You may be able to use an ITIN instead of a SSN on a credit application. Many credit card issuers, such as Capital One and Chase, will accept your application if you have an ITIN, or an EIN if you’re applying for a business credit card. You should understand, however, that an ITIN is not the same thing as a SSN. ITINs were created in 1996 by the IRS so that foreign individuals can pay their taxes. An ITIN will also allow you to open bank and credit accounts, secure a driver’s license, and can serve as proof of residency. A SSN differs from an ITIN in that it’s used to keep track of your lifetime earnings and number of years you work. You can apply for a SSN if you’re a U.S. citizen or an eligible U.S. resident. Our list of credit cards without SSN requirements first looks at banks that allow individuals to apply for a credit card without a Social Security number. We then evaluated factors such as the APRs and terms of each card, the rewards offered, the ability to build credit through credit bureau reporting, and overall customer satisfaction. Our editorial integrity process ensures our rankings are not compromised by advertiser influence.