Building credit opens doors to better financial opportunities, including loans, credit cards, and rental housing. If you don’t have a Social Security Number, you might think it’s impossible to establish credit—but that’s not true.
With an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can still build a legitimate credit history and qualify for financial products that report to all three credit bureaus. Here’s exactly how to get started.
What Is an ITIN and Why It Matters for Credit
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a number issued by the IRS for people who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but still need to file taxes or open financial accounts.
Lenders and banks often accept ITINs because they serve as valid identification and can be used to report activity to credit bureaus.
Key points:
- Purpose: Allows non-citizens to file taxes and access certain financial products.
- How it differs from an SSN: Used only for tax and banking purposes, not for employment.
- Credit reporting: Accounts opened with an ITIN can still be reported to credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Can You Build Credit Without a Social Security Number?
Yes. Many lenders, credit unions, and fintech companies now accept ITINs when opening credit-based products. When you make on-time payments, your activity can still be reported to the three major credit bureaus.
Here’s how it works:
- Credit bureaus can match your credit activity using your ITIN, address, and other identifiers.
- Many ITIN accounts show up just like SSN-based accounts on your credit report.
- You can monitor your credit progress through services like Experian or Credit Karma, which support ITIN users.
Common misconception: You don’t need a Social Security Number to have a credit score. You just need a lender or financial institution that reports your payment activity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Credit With an ITIN
You can build credit from scratch using these five clear steps.
Step 1: Get an ITIN (If You Don’t Have One)
To begin, you’ll need to apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7. Submit proof of identity and foreign status, such as a passport or national ID card.
Processing usually takes about six to eight weeks, after which you’ll receive your ITIN by mail.
Step 2: Open an ITIN-Friendly Bank Account
Many national banks and credit unions accept ITINs when opening a checking or savings account. Having a banking relationship makes it easier to qualify for secured credit cards and credit builder loans later.
| Bank or Credit Union | Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Accepts ITIN | Reports to Credit Bureaus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | Checking/Savings | $25 | Yes | Yes |
| Wells Fargo | Checking/Savings | $25 | Yes | Yes |
| Latino Credit Union | Checking | $10 | Yes | Yes |
Once your account is open, keep it in good standing—consistent deposits and responsible use signal reliability to lenders.
Step 3: Apply for a Secured Credit Card That Accepts ITINs
A secured credit card is one of the easiest ways to start building credit. You place a refundable deposit that becomes your credit limit, then use the card and make on-time payments to build credit history.
| Issuer | Card Name | Minimum Deposit | Annual Fee | Reports to Credit Bureaus | Accepts ITIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One | Platinum Secured | $49–$200 | $0 | Yes | Yes |
| Discover | Secured Credit Card | $200 | $0 | Yes | Yes |
| Bank of America | Customized Cash Rewards Secured | $200 | $0 | Yes | Yes |
Tip: Always pay in full each month to avoid interest and build positive credit history quickly.
See also: Best Secured Credit Cards of 2025
Step 4: Consider a Credit Builder Loan
Credit builder loans are designed to help you build credit while saving money. The funds are held in a secured account, and your payments are reported to all three credit bureaus.
| Lender | Loan Amount | Term | Reports To | Accepts ITIN | Online Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self | $600–$1,800 | 12–24 months | All 3 | Yes | Yes |
| MoneyLion | $500–$1,000 | 12 months | All 3 | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Federal Credit Union | $500–$3,000 | 12–24 months | All 3 | Yes | Yes |
These small, manageable payments create a consistent record of on-time activity—an essential factor in building a good credit score.
See also: Best Credit Builder Loans of 2025
Step 5: Use Alternative Credit Tools
If you want to boost your credit faster, consider tools that report non-traditional payments.
Helpful options:
- Rent reporting services: Add your rent payments to your credit history.
- Experian Boost: Reports utility and phone bill payments.
- StellarFi and Grain: Help ITIN users establish positive credit activity through connected accounts.
Best Credit Cards That Accept ITINs
If you’re ready to take the next step toward building credit, several credit card issuers now accept ITINs in place of a Social Security Number. These cards are designed to help newcomers, immigrants, and self-employed residents establish or rebuild credit.
Below are some of the best ITIN-friendly credit cards available today.
| Credit Card | Minimum Deposit | Annual Fee | Reports to Credit Bureaus | Accepts ITIN | Rewards/Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $49–$200 | $0 | All 3 | Yes | Possible upgrade to unsecured after on-time payments |
| Discover it Secured | $200 | $0 | All 3 | Yes | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, automatic account review after 7 months |
| Petal 2 Visa | None | $0 | All 3 | Yes | No deposit required, uses alternative data for approval, up to 1.5% cash back |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $200 | $35 | All 3 | Yes | No credit check required, flexible deposit up to $3,000 |
Each of these cards helps you build credit history with responsible use. Paying on time and keeping balances low will strengthen your credit score over time.
Tips to Build and Maintain Good Credit With an ITIN
Once you’ve opened your first credit account, your goal should be steady progress. Here are proven habits that can help maintain and grow your credit standing.
- Pay on time: Payment history makes up the largest portion of your credit score. Even one missed payment can lower it significantly.
- Keep balances low: Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit at any time. Lower utilization helps your credit score rise faster.
- Avoid too many hard inquiries: Space out credit applications to prevent short-term score dips.
- Monitor your credit regularly: Use free tools such as Experian, Credit Karma, or your bank’s credit monitoring to track your progress and check for errors.
Consistency is the key. Even small positive actions each month can add up to a strong credit profile over time.
How to Check Your Credit Score With an ITIN
You can check your credit score using your ITIN through several online services and credit bureaus. Most major credit bureaus support ITIN-based profiles as long as your identifying details match what lenders report.
- Where to check: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion allow you to request your credit report once per year for free.
- Free monitoring options: Credit Karma and Credit Sesame provide free access to estimated credit scores and alerts for ITIN users.
- How ITIN credit profiles appear: Your credit report will show your name, ITIN, and address. It functions the same as a report tied to a Social Security Number.
Reviewing your credit regularly helps you spot potential errors or fraudulent activity early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make errors when building credit for the first time. Avoiding these common mistakes will keep your progress steady.
- Applying for too many cards: Submitting multiple applications in a short time can result in unnecessary hard inquiries.
- Using unverified “credit piggybacking” services: Stick with legitimate lenders and reporting programs.
- Ignoring contact updates: If you move or change names, make sure your lenders have your correct details. Consistency helps credit bureaus link your accounts properly.
Avoid shortcuts. Responsible habits will always produce stronger results than quick fixes.
Final Thoughts
Building credit with an ITIN is not only possible—it’s a smart financial move that opens real opportunities. With ITIN-accepted credit cards, credit builder loans, and consistent on-time payments, you can build a credit history that lenders trust.
You don’t need a Social Security Number to prove financial responsibility. Start with one account, pay on time, and watch your credit score grow month after month.
