup.
Amex’s Apply With Confidence tool accepts an ITIN for a U.S. card application and uses a soft inquiry to pre-screen. This is one of the cleaner ways to test approval odds without triggering a hard pull on your credit file.
One advanced path worth knowing: if you are the primary holder of an Amex card issued directly by American Express abroad, and have held it at least three months, you may qualify for Amex’s Global Card Transfer program, which can seed your U.S. credit file with your existing foreign history.
Does Chase accept ITIN, and what cards are realistic for a new ITIN holder?
Chase’s credit card application page confirms that lenders ask for a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify your identity. So yes, Chase formally accepts an ITIN.
In practice, ITIN holders with no U.S. credit history will have limited options at Chase because most of their premium cards carry credit score requirements. You will need an established U.S. credit history and a U.S. address. If you are just starting out, begin with a secured card like Capital One Platinum Secured before targeting Chase cards.
Chase also operates under its “5/24” rule: Chase limits approvals if you have opened five or more cards in the last 24 months. As a new ITIN holder, this is unlikely to be a barrier initially, but it matters as your card portfolio grows.
The Freedom Rise is Chase’s most accessible starter card. Once you have 12-18 months of positive payment history on a secured card, Chase becomes a more realistic target for rewards cards like the Freedom Unlimited or Sapphire Preferred.
What about OpenSky? Is the “no credit check” thing real for ITIN holders?
A question we hear often:
The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card is a secured credit card that does not require a credit check. To open the card, you must make a refundable security deposit from $200 to $3,000, and the amount of the deposit sets your starting credit limit. Activity on the card is reported to all three major credit bureaus.
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.
Without a credit check, the OpenSky card’s main approval requirements are being 18 or older and having enough income to afford a $200 or more security deposit, along with monthly bill payments. The issuer advertises an approval rate near 89%.
There is a fee to account for: the card charges a $35 annual fee and a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars. And there is an upgrade path: OpenSky does offer one. After roughly six months of on-time payments, eligible 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.
If you truly cannot get approved anywhere else, or simply prefer to skip a credit check entirely, OpenSky is a legitimate option backed by Capital Bank, N.A., an FDIC-insured institution.
Are credit unions better than big banks for ITIN credit card approvals?
This one comes up a lot:
For many ITIN holders, yes. Many local credit unions and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) accept ITIN for credit cards. These organizations often have more flexible requirements than big banks.
CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions that serve underbanked communities. For ITIN holders, they are often the better choice because they tend to have lower fees and more personal service than big banks.
Alliant Credit Union is a solid online-only option for ITIN holders, with zero fees on most products and higher interest rates than big banks, and you can apply entirely online.
Your mileage may vary with credit unions including La Capitol FCU, Wings Financial, and First Tech FCU. La Capitol appears the most lenient, accepting ITIN holders and non-residents.
The one catch with credit unions is membership eligibility. Most have field-of-membership rules tied to geography, employer, or community group. Check whether you qualify for membership before you invest time in an application. Call the specific branch to confirm they accept ITIN applications, because policies can vary by branch.
Issuer-by-issuer application method comparison
| Issuer | Online App Works for ITIN? | Phone App Works for ITIN? | Branch Required for ITIN? | Pre-Qualification Tool? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (soft pull) |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Citi | Usually (may route to branch) | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Bank of America | No | Yes (existing customers) | Yes (most cases) | No |
| Chase | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | Yes (soft pull) |
| American Express | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (Apply With Confidence) |
| OpenSky | Yes | Yes | No | No (no credit check) |
| U.S. Bank | Limited | Yes | Sometimes | Limited |
| Alliant CU | Yes | Yes | No | No |
What do issuers look at beyond the ITIN itself?
Having an ITIN gets you through the identification gate, but it does not guarantee approval. An ITIN lets participating issuers identify you, but approval can still depend on income and debt. Capital One says even its secured card has income-and-debt conditions despite not requiring a credit score.
Here is what actually drives the decision after identity is verified:
Income: every issuer asks for annual income. Self-employment income, freelance income, and even household income (if you have reasonable access to it) can be counted. There is no universal minimum, but Bank of America’s approval odds are generally best for people with a good credit score of 700 or above and an annual income of $50,000 or more. For secured cards with no credit history requirement, the bar is lower.
Existing U.S. credit file: if you already have a U.S. credit file tied to your ITIN from an authorized user account or a previous card, that file is pulled on hard inquiry at the time of full application. No file at all is not automatically disqualifying for secured cards, but it will limit which unsecured cards you can access. You will typically have a scoreable credit file after six months of account activity. From there, consistent on-time payments and low utilization can get you to a score of 650-700 within 12-18 months.
Debt-to-income ratio: the CFPB considers debt-to-income a key underwriting variable. Notably, ITIN holders have a lower debt-to-income ratio and have fewer accounts with payments past due compared to SSN holders, according to a 2026 Experian white paper, which is a positive data point for issuers who may have historically viewed ITIN applications as higher risk.
A real U.S. phone number: issuers text a one-time code during the application, and a VoIP number (Google Voice, Skype) will fail this check. Use a real cellular number, not a VoIP number.
Secured card deposit and terms comparison
| Card | Min. Deposit | Max. Deposit | Annual Fee | APR (approx.) | Reports to All 3 Bureaus? | Graduation Path? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $49-$200 | $1,000 | $0 | ~28.99% variable | Yes | Auto-review at 6 months |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | $200 | $2,500 | $0 | ~26.74% variable | Yes | Review at 18 months (SSN needed) |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $200 | $3,000 | $35 | ~23.89% variable | Yes | Invitation after ~6 months |
| BofA Customized Cash Secured | $200 | $5,000 | $0 | Varies | Yes | Review after ~12 months |
| Self Secured Visa | $100 | Varies | $0 yr 1, $25 after | ~27.49% variable | Yes | Yes |
APRs shown are approximate as of September 2026. Confirm current rates before applying.
Does applying with an ITIN hurt my credit score, and how does reporting work?
Once a credit account is opened using your ITIN, it reports to the credit bureaus the same way as any other account. Your payment history, utilization, and account age all factor into your credit score identically whether you used an ITIN or SSN to open the account.
The only score impact from the application process itself comes at the hard-inquiry stage. Before you apply for credit cards, you may want to try getting pre-approved to see which cards you could be eligible for. Pre-approval typically involves a soft inquiry, which means it will not affect your credit scores. Applying for a credit card generally involves a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your scores slightly.
Use soft-check tools wherever they are available (Capital One, Chase, and Amex all offer them) before committing to a full application. See our guide on credit card pre-qualification with an ITIN for issuer-by-issuer soft-pull details.
Once your card is reporting, your path forward follows the same rules as any U.S. credit builder. For a full walkthrough on that process, see how to build credit fast with an ITIN credit card.
Is there any bank where I absolutely cannot apply with an ITIN?
Yes. Banks and companies that do not accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for credit card applications include Discover and USAA.
Barclays also had restrictions, though that situation evolved: Barclays previously did not issue credit cards to ITIN holders and required a SSN, but as of 2024, Barclays started allowing ITIN holders to apply for credit cards. It is worth checking their current policy directly if you have built some credit history.
The practical takeaway: if a card you want is issued by Discover or USAA, you will need an SSN to apply for it. All other major issuers either currently accept ITINs or are worth a direct inquiry.
Step-by-step: how to apply with an ITIN for the first time
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Get your ITIN first. If you do not have one yet, file IRS Form W-7. Processing currently takes approximately seven weeks. Your ITIN letter (CP565) is what you bring to applications.
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Open a bank account. Most secured card deposits are funded by ACH transfer. A U.S. checking account is practically required. Many banks that accept ITINs for accounts also accept them for credit cards, so consider opening your account and card at the same institution. See our guide on which banks accept ITIN for credit cards for banking relationship details.
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Use a pre-qualification tool before applying. Capital One and Chase both offer soft-pull tools that accept an ITIN. This screens your odds without a hard inquiry. Capital One’s preapproval page accepts an ITIN and says the eligibility check will not hurt your score.
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Choose one card and apply. Do not apply to multiple issuers on the same day. Credit card applications commonly create hard inquiries, and the CFPB says to apply only for credit you need.
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For online applications: enter your ITIN in the SSN field. Most applications include an ITIN option or an “I don’t have an SSN” choice.
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For branch applications (BofA, Chase, some Citi): call ahead. Confirm the rep can process ITIN applications. Bring your ITIN letter, passport, proof of address, and proof of income. Do not bring photocopies of your ITIN letter if the branch requires the original.
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Fund your secured deposit within the deadline. If Capital One approves a secured card, make the minimum deposit within 35 days after approval. Other issuers have similar funding windows, typically 14-30 days.
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Set up autopay and keep utilization below 30%. Your first six months of payment history are the foundation of your U.S. credit file. See our guide on how to use an ITIN credit card responsibly for a full usage strategy.
8+ frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a credit card online with just an ITIN and no SSN? Yes, but it depends on the issuer. Capital One, Wells Fargo, and Citi allow fully online ITIN applications. Bank of America and Chase typically require an in-branch visit for ITIN-only applicants, though phone applications are sometimes possible with Bank of America if you already have an account with them.
Which bank is the easiest to get a credit card with an ITIN and no credit history? Capital One Platinum Secured and OpenSky Secured are the most accessible starting points. Capital One has no minimum credit score requirement, accepts ITINs online, and deposits start as low as $49. OpenSky performs no credit check at all and accepts an ITIN, making it the lowest-barrier option.
Do credit unions accept ITIN for credit card applications? Many do, and credit unions often have more flexible requirements than large banks. CDFIs and immigrant-focused credit unions are especially welcoming. Examples include Alliant Credit Union and Self-Help Credit Union. Always call the specific branch first to confirm their current ITIN policy.
What documents do I need to apply for a credit card with an ITIN? You generally need: your original IRS ITIN assignment letter (CP565 or CP567), a valid foreign passport or government-issued photo ID, proof of a physical U.S. address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of income. For secured cards, you also need a U.S. bank account to fund the deposit.
Does Chase accept an ITIN for credit card applications? Yes. Chase’s official credit card application page lists an SSN or ITIN as accepted forms of identification. However, ITIN holders with no U.S. credit history typically need to start with a secured or starter card and may have better results applying in a branch where staff are familiar with ITIN applications.
Does Bank of America require a branch visit for ITIN credit card applicants? Generally yes. Bank of America’s policy is that ITIN-only applicants must apply in person at a branch (or by phone if they already bank with BofA). Their online application flow is designed for SSN holders. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm which staff can process ITIN applications.
Will an ITIN credit card report to all three credit bureaus? Yes, as long as you choose an issuer that reports to all three. Capital One, Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, OpenSky, and American Express all report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is how your ITIN-linked credit file gets built. Always confirm bureau reporting before applying.
Can Discover or USAA credit cards be obtained with an ITIN? No. As of 2026, Discover and USAA do not accept an ITIN in place of an SSN for credit card applications. If you apply with those issuers, you will need a valid Social Security number.
How long after getting my ITIN can I apply for a credit card? You can apply as soon as you receive your ITIN letter from the IRS. There is no mandatory waiting period. However, you will have no U.S. credit history on day one, so start with a secured card or a card that has no minimum credit score requirement to maximize approval odds.
Does having a bank account at the same institution help my ITIN credit card approval? Yes, significantly. Having an existing checking or savings account at the bank you apply to gives the issuer a banking relationship to evaluate. This is especially important at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citi, where existing customers with ITINs tend to have higher approval rates.
For more on which specific cards are worth targeting once you have your ITIN, see our full verified issuer list for 2026 and our guide to improving credit card approval odds with an ITIN.