7 Best Credit Cards Without a Social Security Number (SSN) in 2024

One of the most common misconceptions about credit cards is that you must be a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number (SSN) to qualify for a credit card.

Sure, in the past, it was harder to find a bank willing to offer a credit card to people without a Social Security number, but personal finance has come a very long way since then.

With the advent of technology and the desire to appeal to more individuals, banks have loosened eligibility criteria for credit cards knowing that most people are responsible, even if you don’t have a Social Security number.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best cards (both personal and business) you can open without a Social Security number!

What To Look for in a Credit Card Without a Social Security Number

In general, most major banks and financial institutions allow you to open a credit card without a Social Security number provided you have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

For U.S. citizens, your taxpayer ID number is your Social Security number. But if you’re not a U.S. citizen and have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can use your ITIN to apply in lieu of a Social Security number.

However, the catch here is that if you don’t have a Social Security number, chances are your credit history is very limited (or nonexistent entirely).

And with lots of the top credit cards requiring excellent credit, you may find yourself running into issues getting approved for credit cards, even if you are eligible without a Social Security number.

Ideally, the best credit cards without an SSN will also offer the best rewards and benefits possible. That’s exactly what we’ve focused on in this guide; let’s take a look at the best personal cards first!

Best Personal Cards

Card Summary

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

INTRO OFFER

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Up to $300 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The top personal credit card we recommend for those without an SSN is the Freedom Unlimited card, which happens to be one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards in the business.

In general, we recommend this card for those who want to maximize rewards and can pay off bills in full regularly. Also, this credit card is best suited for those who have good to excellent credit.

Chase allows you to sign up for the Freedom Unlimited card using an ITIN, which is great news for those without an SSN.

The singular best feature of this card, however, is the rewards structure:

• 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 5% cash-back on Lyft through March 31, 2025
• 3% cash-back on dining (including takeout) and at drugstores
• 1.5% cash-back on other purchases

The second-best feature of this credit card is that you can convert your cash-back into Ultimate Rewards points if you get an Ultimate Rewards credit card. We’ll expand on that in the section below.

Meanwhile, the Freedom Unlimited card boasts travel insurance (including trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance), purchase protection, extended warranty, zero liability fraud protection, and access to Chase Credit Journey.

Lastly, this credit card has no additional annual fees for authorized users.

Why We Like Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

We alluded to this above, but the rewards earned from the Freedom Unlimited card can be converted at a 1% to 1x ratio if you have an Ultimate Rewards credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® or Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card.

At that point, you’ll essentially double your return on spending, since we value Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece. That’s equivalent to a maximum return on spending of 10% via the Freedom Unlimited card!

You can transfer your points to travel partners for business and first class award travel.

If you don’t have an Ultimate Rewards card, you can redeem your Freedom Unlimited card’s rewards for a fixed value through statement credits, gift cards, travel bookings through Chase Travel, and Amazon.com purchases via Shop with Points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

BEST BEGINNER CARD

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a legendary credit card for those looking to maximize rewards. In fact, this credit card is one of the best choices for beginners.

Although this card is usually best for those with good to excellent credit, it’s not unheard of for those with a relatively limited credit history (and no SSN) to apply and get approved.

It boasts a leading welcome bonus, as well as one of the best earning structures available:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 5x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 1x points on other purchases

But wait, it gets even better because the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with a 10% anniversary rewards bonus on your total spend on the card in a calendar year!

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit every anniversary year, plus a 25% redemption bonus on Chase travel portal bookings and Pay Yourself Back.

Also, it has a free DoorDash DashPass subscription (activate by December 31, 2027), excellent travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, no foreign transaction fees, and authorized users for no additional annual fees!

Bottom Line:The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of the best credit cards in the business. We ranked this card lower on our list because it’s generally more difficult to get approved for compared to other card options in this guide if you don’t have an SSN and established credit history.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Platinum card is great for those looking to build up their credit score and credit history, without paying a deposit or annual fee.

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum card is great for those looking to build up their credit score and credit history, without paying a deposit or annual fee.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Good (580-739)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re ready to get serious about building or rebuilding your credit, you’ll want a credit card for which approval is probable, one that has a simple structure and is easy to manage, and ideally, has some benefits you can use. This is where the Capital One Platinum Credit Card really shines.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free credit monitoring

Cons

• Does not earn rewards
• The high APR can be costly if you carry a balance

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
• Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
• Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
• Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
• Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 29.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Capital One Platinum card is one of the easiest credit cards to get without an SSN and without an established credit history.

Normally, this card is best suited for those who need to rebuild or establish their credit.

This credit card doesn’t offer any rewards, which makes sense — the card’s focus is on building credit.

With this credit card, you have access to free credit score access through CreditWise, no foreign transaction fees, and contactless payments.

Surprisingly, the Capital One Platinum card has no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees), too! Of course, this card has no annual fee (rates & fees) and no additional annual fees for authorized users (rates & fees).

Bottom Line: The Capital One Platinum card is probably one of the easiest cards to get approved for if you have limited or no credit history and if you don’t have a Social Security number. Temper your expectations, though, because this card doesn’t offer anything in the way of rewards.

Tomo Credit Card

The Tomo card is an attractive credit card for the right demographic, especially for those with no, limited, or poor credit history.

No credit check is required, but you’ll need to link a bank account to your application to determine your eligibility.

You can only apply for this card after being preapproved on the site. After that, you will need to be invited in order to apply for the Tomo card.

Another important feature you’ll need to know is that this card doesn’t allow you to carry a balance.

Beyond that, you can get up to $10,000 in spending power with this card. Also, it gets up to $319 in value from its partners every year:

• Up to $60 in Lyft credits
• Up to $90 in value from DoorDash credits and 3 free months of DashPass
• Up to $90 in HelloFresh credits
• Up to $79 in value from a complimentary ShopRunner membership

Plus, this card earns 1% cash-back on all purchases.

The Tomo card reports to all 3 major credit bureaus and offers expedited weekly payments, which allows you to reduce your credit utilization ratio and maximize your credit score.

This is a World Elite Mastercard, which entitles you to benefits through Priceless Golf, Priceless Cities, World Elite Concierge, and Fandango.

Lastly, this card offers cell phone protection, emergency assistance services, zero fraud liability, theft alerts, and more.

Best Business Cards

Now that we’ve extensively covered the best personal cards to get without a Social Security number, let’s dive right into the best business cards to get!

Card Summary

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Welcome Offer

Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

APR

25.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a great option for business owners looking for an uncomplicated rewards card that earns double miles on every purchase they make and offers access to transfer partners, all for a low annual fee.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unlimited 2x miles per dollar spent on all purchases
• 5x miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year

Cons

• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
• Unlimited 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
• Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar from their purchases

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 25.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

A great business card to apply for if you don’t have an SSN is the Capital One Spark Miles card. Based on what we’ve seen, Capital One business cards are fairly straightforward to get approved for if you don’t have an SSN, as long as you have an EIN and an ITIN.

Currently, the Capital One Spark Miles card earns up to 5x Capital One miles on your purchases:

• 5x miles on vacation rentals, rental cars, and hotels booked via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on other purchases

Earning 2x miles on all purchases is an impressive benefit from a business credit card, and those rewards can add up quickly.

In addition, you’ll also enjoy a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and zero fraud liability for unauthorized purchases.

Lastly, there’s purchase protection, extended warranty, no foreign transaction fees, and no-additional-cost employee cards.

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

(Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

(Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Welcome Offer

Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.49% - 24.49% Variable,

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is an excellent option for business owners looking for straightforward earning with no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and no minimum when redeeming your miles.

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get unlimited 1.5 miles on every purchase with your business credit card with no blackouts or seat restrictions, and no minimum to redeem.
• Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel.
• Use your miles on flights, hotels, vacation packages and more—you can even transfer miles to any of our 15+ travel partners.
• We’ve got you covered with zero fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen. Plus, get automatic fraud alerts via text, email or phone call.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable,
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Another great credit card to consider is the less premium version of the Capital One Spark Miles card: the Capital One Spark Miles Select card.

At the moment, there’s a small welcome bonus, plus up to 5x Capital One miles earned on purchases:

• 5x miles on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 1.5x miles on other purchases

You’ll notice that the card also has purchase protection, extended warranty, roadside assistance, zero liability fraud protection, no foreign transaction fees, and no-additional-cost employee cards.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Welcome Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Up to $750

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 25.74% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
• Travel insurance and purchase protection

Cons

• Spending caps in bonus categories
• Low points earning outside of bonus categories

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The very last credit card we’ll discuss is the Ink Business Cash card, which we consider to be one of the best business credit cards available, even though it has no annual fee.

You’ll find up to 5% cash-back rewards on the Ink Business Cash card:

• 5% cash-back at office supply stores and cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services on the first $25,000 in combined purchases every cardmember anniversary year
• 5% cash-back on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 2% cash-back at gas stations and restaurants on the first $25,000 in combined purchases every cardmember anniversary year
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

Your cash-back rewards are convertible to Ultimate Rewards points if you hold an Ultimate Rewards card such as the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

That means you can earn a maximum of 10% return on spending when your rewards are converted to Ultimate Rewards points, based on our valuations of Chase points at 2 cents each.

To close out the card’s features, the Ink Business Cash card has primary car rental coverage, purchase protection, zero liability fraud protection, extended warranty, and no-additional-cost employee cards.

Final Thoughts

Overall, you still have lots of options for credit cards even if you don’t have a Social Security number.

The major financial institutions usually require an ITIN to apply for personal credit cards, while there are a few obscure names like Tomo that don’t require any credit history or Social Security number to qualify for a credit card.

On the business cards front, you’ll need to supply your EIN in addition to your ITIN to qualify for most worthwhile business cards.

That being said, the best issuers to focus on in terms of ease of approval and rewards is Capital One. Chase is always an option, but its credit cards are usually more difficult to get.

All in all, you have all of the top picks for the best cards if you don’t have an SSN, both personal and business.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

The information regarding the Tomo Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.