Credit cards that accept an ITIN (no SSN)
You do not need a Social Security number to get a US credit card. Several issuers let you apply with your ITIN in its place — you enter your 9-digit ITIN where the application asks for an SSN.
Because you’re starting without US credit history, the realistic first cards are secured cards: you put down a refundable deposit that becomes your credit limit, use the card normally, and the issuer reports your payments to the credit bureaus. After about a year of on-time payments you can move up to an unsecured card.
This page compares the cards — which one to pick. For the full month-by-month plan to build your score from zero, see our build credit with an ITIN guide. To get an ITIN in the first place, see how to apply for an ITIN.
At-a-glance comparison
All cards below accept an ITIN and report to all three credit bureaus. Terms change — confirm current details on the issuer’s own site before applying.
| Card | Accepts ITIN? | Security deposit (refundable) | Annual fee | Credit check | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Yes | $49 / $99 / $200 | $0 | Yes | Lowest entry deposit, no fee |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | Yes | $200 | $0 | Yes | Cash-back rewards + upgrade path |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | Yes | $200 minimum | $35 (OpenSky Plus: $0) | No credit check | Approval with no credit history |
The cards in detail
Capital One Platinum Secured
Capital One explicitly accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN (it says so on its own site). The standout feature is the deposit: many applicants can open a $200 credit line with a refundable deposit of just $49, $99, or $200, and there is no annual fee. When you apply with an ITIN, provide a copy of your ITIN card (or the IRS assignment letter) plus proof of your current address. Best if you want the lowest possible entry cost. Source: capitalone.com.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured
The rewards option: a $200 refundable deposit, no annual fee, and 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Capital One can graduate you to an unsecured card with on-time payments, and it accepts an ITIN. Best if you want rewards and a clear path to a regular card. Source: capitalone.com.
OpenSky Secured Visa
The easiest approval on this list: no credit check at all, and OpenSky accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN. A refundable deposit (from about $200) sets your credit limit, with roughly a $35 annual fee — or choose the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa for no annual fee. It reports to all three bureaus. Note: OpenSky’s published eligibility also references being a US citizen or permanent resident, so if you are not a permanent resident, confirm your eligibility with OpenSky before applying. Source: openskycc.com.
Which card is best for you?
- Want the lowest upfront cost → Capital One Platinum Secured (deposit as low as $49, no fee).
- Want rewards and a path to an unsecured card → Capital One Quicksilver Secured.
- Want approval with no credit check → OpenSky Secured Visa (confirm eligibility if you are not a permanent resident).
There’s no single “best” card — the right one depends on your goal. What matters most is the same for all of them: pay on time, every time, and keep your balance low.
How to apply with an ITIN
- Have your ITIN ready. Enter your 9-digit ITIN where the application asks for a Social Security number. If you don’t have one yet, see how to apply for an ITIN.
- Gather your documents. Issuers typically ask for a copy of your ITIN card or IRS assignment letter and proof of your current US address (a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease with your name on it).
- Fund the deposit from a US bank account (you’ll need an ITIN-friendly bank account first).
- Use it lightly and pay in full. Charge a small recurring bill, keep usage under 30% of the limit, and set up autopay.
After you build history
Once you have 12+ months of on-time payments and a solid score, you can qualify for unsecured cards and get your secured deposit back. Many mainstream issuers — Capital One, American Express, and Chase among them — will approve an ITIN applicant once you have a credit file.
⚠️ Products that are NOT true ITIN options
Be careful with some products marketed to immigrants that still require a Social Security number:
- Self Visa Secured Card — its limit comes from the Self Credit Builder account, and per Self’s own current terms that account requires a Social Security number plus US citizenship or permanent residency. So the Self Visa card is not available with an ITIN alone, despite often appearing on “no-SSN” lists.
- Chime Credit Builder — requires an SSN to open the underlying Chime account (and is closed to new enrollment).
Always confirm the issuer accepts an ITIN (not just “no credit check”) before you apply.
Related information
- Build credit with an ITIN — the 12–24 month plan — the step-by-step process
- ITIN-friendly bank accounts — open the account you’ll fund the deposit from
- ITIN mortgages — what good credit unlocks later
- How to apply for an ITIN — if you don’t have one yet
Last verified: 2026-06-30 against each issuer’s published terms. Credit-card deposits, fees, and rewards change frequently — confirm the current details on the issuer’s own website before applying. This is general information, not financial advice.