How to Get a Credit Card With an ITIN Number?

Are you interested in getting a US credit card but don’t have a Social Security Number? Don’t worry — you don’t actually need one. In the US, you can get a credit card with ITIN number instead of using an SSN. 

In this article, we’ll tell you all there is to know about how to apply for a credit card with ITIN number. We’ll share a list of major card issuers that accept ITIN instead of an SSN, and will discuss what types of credit cards you can get with an ITIN number. But, before we dive into that, let’s first quickly review some basic information about ITIN.

What Is ITIN?

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN number always starts with a “9,” which distinguishes it from an SSN. It’s primarily used for tax purposes and is usually issued to:

• Foreigners who must file tax returns or report income to the IRS
• Certain visa holders  
• Resident aliens
• Dependents of nonresidents or resident aliens

The ITIN number lasts for three consecutive years, and every time you file a personal US tax form, you extend its duration by an additional three years.

How to Get an ITIN Number?

Before you can get a credit card with ITIN, you first need to get an ITIN number. And to do that, you should:

• Fill out the W-7 form — Follow the instructions provided by the IRS closely. A single mistake can greatly increase processing times.
• Fill out a federal tax return — Your ITIN application must include either the 1040 or 1040NR form. Which one you fill out will depend on your legal status. Filling out this form will extend your ITIN duration by three years. 
• Provide identification — You must have valid identification documents, such as a passport or an ID.

After preparing all the documentation (W-7 form, federal tax return, and identification documents), you can now actually apply for an ITIN number. There are three ways you can do that:

• In-person — Deliver all the documents to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. The biggest downside is that you must be physically present in the US.
• Via mail — Send the document to the following address: Internal Revenue Service. ITIN Operation. P.O. Box 149342. Austin TX 78714-9342. Doing it by mail can take between 8-12 weeks. 
• Contact an acceptance agent — An Acceptance agent is a person or an entity with full IRS authorization to help nonresidents get an ITIN number. They will make sure the entire process is done correctly and that you get your ITIN as fast as possible. 

NRI works with a network of acceptance agents and can help you get your ITIN number fast for only $400! Book a free call to learn more about getting an ITIN. 

Can You Get a Credit Card With an ITIN Number?

Yes, you can get a credit card with ITIN! Many major credit card issuers will allow you to get a credit card with ITIN instead of an SSN. However, it’s important to note here that credit card issuers have their own criteria, and there’s a possibility that some of them won’t be willing to work with you. That’s why, to increase your chances of getting a credit card with ITIN, your best bet is to get in touch with as many issuers as possible and learn about their requirements. 

Get a Credit Card With ITIN Number: Major Issuers and Their Policies 

Here’s a table of the major US credit card issuers and their policies regarding getting a credit card with ITIN number:

How to Apply for Credit Card With ITIN Number?: 4 Main Steps

Here are the main steps you should consider when applying for a credit card with ITIN number:

1. Gather Required Documentation

The first step in getting a credit card with ITIN is to get your documents sorted and ready. In most cases, you’ll need the following documentation:

• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN 
• Proof of identity (e.g., passport, ID card, etc)
• Proof of income (e.g., pay stub, tax returns, or bank statements)
• Proof of assets (e.g., if you own real estate, you’ll need to show proof of ownership)
• Proof of address (important because the credit card will be sent to you via mail)
• US residency status (whether you have it or not)

2. Choose a Credit Card Issuer That Accepts ITIN

Not all credit card issuers will accept an ITIN number for a credit card. That’s why you should do your research and look for banks or other financial institutions that allow credit card applications with an ITIN. Check out the above table to get more information on which major institutions accept ITIN and which don’t.

3. Fill out the Application

Once you’ve gathered all the documents and chosen an issuer, it’s time to complete the credit card application. Typically, you can apply for a credit card with ITIN online or over the phone. However, there are some issuers that will require you to fill out the application in person. 

4. Wait for Approval

And lastly, you’ll have to wait. After submitting your application for a credit card with an ITIN number, the issuer will spend some time reviewing your information. If you get approved, the issue will send you a credit card through the mail. If your application is denied, consider applying with a different issuer. 

Types of Credit Cards You Can Get With An ITIN

Do you want to apply for credit card with ITIN number? Here are some types of credit cards that you can get with an ITIN:

Secured ITIN Credit Card

If you don’t have any US credit history or have a poor credit score, your best option is to apply for a secured credit card with ITIN. A secured credit card is a credit card that requires a cash deposit that serves as collateral. For example, if you put in $400 as a deposit, your credit card limit will be $400. If you put in $4,000, your limit will be $4,000, and so on…

Secured credit cards are a great way to establish a US credit history. By using the secured ITIN credit card responsibly, making timely payments, and maintaining a good balance, you can build your US credit history and score. If you keep doing this for a year or two, the issuer will likely offer you a higher credit limit or an upgrade to an unsecured card. 

Student ITIN Credit Card

Some US student visas will allow you to get a student ITIN credit card. Because these credit cards are designed for students, the usual credit limit will be lower when compared to most other types of credit cards. The main benefit of a student ITIN card is that it allows you to build a US credit score, which will allow you to get loans and mortgages more easily in the future.

Unsecured ITIN Credit Card

Unsecured ITIN credit cards don’t require any deposit, unlike the secured ones. Because there’s no deposit, the credit limit is based on creditworthiness, income, and other factors that the issuer deems relevant. Unsecured ITIN cards can also have higher interest rates as a way to protect the issuers. They are usually more difficult to obtain than secured credit cards.

3 Main Benefits of Getting a Credit Card With ITIN

1. Building US Credit History

The most significant benefit of getting a credit card with ITIN number is the ability to build your US credit history and score. By transferring your income to the account connected to the ITIN card, regularly using the card, and keeping a positive balance, you’ll start building your credit score. Yes, it will take a couple of years to build it up, but after that, you’ll be able to apply for different types of loans, mortgages, and other financial services.

2. Access to US Financial Products

An ITIN credit card will allow you to build your US credit score. A good credit score gives you easier access to different US financial products. The better your score is, the less money you’ll have to put up for a downpayment. Also, with good credit, you can expect better (i.e., lower) interest rates. Some financial products that you’ll gain access to by using an ITIN credit card include:

• ITIN mortgage loans (for non-US citizens; designed to finance primary residences)
• US mortgage loans for nonresidents 
• Personal loans
• Car loans
• Student loans

3. Cash Back and Travel Rewards

Some ITIN credit cards may offer different rewards, such as cash-back or travel rewards. By using a credit card to pay for travel, hotels, meals at certain restaurants, and more, you can get some of the money you’ve spent back. Doing this will also help you build your US credit score.