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As you may have already experienced, it’s difficult to take part in the U.S. financial system or obtain a credit card without a Social Security number. Many financial institutions require an SSN on an application for a new account, but getting yourself a Social Security number (SSN) isn’t always easy. Not having an SSN can make it difficult to get a credit card and build U.S. credit, open a checking or savings account, or get a loan, but there are other options. However, some credit card issuers open up their applications to residents who don’t have a SSN. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply. Here are some options that you can do. Apply for American Express credit cards without an SSNIf you are a newcomer to the U.S., and international student or another noncitizen, American Express might have you covered: You can apply for all American Express personal credit card online without an SSN if you have credit history in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, UK, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Kenya and Nigeria. Even if you are not from one of these countries, Amex still accepts ITINs as part of their applications. You do NOT need a Social Security Number to start your U.S. credit history. Experian and TransUnion will track and attempt to match your name, birth date, and address to your credit history.However, specified personal information like an SSN and ITIN make it easier for credit bureaus to report information accurately. American Express also reports to all 3 major credit bureaus (Transunion, Experian and Equifax), so you should start building U.S. credit history when approved for a card and using it responsibly. Put your international credit score to work in the United StatesTo choose a card, consider how you want to use the card, your normal purchasing habits, and your lifestyle. Here are a couple of our featured picks: American Express Blue Cash Everyday®If you’d prefer to avoid an annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express might be a good choice for you. Loading... Here's why the card is awesome:
Terms apply However, depending on how you’ll use your credit card, you may be able to earn more rewards with other cards that have an annual fee. American Express Platinum Card®If you frequently travel and want to enhance your experience, the Platinum Card® from American Express could be a good fit. Loading... Unlike typical credit cards, this card allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all. While the Platinum Card® from American Express has a high $695 annual fee, you can:
Terms Apply. Sometimes, your circumstances dictate which cards you should consider. If you’re in the United States for school, a student card might be best. Or, if you don’t have a credit history in the US (and aren’t applying with a card issuer that considers your credit history from your home country) you might want to try for a secured credit card. To open a secured card, you’ll need to give the card issuer a refundable security deposit. No matter the type of card you want, consider:
How to apply for credit cards without a Social Security number?With this context in mind, there are typically three key steps as you plan to apply for a credit card without an SSN. 1. Understand the benefits and requirements.Some issuers will let you use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN on your application. An ITIN allows people who don’t qualify for an SSN to file a tax return in the US. You may qualify for one if you’ve worked in the US (including as a contractor) or receive a taxable scholarship. You can apply for an ITIN when you file a tax return or in-person at IRS-authorized locations. Once you have an ITIN, you may be able to use it in place of an SSN for some credit card applications. A few issuers will also accept a passport if you apply over the phone or at a branch. Some credit card issuers, such as Deserve and Jasper (formerly CreditStacks), also offer credit cards to those without an SSN such as international students or professionals relocating to the US for work. They allow you to apply using other forms of identification, such as your passport and visa information. 2. Submit the applicationOnce you’ve decided which card you want, you’ll have to submit the official application. Often this can be done online and only takes a few minutes, but obtaining a credit card without an SSN may require jumping through a few hoops. However, if you have an ITIN, you may be able to put this in place of the SSN and submit your application. If you don’t have an ITIN or SSN, you may be able to apply using other identifying documents, such as your passport. If you’re unsure of how to apply online, call the card issuer and ask to speak with a representative or visit a local bank branch. 3. Meet the credit card issuer’s requirementsBeing able to apply is important, but you’ll also need to qualify for the card, which can be more difficult with no SSN. Credit card companies consider a variety of factors when reviewing your creditworthiness, and the best credit cards may require a good credit history and low debt-to-income ratio. You may be able to get approved for a student card (assuming you’re a student) or for a secured credit card even if you don’t have a credit history in the US and aren’t scoreable by FICO or VantageScore. However, card issuers may still consider your income as they want to know that you can afford to pay the credit card bill. If you have a good credit history in your home country, some international banks and card issuers may be able to review that credit history when considering your application. Getting a credit card without an SSN can help you build credit in the U.S.You can have a credit history and credit scores in the US regardless of whether you have an SSN or are a U.S. citizen because the major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — don’t require an SSN to create and build a U.S. credit history. Once you open credit cards and loans in the U.S., your payments can be reported to the credit bureaus. The bureaus can then generate credit reports by matching you with your accounts based on identifying information, such as your name and address. Credit scores can also be created based on those credit reports. If you’re still in the early stages of building credit in the US, you could still benefit by using your credit history from your home country. Nova Credit helps you bring your credit history with you, and creates a Credit Passport® that lenders, card issuers, and property managers can use to review your application based on your foreign credit history. More resources:
Can someone do anything with SSN?A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.
Do you need social security number for credit card?Most card issuers in the United States will request credit card applicants to provide a Social Security number (SSN). This helps credit card companies prevent fraud and protects the general public from identity theft.
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How to use someones social security number to get a credit card
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