Last Updated on 2 weeks ago by Hector Reyes
Updated for 2026
Moving to the United States is exciting — but building credit from scratch without a Social Security Number (SSN) can feel impossible. The good news: you don’t need an SSN to get your first credit card in America, as long as you know which issuers actually accept an ITIN.
In this guide, we cover the credit cards for immigrants in 2026 that genuinely accept an ITIN or alternative identification, verified directly against each issuer’s own policy — not just repeated from other “best of” lists.
What You Need Instead of an SSN
Most immigrants can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. Several major credit card issuers accept an ITIN in place of an SSN — but not all of them, and policies are easy to get wrong, so always confirm directly with the issuer before applying.
Best Credit Cards for Immigrants in 2026
1. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Accepts ITIN directly (confirmed on Capital One’s own site). No credit history required. Earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, no annual fee. Your deposit — typically $49 to $200 — becomes your credit limit, starting at $200. Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
2. OpenSky Secured Visa
No credit check required to apply — OpenSky states an 89% approval rate. Accepts either an SSN or an ITIN (OpenSky explicitly states it accepts ITINs for immigrants and non-citizens). Deposit starts at $200. $35 annual fee, 23.89% variable APR. Reports to all three bureaus, with potential graduation to an unsecured card after 6 months.
3. Firstcard Secured Credit Builder
According to Firstcard, designed specifically for immigrants and international students — may not require an SSN if you have an ITIN or passport. Always confirm current terms (fees, APR, deposit) directly on their site before applying, since this is newer to the market than the other options here.
4. Capital One Platinum Secured Card
A second confirmed ITIN-friendly option from Capital One if Quicksilver’s terms don’t fit your situation. No annual fee, deposit from $49 to $200 for a $200 starting limit, reports to all three bureaus.
5. Credit union secured cards
Many credit unions — particularly ones serving immigrant communities — offer secured cards that accept ITIN, sometimes with lower deposit minimums than national issuers. Terms vary significantly, so confirm ITIN acceptance directly with the credit union before applying.
Note: Current’s “Build Card” and Self’s secured Visa card are sometimes listed in other “best of” roundups as ITIN-friendly, but we could not confirm this directly — Current’s own support documentation states it requires an SSN with no ITIN alternative mentioned. If you’re considering either, confirm directly with the company before applying.
How to Choose the Right Card
Consider these factors before applying: whether the issuer accepts ITIN (confirm directly, don’t rely on secondhand lists), the minimum deposit required, whether the card reports to all three bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax), and whether there’s an annual fee.
How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?
Most immigrants see their first credit score within 3 to 6 months of opening their first U.S. credit account. Reaching a score above 700 typically takes 12 to 18 months of consistent on-time payments.
Comparing Your Options
| Card | ITIN Accepted | Credit Check | Deposit | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | Yes (confirmed) | Soft check | $49-$200 | $0 |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | Yes (confirmed) | None | From $200 | $35 |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Yes (confirmed) | Soft check | $49-$200 | $0 |
| Firstcard Secured Credit Builder | Per issuer, confirm directly | Varies | Confirm directly | Confirm directly |
| Credit union secured cards | Often, confirm directly | Varies | Often lower | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card without an SSN?
Yes. Issuers like Capital One and OpenSky accept an ITIN instead. Always verify directly with the issuer, since not every card marketed to immigrants actually accepts ITIN in place of an SSN.
What is an ITIN and how do I get one?
An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS to people who don’t qualify for an SSN. You apply by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. See our step-by-step ITIN guide for the full process — it typically takes 7-11 weeks.
Will a secured card help me build credit?
Yes, as long as the card reports to all three major credit bureaus — confirm this before applying, since not every card does.
What’s the fastest way to build credit as an immigrant?
Open a secured card with a confirmed ITIN-accepting issuer, keep your balance below 30% of your limit, and pay on time every month.
Written by Hector Reyes — based on 2026 research verified directly against each issuer’s own stated policies. Issuer requirements, fees, and terms change; always confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying.