How much deposit is required for an ITIN secured card?

Deposits range from $49 (Capital One Platinum Secured starting tier) to $500 (Discover it Secured). The deposit equals the credit line in most cases. Self issues a credit-builder loan rather than a traditional secured deposit, with payments of $25 to $150 per month.

How fast does an ITIN secured card build credit?

FICO scores start appearing after 6 months of reported activity, and the first useful score (above 600) typically takes 9 to 12 months of on-time payments at low utilization (under 30%). After 12 to 18 months of consistent payments, the issuer often refunds the deposit and upgrades the account to an unsecured product.

Do secured cards report to all three credit bureaus under an ITIN?

Capital One, Discover, OpenSky, Self, and US Bank all report secured-card activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. The credit file is keyed to the ITIN; when an SSN is later issued, the IRS rules require linking the two so the credit history transfers.

Which secured credit card is best for ITIN holders in 2026?

Capital One Platinum Secured offers the lowest entry deposit ($49, $99, or $200) with a $200 starting credit line. Discover it Secured offers 2% cash back on gas and restaurants and a no-annual-fee structure. OpenSky requires no credit check. The best card depends on whether the priority is the lowest deposit, rewards, or guaranteed approval.

Updated June 25, 2026

Secured Credit Card with ITIN: Best Options 2026

What Is a Secured Credit Card for ITIN Holders?

A secured credit card is a regular Visa or Mastercard backed by a refundable deposit the cardholder pays upfront. The deposit mitigates the issuer's risk of approving an applicant with no US credit history, which is the typical position of ITIN holders. The card functions identically to an unsecured card: purchases, statements, minimum payments, and reporting to the credit bureaus all happen the same way.

The secured card is the standard entry point for building a US credit file under an ITIN. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, the deposit is refunded and the account converts to an unsecured product. See the broader build credit with ITIN guide for the full path.

Which Secured Credit Cards Accept ITIN in 2026?

Card	Min Deposit	Annual Fee	Rewards
Capital One Platinum Secured	$49	$0	None
Discover it Secured	$200	$0	2% gas/restaurants, 1% other
OpenSky Secured	$200	$35	None
Self Visa	N/A (loan)	$25	None
US Bank Altitude Go Secured	$300	$0	4x dining, 2x gas

How Do You Apply for an ITIN Secured Credit Card?

Have the CP565 letter ready. The issuer needs the ITIN in the SSN field of the application.
Choose the issuer. Capital One has the lowest deposit; Discover has rewards; OpenSky skips the credit check.
Apply online. Enter the ITIN, US mailing address, date of birth, and income.
Pay the deposit. ACH from a US bank account is standard. Some issuers accept debit card.
Receive the card. Issuance takes 7 to 14 business days to a US address.

What Credit Score Should ITIN Holders Target?

New credit files reach a usable FICO score (660+) after 9 to 12 months of on-time payments at low utilization. After 18 to 24 months, scores above 720 are realistic with continued discipline. For score interpretation and milestones, see the ITIN credit score guide.

What Mistakes Hurt ITIN Secured Card Approval?

No US mailing address. Cards are not shipped internationally.
Name mismatch. Name on application must match CP565 and passport exactly.
Income left blank or zero. Issuers require a stated income; foreign income is valid if documented.
Too many applications at once. Stick to one card for the first 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About ITIN Secured Credit Cards

Yes. The major secured-card issuers that accept ITIN as the taxpayer identifier are Capital One (Platinum Secured), Discover (it Secured), OpenSky, Self, and US Bank. Each requires a refundable security deposit ranging from $49 to $500 that sets the credit line. All five report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

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