Most US cards ask for a Social Security number, but not all. If you are waiting for an SSN, are not eligible for one, or only have an ITIN, these are the options that state they work for you — and the steps that make the first card easier.
Prices checked on October 31, 2026 against each issuer’s or carrier’s own website. They change often — verify with the issuer before you apply. General information, not financial advice.
First, which situation are you in?
Authorized to work (H-1B, L-1, green card, OPT…) but your SSN has not arrived: it usually comes within weeks. Set up your phone and bank account meanwhile and apply once it arrives — you will have far more choices.
Not eligible for an SSN (e.g. F-2, H-4 without an EAD, visiting parents): if you have a federal tax reason you can get an ITIN from the IRS with Form W-7. Some issuers accept an ITIN.
Credit history in another country: a few issuers can consider it through a cross-border credit report service. Check the supported country list — Chinese credit reports generally cannot be used for US applications.
The picker below starts as “no SSN, has an ITIN”. Change the answers to see the paths for your situation.
1Your situation
Social Security number (SSN)
ITIN (IRS tax ID)
US credit history
Credit history in another country
Income you can show
“Some” = stipend, scholarship, part-time or regular family support.
College student
US checking account
2Paths that fit, in order
No SSN: ITIN, passport or international credit history
Try first
A small number of issuers state that they accept an ITIN instead of an SSN, or can use a credit report from another country. Check the country list — not every country is covered.
With an ITIN you can apply for products that state they accept an ITIN instead of an SSN.
To apply: Marketed for fair credit; no credit score required to apply. Capital One's ITIN guide lists this card among those you may be able to get with an ITIN.
Upgrade: Automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months.
An unsecured, no-rewards card with no deposit required.
How to graduate: Ask for a credit limit increase after 6–12 months of on-time payments; product-change to a rewards card later.
Secured card
Also consider
You pay a refundable security deposit that usually equals your credit limit. It reports to the credit bureaus like any card — the most reliable first step when nothing else is approved.
You put down a refundable deposit, which usually becomes your credit limit. Approval is easier because the deposit protects the bank.
Use it like a normal card for 6–12 months; many issuers review you for an upgrade and a deposit refund.
$0 annual feeSSN or ITINDeposit: $200 minimum refundable deposit
To apply: Requirements not listed on the product page; you can check eligibility without a credit score impact. Capital One's ITIN guide lists this card among those you may be able to get with an ITIN.
Upgrade: With responsible use you could earn your deposit back and upgrade to an unsecured Quicksilver card; no timing stated.
Need an SSN: Discover it® Secured Credit Card, BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card, Citi® Secured Mastercard®
How to graduate: Many issuers review secured accounts for an upgrade to unsecured with the deposit returned; close it only after you graduate.
Authorized user on someone else’s card
Also consider
A spouse, partner or relative with good US credit adds you to their account. You get a card in your name; they stay responsible for the bill.
A spouse or relative with good US credit can add you to their card. Many issuers report the account on your report too — confirm with the issuer.
How to graduate: Treat it as a boost, not a replacement — open your own card as soon as you can.
Credit-builder account or card
Later
Fintech products that report your on-time payments without a traditional credit check, often tied to a checking or savings account with them.
Credit-builder products report on-time payments to the credit bureaus without a traditional credit check.
The examples we list for this path ask for an SSN (or don’t say they accept an ITIN).
How to graduate: Use it alongside a first credit card; once you have a score, a regular card is usually the better long-term tool.
Build credit in 12 months: checklist
Month 0Open one first card. Set autopay for the statement balance. Put one small recurring bill on it (e.g. your phone plan).
Months 1–3Keep the balance reported on each statement low — many guides suggest under 30% of the limit, lower is better. Never miss a payment.
Month 3Check your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com; make sure the card shows up and your name and address are right.
Month 6myFICO says a file needs an account at least 6 months old (and one updated in the last 6 months) to get a FICO score. Do not open several new cards at once.
Months 6–9Ask for a credit limit increase, or for a secured card upgrade, if the issuer offers it.
Months 9–12Consider a second, no-annual-fee card from a mainstream issuer. Keep your oldest card open — length of history counts.
What not to do
Don’t pay late — payment history is the largest part of a FICO score (35%).
Don’t max out the card, even if you pay in full later; the statement balance is what gets reported.
Don’t apply for many cards in a few weeks — each application can mean a hard inquiry.
Don’t pay for “credit repair” or buy “tradelines”; and never share your SSN with someone promising a fast score.
Don’t close your first card after you upgrade; an old account helps the length of your history.
FAQ
What is the difference between an ITIN and an SSN?
An SSN comes from the Social Security Administration and is for people authorized to work in the US. An ITIN comes from the IRS (Form W-7) for people who have a federal tax reason but are not eligible for an SSN; it is for tax purposes only and does not authorize work. Some card issuers accept an ITIN on applications; many still require an SSN.
Can I apply for an SSN just to get a credit card?
No. SSNs for noncitizens are generally tied to permission to work from DHS. If you are not eligible, an ITIN (if you have a tax filing reason) or a product that states it needs no SSN are the options.
Does my credit history from China transfer to the US?
No — US credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) do not import Chinese credit reports, so you start with no US file. A few issuers can look at credit reports from certain other countries through a cross-border service; check whether your country is on their list.
I got my SSN after opening a card with an ITIN. What now?
Contact the issuer to update your record to your SSN, and make sure the credit bureaus show a single file. Then keep paying on time — the history you built stays with you.
CFPB: What is a credit score? — Defines a credit score as a prediction of how likely you are to pay a loan back on time, based on your credit reports. (checked 2026-10-31)
AnnualCreditReport.com — The official site for free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (named by the CFPB and FTC). (checked 2026-10-31)
Capital One: How to get a credit card with an ITIN — Capital One's guide (April 30, 2026) listing its cards you may be able to get with an ITIN, including Platinum Secured, Quicksilver Secured, Platinum and the student cards. (checked 2026-10-31)
American Express: Can you get a credit card without an SSN? — Amex guide covering ITINs, becoming an authorized user, secured cards, and Amex's Nova Credit partnership for immigrants from "certain countries" (no country list given). (checked 2026-10-31)
Nova Credit: Credit Passport coverage — Nova Credit lists the countries whose credit history it can translate (Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Germany, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK and others); China is not on the list. (checked 2026-10-31)
