Can you get a credit card without a social security number?

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It may take a little longer.

Key Point

• If you work in the United States, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This will replace her SSN on the credit card application.
• However, if your credit history is lacking here, you should start with a secure credit card or apply for an issuer that operates internationally.
• Some student credit cards are designed specifically with international students in mind.

If you are a U.S. citizen, your parents may have applied for a Social Security Number (SSN) and received your birth certificate at the same time you registered your birth, so you may have been issued a Social Security Number (SSN) shortly after your birth. There is a nature. This 9-digit number is part of your important data.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) created the Social Security Number in 1936. It was originally devised as a way for the federal government to track income and issue retirement benefits. Today, however, it’s the key to unlocking much of your personal and financial life, which is why you’re asked for it when applying for a personal loan, mortgage, or other financial product. What if I don’t have a social security number and need a credit card? You can try several different strategies.

You may be able to use your ITIN

Only citizens and permanent residents can obtain Social Security numbers, but noncitizens who live and work in the United States are issued a separate number. This is called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This tax treatment number is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and anyone in need can apply to her IRS using Form W-7. ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status and are used for federal tax reporting only. Also, US citizens without a social security number for any reason are not eligible to obtain an ITIN.

If you apply for a credit card, you can replace the social security number on your application with your ITIN. Same 9 digits as SSN. However, just because you have a unique 9-digit number to plug into your credit card application doesn’t mean it will be approved. A credit history is also required. The following options may be valid:

You can apply for a secure credit card

One of the pitfalls of applying for a credit card without an SSN is that you may have a poor credit history. solution? You will need to establish a credit history, and opening a secure credit card using your ITIN may be the only solution. A secure credit card works by requiring a security deposit when opening an account. The collateral provided in the form of that security deposit increases your odds of being approved, even if you don’t have an established credit history.

However, credit limits are often the same as security deposits, so secured cards usually have significantly lower limits. Let’s say you open a secure card and the deposit is $500. That will be your credit limit. If you keep your credit card usage low and make monthly repayments, you will accumulate credit, and depending on the card, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured credit card after a certain period of time.

You can look to international credit card issuers

Another way to get a credit card authorization without an SSN is to apply with a card issuer that also offers credit cards outside the United States. American Express and Citibank are such companies. If you have any credit history in your home country, this will be verified when you apply for a US credit card with that card issuer. However, you may have to take a few more steps than usual to apply to these companies. If possible, try calling your bank branch or applying in person. That way, you can explain the situation to a human representative. This makes the overall application experience easier.

Special options are available for students without an SSN

Some student credit cards are designed specifically for international students and can only be applied for with a passport, student visa or immigration form. However, you probably also need a US bank account to maintain your credit card. Student credit cards typically don’t require a security deposit, but they have similar parameters to secure credit cards, such as lower limits. They are aimed at low-income people who are new to using credit and want to establish a good credit history.

A credit card is a convenient financial tool that allows you to apply for and get approved without a social security number. During the application process, you have to go a little further.