Best Credit Cards Without a Social Security Number (SSN)
At a Glance
There are a variety of reasons why a person living in the U.S. may not currently have a Social Security Number. For those unfamiliar with an SSN, it is a unique nine-digit number issued to citizens and permanent residents which is used to track the records of an individual’s finances. Many people believe that without an SSN, they cannot have access to financial products such as credit cards, but this simply isn’t true. Below, we will look at how to apply for a credit card without SSN along with the best options to consider.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Comparing the top credit cards without SSN requirements
While the majority of people in the U.S. have a Social Security Number, not everybody is in this group. Consider the following credit cards that require no SSN when applying to get your finances on track today:
| Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Signup Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Rise | 1.5% Cash Back | N/A |
| American Express Gold | 4x Membership Rewards points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines on amextravel.com, and 1x on all other purchases | Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on the card within the first six months of account opening |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases | N/A |
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card | Earn 2x Membership Rewards on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 every year, then 1x Rewards on everything else | N/A |
| Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats along with 1.5% cash back on everything else. | Earn $50 cash back when you spend $100 within the first three months of account opening |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card | 4 points per dollar on dining, 2 points per dollar on groceries, and 1 point per dollar on everything else | Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening |
A closer look at the best credit cards without SSN
While the above table of the best credit cards without SSN offered an excellent high-level overview of the top cards, it’s important to dive a little deeper into the details below:
Chase Freedom Rise
Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR: None
Regular APR: 26.99% Variable APR
Signup bonus: N/A
Our verdict: The Chase Freedom Rise is a lesser-known card amongst the company’s suite of credit card offerings, but it is also one of their most important: it may not require an SSN depending on your situation. The Freedom Rise offers a blanket 1.5% cash back on all purchases and doesn’t have an annual fee, making it a cheap card to own. While the 26.99% variable APR may seem high, the fact that Chase is willing to increase your odds of approval so long as you have a Chase account funded with at least $250 offsets this downside.
Pros:
- There is no annual fee to hold the card
- Cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase made with the card
Cons:
- There is no introductory APR period
- The variable APR starts quite high at 26.99%
- There is no sign-up bonus for the card
Apply now: Chase Freedom Rise
American Express Gold Card
Rewards rate: 4x Membership Rewards points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines on amextravel.com, and 1x on all other purchases
Annual fee: $250
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 21.24%-29.24% Variable APR
Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on the card within the first six months of account opening
Our verdict: Those who love to go shopping for food should certainly consider the American Express Gold Card as the best credit card without an SSN required. While this isn’t always the case, it’s not uncommon for American Express to approve an application with an alternative proof of identity. With this card, you can earn 4x points back at restaurants and supermarkets which are two of the most common expense categories. Additionally, this card offers a massive bonus worth $600 that can be put towards expenses or even travel in the Amex Travel portal.
Pros:
- The sizable welcome bonus that is relatively easy to earn in the mentioned period
- Large earnings available at supermarkets and for general food purchases
- Access to the Amex Travel portal which is full of discounts
Cons:
- A large annual fee of $250 may make this card unaffordable for some
- No introductory APR period
Apply now: American Express Gold Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases
Annual fee: $39
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 30.49% Variable APR
Signup bonus: N/A
Our verdict: Capital One is an accredited company in the credit card space and their QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is excellent for those without an SSN. Offering a blanket 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this card is similar to the aforementioned Chase Freedom Rise. There is a low $39 annual fee, making this a cheap card to own as well.
Pros:
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase made on the card
- Low annual fee of only $39
Cons:
- No sign-up bonus offered
- No introductory APR period offered
- High starting APR at 30.49%
Apply now: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Learn more: Capital One QuicksilverOne Card Review
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card
Rewards rate: Earn 2x Membership Rewards on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 every year, then 1x Rewards on everything else
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR: 0% APR for the first twelve months.
Regular APR: 18.49%-26.49% Variable APR
Signup bonus: N/A
Our verdict: For business owners who don’t happen to have an SSN but still have business expenses to take care of, the Blue Business Plus credit card from American Express can help. As the best without SSN credit card for business owners, this card offers 2x points on all business purchases of up to $50,000 yearly but allows you to continue earning with 1x points on everything else. There is also no annual fee to hold the card and an introductory APR period.
Pros:
- The ability to earn 2x points on business expenses and 1x on everything else
- No annual fee on the card
- Introductory 0% APR period available
Cons:
- No sign-up bonus is offered for the card
- The earnings rate has a cap of $50,000 which may be low for some businesses
Apply now: Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards rate: Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats along with 1.5% cash back on everything else.
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Signup bonus: Earn $50 cash back when you spend $100 within the first three months of account opening
Our verdict: Serving as the best credit card for international students without SSN, the Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards credit card gives cardholders an astounding 10% cash back on purchases through Uber and Uber Eats, which are two common expense categories for students in dorms. Additionally, this credit card without SSN international student offering gives cardholders 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. All of the above comes with no annual fee and even a small welcome bonus that only requires spending $100 on the card within three months, making it one of the most affordable cards on this list.
Pros:
- No annual fee on the credit card
- Massive 10% rewards earnings on food or transportation purchases through Uber
- There is an, albeit small, welcome bonus offered
Cons:
- There is no introductory APR period
Apply now: Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card
Rewards rate: Four points per dollar on dining, two points per dollar on groceries, and one point per dollar on everything else
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 26.99% Variable APR
Signup bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
Our verdict: Finally, the last credit card on this list of best credit cards for people with no Social Security number is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card. Offering a large 4 points back on dining purchases and 2 points back on grocery purchases, this no-annual-fee card is a staple choice for a person’s wallet. Given that it’s a secured card, meaning a deposit is required before borrowing, it is also easier to get approved for than other cards given the lower risk on behalf of the issuer.
Pros:
- Multiple rewards earnings categories are available
- No annual fee on the card
- A sizable welcome bonus is offered on the card
Cons:
- Secured cards may not be ideal for some consumers
- No introductory APR period is offered
Apply now: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
Why do card issuers require social security numbers?
Naturally, when looking at getting a credit card without SSN or ITIN, you may be wondering why card issuers even often require this information in the first place. The government holds financial institutions responsible for the people who partner with them and, as a part of this, requires a form of identification to track financial activity to spot criminals or financial terrorists. This is also why another form of identification is required if you cannot provide an SSN.
Card issuers that will consider applications without SSN
As mentioned based on the above cards, many companies will consider issuing a credit card if no SSN has been presented. However, the most commonly seen issuers include:
1. American Express Global Card Relationship
This member-only service offered by American Express allows select card members to apply for a new American Express personal card in select countries around the world, naturally meaning no SSN is required for those other cards.
2. Citibank Global Banking
Similar to the American Express Global Card Relationship, the Citibank Global Banking experience offers additional credit cards for other countries that do not require an SSN.
3. Other card issuers
Based on the above, several different card issuers offer cards without an SSN. Chase, U.S. Bank, and more are other brands that offer special cards for this purpose.
How to get a credit card without a social security number
When applying for a credit card without a social security number, a person will not simply be able to breeze through the application process without something in its place. Typically, with no SSN, a person must show proof of identification via a driver’s license and ITIN, which is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number that is only available to nonresident and resident aliens within the United States who pay taxes.
Methodology
In looking at the best credit card without SSN for international students, general residents, and more, a variety of factors were considered. The most notable of these factors included:
- Whether or not a card had an annual fee and how much the annual fee was
- Whether or not the card offered rewards earnings categories
- Whether or not the card offered a sign-up bonus to the cardholder
- Whether there was a potential opportunity to upgrade the card eventually
- The reputation of the card issuer overall
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
FAQs
Generally, once you have been approved for a credit card what you do on that account is up to your discretion. In certain situations, however, a company may require you to present the SSN of an authorized user which is something to be prepared for. Other companies may just require their name, birthday, and address, though this is less common.
No, international credit history will generally not transfer to the U.S., and the major financial institutions will instead look at bank account records to gain a sense of your financial history.
Yes, international students are among the most common groups to apply for a credit card without an SSN while in the U.S. By applying for a credit builder card with loose requirements and showing an alternative form of identification and proof of income, international students can get approved for certain credit cards with no SSN.
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