You have an ITIN and you want a U.S. credit card. The first decision that trips up most ITIN holders is not which issuer to pick but which card type to start with: secured or unsecured. The answer depends on your deposit budget, your timeline, and which issuers will actually approve you today.
This guide skips the noise and gets into real deposit amounts, real APRs, real graduation timelines, and a clear editorial opinion on where to start.
How we compiled this: Our editorial team cross-referenced issuer disclosure pages, WalletHub, NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor, and primary issuer sites to verify ITIN acceptance, deposit requirements, APR ranges, annual fees, and graduation policies for every card listed below.
Last verified: November 2, 2026.
What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured credit card for ITIN holders?
The core difference is money upfront. A secured card requires a refundable cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. An unsecured card requires no deposit; the issuer extends credit based on your income, credit file, or alternative data.
Secured cards are generally easier to qualify for with an ITIN, especially when you are new to credit or have a thin history, but they are not your only option. Some lenders accept ITINs for unsecured cards too. The tradeoff is real: unsecured cards from major issuers usually require at least a thin credit file, while most secured cards from ITIN-friendly issuers will approve you from day one.
A secured card requires a $49 to $500 refundable deposit, reports to all three bureaus, and establishes the credit history you need for better financial products down the road. An unsecured card skips the deposit but may carry a higher APR or stricter income requirements. Both types report to the same three bureaus in exactly the same way, so your credit score builds at the same rate regardless of which you hold.
At a glance: every major ITIN-friendly secured card ranked
| Issuer / Card | Min. Deposit | Max. Deposit | Annual Fee | APR (Variable) | Credit Check? | Graduation Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $49 | $1,000 | $0 | 28.99% | Soft pre-qual, hard on apply | Auto review at 6 months |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $200 | $3,000 | $35 | 23.89% | None | None (apply elsewhere) |
| OpenSky Plus Secured Visa | $300 | $3,000 | $0 | 28.49% | None | None (apply elsewhere) |
| Bank of America BankAmericard Secured | $200 | $5,000 | $0 | 25.99% | Yes | Auto review at 12 months |
| Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured | $200 | $5,000 | $0 | 27.74% | Yes | Manual request after months of responsible use |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | $200 | $2,500 | $0 | 27.49% | Yes | Review after ~18 months |
| Self Visa Secured | $100 | Varies | $25 ($0 yr 1) | 27.49% | No | Must apply for new card |
| Amazon Secured Card (Synchrony) | $100 | $1,000 | $0 | 10% fixed | Yes | None disclosed |
Deposit amounts and APRs verified against issuer disclosure pages as of November 2, 2026. APRs are variable except where noted. Always confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying.
At a glance: every major ITIN-friendly unsecured card ranked
| Issuer / Card | Min. Credit Limit | Annual Fee | APR (Variable) | Credit Check? | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zolve Classic | Varies (up to $15,000) | $0 | 19.50%-39.50% | Soft | No SSN, no U.S. credit history needed |
| Chase Freedom Rise | $500 | $0 | 18.49%-27.99% | Hard | ITIN accepted; $250 Chase account improves odds |
| Tilt Motion Visa (fka Petal) | $300 | $0 | 28.24%-33.24% | Soft pre-qual, hard on apply | 580+ credit score; cash-flow underwriting |
| Capital One Platinum (unsecured) | Varies | $0 | 29.24% | Hard | ITIN accepted; fair/limited credit |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne | Varies | $39 | 29.99% | Hard | ITIN accepted; fair credit (620+) |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | Varies | $0 | Varies | Hard | ITIN accepted; good credit preferred |
Credit limits and APRs are issuer-reported ranges as of November 2, 2026. Actual limits depend on individual approval.
Which secured cards for ITIN holders actually graduate to unsecured?
This one comes up a lot: ITIN holders frequently ask which secured card will eventually return their deposit and convert automatically, versus which ones require closing the account and starting over somewhere else.
It matters because opening and closing accounts affects your average account age and your score. Here is the breakdown by issuer:
Capital One (automatic): The Capital One Platinum Secured has a $0 annual fee, reports to all three bureaus, and will automatically consider you for a credit line increase in as little as six months. Over time, Capital One may increase your credit line and eventually upgrade you to the unsecured version, returning your deposit. The graduation is not guaranteed on a fixed date, but most responsible users see a review at the six-month mark.
Bank of America (automatic after 12 months): Bank of America reviews your account and credit history automatically at the 12-month mark using only a soft pull. If your card graduates, your security deposit is refunded and you are offered a product change to an available unsecured card.
Citi (manual, after approximately 18 months): Citi reviews accounts after 18 months of responsible use but does not advertise automatic graduation as prominently. You may need to call and request the review rather than waiting for an invitation.
OpenSky (no graduation path): Capital Bank does not run an unsecured-card product line that OpenSky can convert into. Cardholders who want to move to an unsecured card after 12-18 months apply at a different issuer (typically Discover when available, Capital One, or Chase Freedom Rise) and then close the OpenSky account once approved.
Self Visa (no automatic graduation): The Self Visa requires you to apply for a separate unsecured card once your score is strong enough. The account history from the Self Credit Builder installment tradeline helps you qualify elsewhere.
I want a card with no deposit at all. Which ITIN-friendly unsecured options actually work?
A question we hear often: Many ITIN holders either cannot tie up $200 or more in a deposit or simply want to keep that cash liquid. Here are the realistic unsecured paths:
Zolve Classic: The first U.S. credit problem for most international students and new arrivals is circular: you cannot get a normal credit card without a credit history, and you cannot build a credit history without a credit card. Zolve targets exactly this gap, issuing a card without requiring an SSN or existing U.S. credit. The APR is a variable rate widely reported at roughly 19.50% to 39.50% depending on your creditworthiness. It carries a 0% foreign transaction fee, offers cashback-style rewards, and credit limits are reported up to $15,000 for qualifying applicants. One important note: Zolve accepts applicants from select countries and may not approve all nationalities. Check eligibility at zolve.com before applying.
Chase Freedom Rise: The Chase Freedom Rise is a genuine credit-builder card with no deposit required. Applicants can improve their odds of approval by having or opening a Chase checking or savings account with at least $250 within two days of applying. You can apply with an ITIN and that $250 balance meaningfully improves your chances.
Tilt Motion Visa (formerly Petal): The Tilt Motion Visa accepts an SSN or ITIN and uses cash-flow underwriting, with a 580+ fair credit threshold. The APR range runs roughly 29%-34% variable, which is typical for a no-deposit credit-building card.
Which card has the lowest deposit if I do need a secured card?
Readers frequently ask: “What is the smallest amount I need to put down?”
With most secured cards, your deposit equals your credit limit. The Capital One Platinum Secured breaks that mold: you can get a $200 credit limit with a deposit of just $49, $99, or $200 depending on your creditworthiness. That makes Capital One the clear winner on deposit flexibility. The option to pay by installments for eligible applicants adds another layer of accessibility.
The second-lowest deposit option is the Self Visa at $100, though that card carries a $25 annual fee (waived year one) and requires you to first open a Self Credit Builder Account. The Amazon Secured Card (Synchrony Bank) also starts at $100 and carries a notably low fixed APR of 10%, making it worth considering for ITIN holders who shop frequently on Amazon.
If the $49 Capital One deposit is still a stretch, the OpenSky Launch Secured Visa accepts a $150 minimum deposit. The trade-off is an annual fee starting at $24 in year one.
What do the APRs actually look like across secured and unsecured ITIN cards?
This one comes up a lot: New cardholders sometimes assume a secured card always charges less interest because it is “safer” for the issuer. The opposite is often true.
The average secured card APR in 2026 is 26.13%, compared to around 23.66% for rewards cards. According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average regular APR for accounts that carry a balance as of September 2026 is 22.15%. Both the secured and unsecured ITIN cards in this guide sit above that average, which points to one core principle: carry no balance. Pay in full every month and the APR is irrelevant.
The one standout is the Amazon Secured Card at a fixed 10%, which is genuinely low for any credit card, let alone a starter-tier card.
For the no-credit-check path, the OpenSky Secured Visa offers a relatively low 23.89% variable APR compared to peers, but charges a $35 annual fee. The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa drops the annual fee to $0 but raises the variable APR to roughly 28.49% and requires a $300 minimum deposit instead of $200.
Side-by-side: secured vs. unsecured ITIN cards on the factors that matter most
| Factor | Secured (best case) | Unsecured (best case) |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit required | $49 (Capital One) | $0 |
| Annual fee | $0 (Capital One, BofA, Citi) | $0 (Zolve, Chase Freedom Rise, Tilt) |
| APR range | 10%-28.99% | 18.49%-39.50% |
| Approval with zero U.S. history | Yes (OpenSky, Capital One) | Yes (Zolve, Chase Freedom Rise with $250 in Chase) |
| Credit check required | No (OpenSky) / Yes (others) | Soft pre-qual (Zolve, Tilt) / Hard (Chase) |
| Reports to all 3 bureaus | Yes (all cards listed) | Yes (all cards listed) |
| Graduation path | 6-18 months at some issuers | N/A (already unsecured) |
| Typical starting credit limit | Equals deposit ($200-$5,000) | $300-$15,000 (income-based) |
| Best for | Zero history, any nationality | Those who qualify and want no deposit |
Should I start with secured or unsecured? Our editorial stance
If you are new to the U.S. with no credit history, start with the Capital One Platinum Secured. The deposit starts at $49, the annual fee is $0, and the graduation path is automatic at six months, meaning you get your deposit back without opening a new account. That continuity protects your account age, one of the five factors in your FICO score.
If you cannot or do not want to lock up even $49, Zolve is the strongest no-deposit entry point for ITIN holders arriving on work or student visas, provided your country of origin is eligible. Zolve requires no SSN, no deposit, and no prior U.S. credit history, and it targets international students, working professionals, and newcomers to the U.S. specifically.
The Chase Freedom Rise is a good second card (or simultaneous card) once you have a few months of history and a Chase banking relationship. It is unsecured, charges no annual fee, and offers elevated cash back on every purchase, which is not something most credit-building cards bother with.
Skip unsecured cards with annual fees, like the Capital One QuicksilverOne, until your score is strong enough to qualify for a fee-free card. Paying a $39 annual fee while you are still building your first year of history is money that could go toward a deposit instead.
For more on which card to open first, see our guide on which credit card you should get first with an ITIN.
How does the graduation process actually work, step by step?
A question we hear often: The word “graduation” can sound vague. Here is what actually happens at the issuers with automatic graduation programs:
For Capital One, the process has two stages. First, Capital One reviews your account at the six-month mark for a credit limit increase with no additional deposit required. Second, at some point after that review (timing varies), Capital One may convert the account to an unsecured Platinum Mastercard, notify you by email, and issue a deposit refund as a statement credit. Capital One reviews accounts periodically for possible graduation, and you will be notified by email if you are eligible.
For Bank of America, the sequence is similar but runs on a 12-month clock. If your card graduates, your security deposit is refunded and you are offered a product change to an available unsecured card. Your new card carries the same credit limit as your secured card did, and you can request a credit limit increase after another six months.
One point many guides miss: for automatic-graduation cards like Capital One, the score impact at graduation is essentially zero. The bureau records the change in account type from secured to unsecured, but FICO treats the tradeline as continuous.
For cards without a graduation path (OpenSky, Self Visa, Amazon Secured), the practical approach is to use the card responsibly for 12-18 months, let your score reach the 650-680 range, and then apply for a no-fee unsecured card. Once approved, close the secured card and request your deposit refund. Closing an account does reduce your total available credit and your average account age slightly, so time the closure carefully.
You can read more on this process in our dedicated guide on how to upgrade from a secured to unsecured credit card with an ITIN.
What does the credit score timeline actually look like?
You can build a U.S. credit score from zero to 700+ in 12-18 months using a secured ITIN credit card. That range is realistic, not a guarantee, and the pace depends on a small number of controllable variables: payment history, utilization, and whether you avoid applying for other new credit during the ramp-up period.
A practical month-by-month arc for an ITIN holder starting from zero:
- Month 0: Open a secured card (or Zolve unsecured). No U.S. score yet.
- Months 1-3: Your payment history begins reporting. A FICO score typically generates after 3-6 months of reporting. Early scores in the 580-620 range are common.
- Month 6: Capital One begins its automatic review. Keep utilization under 30%, ideally under 10%, this month.
- Months 6-12: Score typically reaches the 640-670 range with consistent on-time payments and low utilization. This is the window to consider adding a second card.
- Month 12: If you used Capital One or Bank of America, graduation may arrive. Score often in the 670-700 range.
- Month 18: With two open tradelines and 18 months of history, scores above 700 are achievable. A credit score in the 650-700 range at month 12 typically opens the door to an unsecured card and a credit line increase.
To learn the most effective utilization strategies for every card type, see our article on credit utilization with an ITIN card.
What about the no-credit-check cards? Are they worth the annual fee?
For ITIN holders who have been denied elsewhere, the OpenSky family is often the realistic entry point. OpenSky requires no credit check and advertises an 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply.
The OpenSky product line has three tiers:
- OpenSky Secured Visa: $200 minimum deposit, $35 annual fee, 23.89% variable APR. Lowest APR in the family.
- OpenSky Plus Secured Visa: $300 minimum deposit, $0 annual fee, 28.49% variable APR. Best long-run value if you pay in full.
- OpenSky Launch Secured Visa: $150 minimum deposit, $24 annual fee in year one ($36 thereafter), 28.49% variable APR.
2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders see an average credit score increase of 47 points within 6 months of opening the card. That figure, combined with the near-guaranteed approval, makes OpenSky a legitimate starting point even with its fee, as long as you treat it as a 12-to-18-month stepping stone before moving to a fee-free issuer.
The Self Visa is another no-credit-check option: it has a $25 annual fee, accepts ITIN applicants who already have a Self Credit Builder Account, and reports to all three bureaus. Its two-product structure means you build both an installment tradeline and a revolving card at the same time, which can strengthen your credit mix.
What should ITIN holders know about applying for credit cards in a changed regulatory environment?
The 2026 policy environment has introduced some uncertainty for ITIN holders. We have a dedicated article covering how the 2026 executive order affects ITIN credit card applications in detail. The short version: the major bank issuers covered in this article continued accepting ITIN applications through November 2026, and the cards and terms listed here are currently active. Individual circumstances may vary, and we recommend confirming ITIN acceptance directly with the issuer before submitting a formal application.
For a full picture of which banks accept ITIN applications and what documents you will need, see our verified bank and credit union guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an unsecured credit card with an ITIN and no U.S. credit history? Yes. Zolve issues an unsecured card to ITIN holders with no U.S. credit history using income and employment underwriting, with limits reported up to $15,000. The Chase Freedom Rise is unsecured and ITIN-friendly but approval odds improve significantly if you have $250 in a Chase account.
What is the minimum deposit for a secured credit card with an ITIN? The lowest available minimum deposit is $49, offered by Capital One Platinum Secured (which still gives you a $200 credit line). Most other ITIN-friendly secured cards require $200 (Citi, Bank of America, OpenSky), and the OpenSky Plus requires $300.
How long does it take to graduate from a secured to unsecured card with an ITIN? Capital One begins automatic account reviews at 6 months. Bank of America reviews at around 12 months. Citi reviews after approximately 18 months of responsible use. OpenSky has no built-in graduation path, so cardholders typically apply for a new unsecured card after 12-18 months.
Does my ITIN secured card deposit earn interest while I wait? Most secured card deposits at major issuers do not earn interest. The deposit sits as collateral. However, Zolve pairs its credit card with a checking account that can earn meaningful APY when you meet certain conditions, which partially offsets holding cash there.
What happens to my credit history when my secured card graduates to unsecured? For cards that auto-graduate (Capital One, Bank of America), your account number, opening date, and full payment history carry forward unchanged. The bureaus simply record a change in account type from secured to unsecured, and FICO treats the tradeline as continuous with no score penalty.
Is the OpenSky Secured Visa worth it for ITIN holders? OpenSky is the only major ITIN-friendly secured card that requires zero credit check and advertises an 89% approval rate. Its $35 annual fee is a real cost, but if other secured cards deny you, OpenSky is often the card that approves you. Once your score improves, you can apply for a no-fee card at another issuer.
Which ITIN credit cards have no annual fee? Capital One Platinum Secured ($0 fee, deposit from $49), OpenSky Plus Secured ($0 fee, $300 deposit), Bank of America BankAmericard Secured ($0 fee, $200 deposit), Chase Freedom Rise unsecured ($0 fee), and Zolve Classic unsecured ($0 fee) all carry no annual fee.
Can I get both a secured and an unsecured card at the same time with an ITIN? Yes. Many ITIN holders start with a secured card to establish a credit file, then add an unsecured card like Zolve or Chase Freedom Rise once they have a few months of history. Having two open cards can accelerate score growth by diversifying your credit mix.
What credit score do I need to get an unsecured credit card with an ITIN? Zolve and Chase Freedom Rise both accept applicants with no U.S. credit score at all. Tilt (formerly Petal) requires at least fair credit, roughly 580+. For standard unsecured cards from Capital One or Wells Fargo, a score of 620 or above improves your odds considerably.
Does Discover still accept ITIN for secured cards in 2026? Discover paused new applications for the Discover it Secured on June 2, 2026, during its integration with Capital One, and plans to relaunch the card later in 2026. Existing Discover cardholders are unaffected. Check directly at discover.com before applying.