Best Credit Cards for ITIN Holders in the United States

Card terms, fees, and features may change. Always verify current offers on the issuer’s official website before applying.

Top Picks Breakdown

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

OpenSky is the most accessible credit card available to ITIN holders. There is no credit check and no SSN requirement. If you have been denied elsewhere or are starting from zero, this is the most reliable place to begin.

• Annual fee: $35
• Minimum deposit: $200
• Rewards: None
• Credit check: None
• ITIN accepted: Yes

Why it works for ITIN holders: No SSN and no credit check removes the two biggest barriers at once. Almost anyone with an ITIN and a $200 deposit can get approved.

Pros:

• No credit check
• ITIN explicitly accepted
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Fast, straightforward approval
• Deposit fully refundable when account is closed in good standing

Cons:

• $35 annual fee
• No rewards
• No formal upgrade path to unsecured card
• Requires a U.S. bank account to fund deposit

Best for: Any ITIN holder starting from zero who wants the highest chance of approval.

👉 See Official Offer

Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students

Deserve EDU is built for international students with no SSN and no U.S. credit history. Instead of relying on a credit score, Deserve evaluates your banking activity and academic enrollment. It is one of the only unsecured cards — no deposit required — available to people without an SSN.

• Annual fee: $0
• Minimum deposit: None
• Rewards: 1% cashback on all purchases
• Credit check: Yes
• ITIN accepted: Yes

Why it works for ITIN holders: No deposit and no SSN on an unsecured card is genuinely rare. For students especially, this is one of the most accessible options available.

Pros:

• No deposit required
• No annual fee
• No SSN required
• 1% cashback on all purchases
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Includes one year of Amazon Prime Student

Cons:

• Primarily designed for students — may be harder to qualify outside that group
• Credit limit starts low
• Requires proof of enrollment or student status

Best for: International students with an ITIN and no U.S. credit history.

👉 See Official Offer

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Bank of America accepts ITIN for secured card applications, though this typically requires visiting a branch in person. As one of the largest banks in the country, getting approved here early can help you build a relationship with a major financial institution from day one.

• Annual fee: $0
• Minimum deposit: $300
• Rewards: 3% cashback in a chosen category; 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; 1% on everything else
• Credit check: Yes
• ITIN accepted: Yes — typically requires in-branch application

Why it works for ITIN holders: Strong rewards and no annual fee from a major bank. Building a relationship with Bank of America early opens doors to better products over time.

Pros:

• No annual fee
• Strong cashback rewards for a secured card
• ITIN accepted at branch
• Clear upgrade path to unsecured card
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus

Cons:

• Typically requires visiting a branch — cannot always apply online with ITIN
• $300 minimum deposit — higher than some alternatives
• Approval not guaranteed with ITIN

Best for: Someone with an ITIN who wants a major bank relationship and strong rewards.

👉 See Official Offer

Self-Help Federal Credit Union Visa® Credit Card

Self-Help Federal Credit Union is one of a small number of credit unions that explicitly serves immigrants and ITIN holders. Their Visa card is a secured option with no annual fee and a mission focused on financial inclusion for underserved communities.

• Annual fee: $0
• Minimum deposit: $500
• Rewards: None
• Credit check: Yes
• ITIN accepted: Yes

Why it works for ITIN holders: Credit unions are generally more flexible than large banks on documentation requirements. Self-Help FCU has a specific mission to serve immigrant and underbanked communities.

Pros:

• No annual fee
• ITIN accepted
• Mission-driven institution focused on immigrant financial access
• Reports to major credit bureaus
• Member-owned — typically lower fees overall

Cons:

• Higher minimum deposit ($500)
• Membership eligibility requirements apply
• Fewer locations than major banks
• No rewards

Best for: Someone who prefers a credit union with a specific focus on serving immigrant communities.

👉 See Official Offer

Alternative: Use Your Foreign Credit History

If you built credit in your home country before coming to the U.S., you may not have to start from zero.

Nova Credit is a service that translates your foreign credit history into a format U.S. lenders can read — called a Credit Passport®. Partner issuers include American Express and select others.

Countries currently supported include India, Mexico, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Korea, and others.

If your home country is on that list and you have a strong credit history there, Nova Credit is worth exploring before applying for a secured card.

👉 Learn More About Nova Credit

How to Apply as an ITIN Holder: Step by Step

Step 1 — Confirm your ITIN is active ITINs expire if not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years. Make sure yours is current before applying.

Step 2 — Open a U.S. bank account first Most card issuers require a U.S. bank account to fund your deposit and receive your card. Many banks accept ITIN to open a basic checking or savings account.

Step 3 — Choose a card that explicitly accepts ITIN Do not assume an issuer accepts ITIN — confirm it first. OpenSky and Deserve EDU are confirmed. Bank of America accepts ITIN at branches.

Step 4 — Apply online or in person Have your ITIN, a valid government-issued ID, your U.S. address, and bank account details ready. For Bank of America, visit a branch directly.

Step 5 — Fund your deposit After approval, fund your security deposit within the required timeframe. Your credit limit will typically equal your deposit amount.

Step 6 — Use the card and pay on time Make small, regular purchases. Pay your full balance every month. This is what builds your credit score over time.

How to Get Approved Faster

• Confirm the issuer accepts ITIN before applying. A denied application still creates a hard inquiry on your file.
• Apply for one card at a time. Multiple applications in a short period signal risk to lenders.
• Have a U.S. bank account ready. Most issuers require one to process your application and deposit.
• Use accurate income information. Part-time work, freelance income, and family financial support are typically accepted.
• If applying at a branch, bring all documents. ITIN letter, passport or national ID, proof of U.S. address, and bank account information.

ITIN vs. SSN: What Lenders See

Your options as an ITIN holder are more limited than someone with an SSN — but your credit score builds exactly the same way.

The cards on this list report to the same three credit bureaus as every other card. Your on-time payments carry the same weight. After 12 to 24 months of responsible use, your credit profile looks the same to lenders regardless of whether you started with an ITIN or an SSN.

The starting point is different. The destination is the same.

And if you obtain an SSN later, your existing credit history does not disappear. You can notify the credit bureaus to link your history to your new SSN. Every on-time payment you made continues to count.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to issuers who require SSN without checking first. Each denied application creates a hard inquiry that can lower your score.
• Using a prepaid debit card instead of a credit card. Prepaid cards do not report to credit bureaus and do not build your credit score.
• Missing a payment. Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score. Set up autopay if possible.
• Maxing out your card. Keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit at all times.
• Closing your first card too soon. Length of credit history matters. Keep your first card open even after you qualify for better products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a credit card with just an ITIN? Yes. Several issuers — including OpenSky and Deserve EDU — accept an ITIN in place of an SSN. Options are more limited than with an SSN, but they are real and they work.

Will applying with an ITIN hurt my credit score? A hard inquiry may cause a small, temporary dip. This is the same for anyone who applies for credit. The impact is minor and recovers quickly with responsible use.

Can I build a real credit score with an ITIN? Yes. As long as your card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — which all cards on this list do — your score builds the same way as anyone else’s.

What if I get an SSN later? Your credit history does not disappear. Once you obtain an SSN, notify the credit bureaus to link your existing history to your new number. Your prior payments continue to count.

Can I apply at a bank branch with an ITIN? Yes, at certain banks. Bank of America and some credit unions accept ITIN for in-branch applications. Call ahead to confirm before visiting.

Does having an ITIN affect my credit score? No. Your score is based on payment history, utilization, and account age — not on whether you have an SSN or ITIN.

The Right Card Depends on Your Situation

• If you want the easiest approval with no credit check → OpenSky® Secured Visa®
• If you are an international student with no SSN → Deserve® EDU Mastercard
• If you want a major bank relationship and strong rewards → Bank of America® Secured
• If you prefer a mission-driven credit union → Self-Help Federal Credit Union Visa®
• If you have credit history from your home country → Nova Credit

Start with one card. Use it consistently. Pay on time every month.

That is how your credit story in America begins — regardless of where you started.

Related MARVODYN Guides

• Best Credit Cards for People With No Credit History in the U.S.
• Best Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit in the U.S.
• How to Build Credit in the U.S. Without a Social Security Number

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Card terms, fees, rewards, and approval requirements are subject to change. ITIN acceptance policies may vary by issuer and are subject to change without notice. Always review the official terms on each issuer’s website before applying. MARVODYN may receive compensation if you apply for a product through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial standards or the order in which products appear.