Can You Get a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number?
Getting your hands on a credit card without a Social Security number can seem like a daunting task. However it is most certainly possible!
Getting a credit card without a Social Security number happens for people every day in the United States when the reasons are necessary and legal!
Although it is indeed true that the majority of banks need your social security number when applying for any type of credit card, there are still ways to successfully move forward with your credit card application – and with your credit card approval – without having a Social Security card in your wallet.
No Social Security Card, What Are You Option for Being a Credit Card Holder?
Social Security Numbers are issued by the American Social Security Administration. A unique Social Security Number (SSN) is created and distributed to folks who are born in the United States.
Being a newcomer to the United States can make getting a credit card account quite challenging. But it is NOT impossible! Why? There are credit cards in existence that don’t require a Social Security number.
There are many possibilities based on your exact situation:
If You Are an International Student
If so then that is terrific. Bravo for you! There are quite a different number of banks and other issuers of credit cards, as well as financial institutions, that accept passports and visas from international student credit card applicants in place of a social security card number. That is such a great thing!
If You Somehow Pay Taxes in the United States
Furthermore, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (also called an ITIN) that you use to file your income taxes for the United States, you will discover credit card issuers that will allow you to apply for your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Facts: A social security card is not necessary for you to acquire an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Further, you CAN get a credit card without a Social Security number.
Furthermore, the best way for you to gain good credit is to actually use your credit. But please make sure you utilize that credit carefully and wisely.
To begin, let’s start with the main differences between a Social Security Number and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number:
What Is A Social Security Number?
A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identity card required for every person born in the United States. A Social Security card is a very important identification card. It includes a nine digit number that is the Social Security card holder’s exclusive nine-digit identification number.
There are many circumstances where you could get a Social Security Number. Among them, you can get one if you are:
- Authorized to work within the United States
- Legal resident of the U.S.
- Foreign people authorized to work in and/or with a business located in the United States
What Is An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is also a unique number. It is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be used by resident aliens to file for their United States-related taxes. It also allows them to pay for the taxes.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is also distributed to the spouse and to the dependents of a resident alien.
For people who are nonresident aliens within (or outside of) the United States, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number will be issued to them if they are involved in any type of business or trade transaction.
The ITIN is used for the necessity of tax filing on any income earned through United States business dealings in any given year.
How An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Can Be Available to You
You do not have to be involved in a U.S.-based or related business to receive your ITIN.
Getting an ITIN can be pretty convenient if you are note eligible to receive a Social Security Number. It is also relatively easy to get one.
Whether you are in the United States with an F-1 Visa (a Visa that students have for academic education) or if you’re within the U.S. utilizing an M-1 Visa (vocational education type), you are eligible to apply for your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
If you are a student from another country who is residing in the United States for school and for learning, you can apply to receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This is true even if you are not eligible to receive a Social Security number.
How to apply for an ITIN?
Ready to apply for and receive your student ITIN? To get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, you need:
- The IRS Form W-7 form completed.
- Documents that prove your genuine identity
- Documents of your foreign status
Then what is the next step? It’s easy! Just submit your information through the post office, or hand it all in, in person, at any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Once you have received your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, you can apply for a new credit card!
Some of the Best Credit Cards To Apply For When You Don’t Have a Social Security Number
If you finally got an ITIN, then you can apply for some credit card with it and without any SSN.
There have been many comparisons made for your best credit card issuers to connect with when you need that plastic card – but don’t have a Social Security number.
Just a few of the credit cards that are best for you to start out with applying to include:
- The Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
- The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One and
- The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
No Credit History? No Problem!
Building your credit up in the United States is crucial for everyday living in the country. That being said, if you have no credit history, you can still apply for a credit card.
For example, both American Express and Bank of America accept credit card applications from people without a social security card. However, they will require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and a passport.
Need to Build Your Credit? A Secured Credit Card is Key!
As a newcomer to the United States – be it study, business, family, or anything else – it can often be difficult to build credit and obtain any credit cards. But as we said previously, it is definitely NOT impossible!
That is why a secured credit card is the key to beginning your credit building – and credit history – success.
According to the information-filled Goalry, “Credit is a major part of our lives. It provides you with choices about the places you live and even the jobs you get. Yet somehow, the overall experience of credit continues to be difficult to understand and isolated from your overall finances. It all starts by recognizing that credit is one component that ties into your larger financial picture.”
The Other Types of Cards for Building Your Credit
As previously stated, you have many options to get a credit card and to build your credit from scratch even if you don’t have a Social Security Number.
International people with no credit history and staying within the United States need to obtain a secured credit card in order to begin and build up their credit. Though limited by factors such as a smaller number of fund limits, a secured card is the best way to begin on your road to building credit.
With a secured credit card, you begin by depositing your own funds into your bank. These funds act as a deposit. You then use those deposited funds to make purchases. Be sure to pay those funds back into your secured card in a timely manner. That way you will ensure a build-up of trust. Of course, you don’t have to take a secured credit card and some other alternatives do exist. However, it is a good and easy move!
Conclusion
It is our hope and intention to help guide you to apply for, and receive, an actual credit card (and a good one, at that!). Helping you even if you don’t have a Social Security number.
Need or want more information on this? Remember to visit our large and information-filled Goalry mall. You’re sure to find answers and solutions to all of your credit card questions and needs!
We’re here for you.
