Unsecured Credit Cards With an ITIN

Once you've built some credit history, you can graduate to an unsecured card — no deposit, higher limits, and real rewards. Here's when you're ready and what to apply for.

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Updated June 5, 2026

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Quick Answer

Unsecured credit cards require no deposit and are available to ITIN holders who have built 12+ months of positive credit history — typically a FICO score above 620–630. Starter unsecured cards exist for thin-file applicants. As your score grows past 670, rewards cards with cash back and travel perks become available.

What is an unsecured credit card?

An unsecured credit card extends a line of credit without requiring a cash deposit. The issuer decides how much credit to offer based on your income, credit history, and creditworthiness. Because there is no deposit acting as collateral, unsecured cards are harder to get when your credit file is new or thin.

For ITIN holders, the journey usually starts with a secured card, builds a credit history over 12–18 months, and then opens the door to unsecured products — first starter cards, then rewards cards, and eventually premium products with travel perks, purchase protection, and large sign-up bonuses.

Secured vs. unsecured — the full comparison

Feature	Secured card	Unsecured card
Deposit	Required (refundable)	Not required
Credit limit	Equals your deposit	Based on creditworthiness and income
Typical first-time approval score	No score needed	620–650+
Rewards / cash back	Rare; some offer 1% cash back	1–5% cash back; travel points at higher tiers
Annual fee	$0–$35 typical	$0 (starter) to $550+ (premium rewards)
Credit-building power	Excellent (same as unsecured)	Excellent
Best for	No or thin U.S. credit history	12+ months of positive credit history

When are you ready for an unsecured card?

You're ready to apply for an unsecured card when you have a verifiable FICO score — which appears after six months of activity on a reporting account — and that score is in the 620 range or above. A year of on-time payments on a secured card typically produces a score in the 640–680 range for ITIN holders starting from zero, which opens several unsecured options.

Signs that you're ready: your secured card issuer has offered to upgrade you; you have no missed payments in the past 12 months; your utilization has stayed consistently below 30%; and your income can support a higher credit limit. If all four are true, apply.

What types of unsecured cards are available with an ITIN?

The unsecured card market for ITIN holders spans several tiers, roughly aligned with credit score ranges:

Starter unsecured cards (score 620–649). Designed for people with limited credit history. Typically $300–$1,000 limits, modest or no rewards, and annual fees of $0–$39. Some fintech issuers have specifically built these for ITIN and immigrant populations.
Cash-back cards (score 650–699). Flat-rate 1–2% cash back on all purchases, or 3% in a category. No deposit. Annual fees of $0–$95. Available from national banks, credit unions, and fintech companies that accept ITINs.
Travel rewards cards (score 700+). Points or miles on travel and dining, sign-up bonuses, travel credits. Higher annual fees ($95–$550). Available once your credit profile is well-established — typically 2–3 years after your first U.S. card.

How to make the move from secured to unsecured

The smoothest path is graduation through your existing issuer — they already know your payment history and may upgrade you without a new hard inquiry. If that doesn't happen after 12 months, here's the strategy:

Request an upgrade from your secured card issuer. Call or message through the app and ask if you qualify for an unsecured upgrade. Some issuers do this automatically; others need a nudge.
Check your score first. Use the free credit score tools provided by your issuer or a free service. Confirm you're above 620 before applying anywhere new.
Research ITIN-accepting unsecured issuers. The same institutions that accepted your ITIN for a secured card often have unsecured options as well. Credit unions you're already a member of are the best starting point.
Keep the secured card open. After opening an unsecured card, don't close the secured one — you'll lose the account age and available credit, which temporarily hurts your utilization and score.

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Common questions

When can I qualify for an unsecured credit card with an ITIN?

Most ITIN holders qualify for their first unsecured card after 12–18 months of on-time payments on a secured card or other reporting account. A FICO score of 630 or above significantly improves your odds. Some starter unsecured cards are available around the 620–630 range.

What is the difference between a secured and unsecured credit card?

A secured card requires a refundable cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. An unsecured card extends credit with no deposit — the issuer trusts your creditworthiness based on your history and income. Unsecured cards typically offer higher limits and better rewards.

Are there unsecured credit cards for ITIN holders with limited credit?

Yes. Several issuers and fintechs offer starter or "credit-builder" unsecured cards for people with thin credit files. These typically carry lower limits and may have annual fees, but they do not require a deposit and help build credit when used responsibly.

What credit score do I need for an unsecured ITIN credit card?

Most entry-level unsecured cards require a credit score of approximately 620–650. Rewards cards typically require 670+. Premium or travel rewards cards usually require 700+. Your income and debt-to-income ratio also factor into the issuer's decision.

Can I get cash-back or rewards on an unsecured ITIN card?

Yes. Once you have a fair or good credit score (670+), many unsecured cards offer 1–2% cash back on all purchases or 3–5% in category bonuses (groceries, gas, dining). Some issuers designed for thin-file or immigrant customers also offer modest rewards on their starter unsecured products.