And unfortunately, your credit history in a different country doesn’t automatically transfer to the U.S. Without a credit history in the U.S., international students and new immigrants are starting from scratch. Newcomers to the country or international students who get an SSN or ITIN may still struggle to qualify for a traditional credit card. Discover requires applicants to submit an SSN.
Citi accepts applications from consumers with an ITIN.Chase allows applicants to use an ITIN in place of an SSN.Capital One will accept applications from borrowers with an ITIN.Bank of America will accept applications from people with an ITIN or passport information.American Express will accept applications from people with an ITIN or passport information.What you need to apply for a credit card depends on the issuer: Credit cards that don’t require a Social Security number You can submit this information by mail or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. You’ll need to provide documents that prove your foreign or alien status and true identity. To get an ITIN, you must first complete IRS Form W-7, also known as the IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You’d do this if you are in the country on an F-1 visa (students in traditional academic programs) or an M-1 visa (students in vocational programs). If you are an international student studying in the U.S., you can apply for an ITIN even if you are ineligible for an SSN. throughout the year since they need to file taxes on this income each year. Nonresident aliens, for instance, might need an ITIN if they are engaged in trade or business transactions in the U.S. The number is given to nonresident and resident aliens and their spouses and dependents who can’t obtain an SSN but must still pay U.S. can apply for an SSN if they are approved to work in the country.Īn ITIN is issued by the IRS and is used when people need to file their taxes. or are authorized to work in the country. SSNs are issued by the Social Security Administration to people born in the U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Other card issuers will allow people to apply for a credit card with what is known as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which can be used to file income taxes. Some credit card issuers will accept visa or passport information from applicants.