Get Approved: The Best Credit Cards for Those with ITIN Numbers

Figuring out which credit card to apply for when using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number can be challenging because many credit card issuers require a Social Security number.

The IRS issues nine-digit ITIN numbers to non-U.S. citizens who don’t have Social Security numbers issued by the Social Security Administration. ITIN numbers are used for tax-filing purposes, applying for credit cards, building credit and gaining access to other financial opportunities such as buying a house or car. 

To get an ITIN number, you must prove your identity, foreign status and U.S. address using documents such as: 

• Passport
• National ID card
• U.S. visa
• Birth certificate
• Medical records

You can still get a credit card and build credit with an ITIN number. This guide will discuss the best credit cards for people with ITIN numbers.

What Makes a Good Credit Card for Those with ITIN Numbers?

Beyond accepting an ITIN number for the application, the best credit card for an ITIN holder should offer benefits, rewards and protections to enable you to build a strong financial foundation. 

When looking at different cards, consider factors like competitive interest rates, rewards programs and other perks that align with your spending habits. 

Security measures like fraud monitoring, zero liability for unauthorized purchases and purchase protection are valuable benefits. 

People with ITIN numbers can choose a credit card that helps establish credit and provides tangible financial advantages. 

Petal 2 Visa Credit Card

The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card lets international students and professionals build their U.S. credit history without paying annual membership fees, late fees or returned payment fees. The card also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel. It also doesn’t require a credit check, so your credit score won’t be affected by applying.

Petal 2’s app lets you track your credit score, enable push notifications to see your transaction activity in real time and add your Petal card to your mobile wallet to make payments easily.

The company’s fraud detection technology identifies suspicious activity on your card and takes action. If your card is lost or stolen, you can freeze your account to avoid unauthorized charges.

Petal 2 reports to the three major credit bureaus, so you can increase your credit score by using your card responsibly. Through the card issuer’s Leap program, you can earn an increase in your credit line if you make your payments on time for six months.

Why We Picked It: With the Petal 2 Visa, you’ll earn up to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases and up to 1.25% after 12 consecutive months of paying on time. 

Firstcard

Firstcard is a secured credit-builder card, meaning the amount of money you deposit into your account is your credit limit. 

Firstcard is among the best credit cards for people with ITIN numbers because its partnership with an IRS-certified acceptance agent helps customers get ITIN numbers quickly and securely. The agent can help you complete Firstcard’s easy online application, and you won’t need to mail your passport to the IRS. The agent also has a direct line with the IRS to help you resolve any issues. 

Firstcard doesn’t conduct credit checks or require credit history, and the money in your account is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) for a maximum of $250,000. 

Firstcard is so confident in its ability to help you get an ITIN number that it offers a 110% refund policy – the company has a 100% success rate, but if it fails, you’ll receive 10% back.

Firstcard’s rewards include up to 15% cash back on purchases at more than 29,000 partner merchants, 10% random cash back on qualifying purchases, unlimited 1% cash back and no fees on foreign transactions. 

Why We Picked It: You’ll earn a 4% annual percentage yield on the money in your account when you subscribe to Firstcard Premium. The APY will help you grow savings faster.

Zolve

The Zolve No-Deposit Credit Card gives international students and professionals immediate access to credit even if they don’t have a U.S. credit score. 

The card issuer does not require a Social Security number or credit history – your passport and visa information will be enough. After your documents are verified, you can get instant approval and start using your virtual credit card. 

Zolve also offers higher credit limits than some of its competitors, so you can make large purchases, such as buying a laptop for school or making monthly rent payments. 

There are no annual fees, which is great for students on a tight budget. And you can start building your U.S. credit score immediately to help you build a solid credit profile. 

Fintech companies such as Zolve allow you to open a U.S. bank account from abroad – even before you arrive in the U.S. 

Why We Picked It: Zolve offers cards to international students and professionals with up to a $5,000 credit limit. You’ll enjoy 5% cash back on five brands of your choice, up to 10% cash back at more than 10,000 merchants and 1% unlimited cash back on other purchases. 

Discover it Student Chrome

The Discover it Student Chrome credit card lets you build a credit history while earning rewards, and you don’t need a credit score to apply. 

The card offers a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for purchases made within the first six months of opening the account. After that, the APR will be between 17.24% and 26.4%. 

Discover’s free Online Privacy Protection helps you remove personal information from people-search websites that could sell your data. 

You can message Discover customer service directly through its mobile app, and the Freeze it feature allows you to switch your card off and on if you misplace it. 

And just for fun, Discover also lets you choose from several unique card designs when you apply to become a card member. 

While you don’t need a full-time job to qualify for a Discover it Student Chrome credit card, you must prove that you have some type of income. If approved, your income will be a factor in determining your credit limit. A part-time job can help you qualify. 

Discover cards are accepted at 99% of establishments nationwide that take credit cards. 

Why We Picked It: You’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. 

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card for Students

With no annual fee and cash-back rewards, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card for Students is a good option for foreign students with ITIN numbers. 

The card helps you establish good credit habits by allowing you to manage your accounts and finances with tools like Bank of America’s Online Banking and Mobile Banking app. You’ll also be able to check your FICO Score, updated monthly for free online or using the app. 

You’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice: gas and electric vehicle charging stations, online shopping, (including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming), dining, travel, drug stores and pharmacies or home improvement and furnishings. You can change your choice category once per month by using Online Banking or the Mobile Banking app. 

Shopping at grocery stores and wholesale clubs will automatically earn 2% cash back. 

The cash-back rewards apply to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, you’ll earn 1% cash back. 

If you choose this card, you’ll get a 0% APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles. When the introductory APR offer ends, your variable rate will be 18.24% to 28.23%. You’ll also get a 0% APR on balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account, with a 3% transfer fee. Balance transfers made after the first 60 days will incur a 4% transfer fee. 

Why We Picked It: You’ll receive online cash rewards valued at $200 after making at least $1,000 in purchases during the first 90 days your account is open. 

OpenSky Secured Visa Card

Secured credit cards, like the Visa cards from OpenSky, allow you to build credit with a low starting deposit and no credit check.

OpenSky offers three versions of secured credit cards:

• OpenSky Launch Secured Visa: $100 minimum deposit, $2 monthly fee
• OpenSky Secured Visa: $200 minimum deposit, $35 annual fee
• OpenSky Plus Secured Visa: $300 minimum deposit, $0 annual fee

The cards report to the three major credit bureaus and offer free online access to your FICO Score. You can make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted and are not responsible for unauthorized purchases. 

Why We Picked It: You’ll get up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases at participating vendors. The cash back is automatically applied to your statement, and you can track your rewards and explore offers on the OpenSky Rewards website.

Self Visa Credit Card

Although the secured Self Visa Credit card has a $25 annual fee, it’s a good credit card option for people who use ITIN numbers to apply. 

Because it’s a secured card, there is no hard credit check, so your FICO Score won’t be impacted. If you use it responsibly, it may help you build your credit. The Self Visa Credit Card reports to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

Your security deposit determines your credit limit – the minimum required is $100. You can use the Self card anywhere Visa is accepted in the United States. 

Overall satisfaction with the card is high, with cardholders giving it 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 1,500 ratings. 

“Having this card is one of the best decisions I made,” one cardholder wrote. “Ever since I started with Self, I have seen a major improvement in my credit.”

Why We Picked It: Building credit can be challenging for people with no credit, but the Self Visa Credit Card can help. There is no credit check or credit required to apply, and after you receive your card, making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low – less than 30% is good, and under 10% is better – can help you build your credit. 

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

You should be able to get a Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card even if your credit is just fair. You’ll be automatically considered for a higher credit line six months after opening your card. 

Capital One also lets you monitor your progress by providing unlimited access to your credit score with CreditWise – it’s free and available to anyone, whether you have a Capital One product or not. 

Capital One protects you against fraudulent purchases if your card is lost or stolen, and you can generate virtual credit card numbers when shopping online. Capital One will also notify you via text, email and phone if suspicious activity is detected on your account.

Capital One’s convenient mobile app lets you pay your bill and view your balance and transactions while on the go.

Why We Picked It: Although there’s a $39 annual fee, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all your daily purchases. If you spend $500 monthly on your card, you’ll get $90 in cash every year. Capital one will send you a check, or you can apply your rewards as a statement credit.

How We Chose These Credit Cards for Those with ITIN Numbers

Benzinga only included cards that accept ITIN numbers instead of Social Security numbers. Because people with ITINs often don’t have a credit history in the United States, cards geared toward those starting their credit journey were prioritized. These include student credit cards, secured credit cards and credit-builder cards. 

We also looked at the cards’ features, including annual fees, APRs, cash back and rewards. 

Frequently Asked Questions