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No SSN and no ITIN: where to start with credit in the US

US credit bureaus keep your history under an SSN, and some lenders also accept an ITIN. With only a passport almost every card and loan will say no. That is normal in your first months, not a sign that something is wrong with you.

What you can do right now: open an account, send money home for less, and get the number that opens the next step.

An account with a passport

Majority accepts a government ID from any country, such as a passport. Wise verifies non-US citizens with their foreign ID, but may ask for an SSN or ITIN for some USD features.

Majority

Majority

Open with a passport

Monthly fee
$0 or $6.99 (Plus)
Transfer fee
$1.99 on Base
Reports to
TransUnion (Plus card)

on the Majority website

Open account
Wise

Wise

Multi-currency account

Account
Free
Transfer fee
From 0.23%
Debit card
$9-10 once

on the Wise website

Open account

Send money home

Remitly

Remitly

First transfer without a fee

Transfer fee
$0 first transfer
Account
Free

on the Remitly website

Send money
WorldRemit

WorldRemit

Transfers to 130+ countries

Where
130+ countries
Credit limit
$9,000 a day by card
Monthly fee
$0

on the WorldRemit website

Send money

Step by step

  1. 1

    Open an account that works with a passport

    Some apps open a US account with a passport. You get a debit card and a place for your pay. A debit card does not build credit, but you need an account for everything that comes next.

  2. 2

    Find out which number you can get

    If you are allowed to work in the US, apply for an SSN at the Social Security Administration. If you cannot get an SSN but must file a US tax return, you can apply to the IRS for an ITIN with Form W-7.

  3. 3

    Start your credit history

    Once you have an SSN or ITIN, open one small product that reports your payments to the credit bureaus, and pay on time every month.

  4. 4

    Then a first card

    After several months of on-time payments you will have a credit score. That is when a secured card or a starter card makes sense.

Questions people ask

Can I get a credit card with only a passport?

Rarely. Most card issuers ask for an SSN or ITIN. Majority gives a secured Visa card to members on its Plus plan without an SSN, and it reports your payments to TransUnion.

Is an ITIN free?

Applying at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or at a VITA site is free. You can also mail Form W-7 with your tax return. Acceptance agents may charge for their help. It takes about 7 weeks, or 9-11 weeks in tax season (January 15 to April 30) and when you apply from abroad.

Does an ITIN let me work in the US?

No. An ITIN does not authorize work, does not change immigration status and does not give Social Security benefits. It is a number for taxes, and some banks and lenders accept it.