Can I build credit without a Social Security number.note¶
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Can I build credit without a Social Security number?
July 29, 2016 August 08, 2016
By
If you don't have a Social Security number (SSN), you may wonder if it's possible to build credit and apply for
credit products in the United States. The answer is yes, it might be possible -- but it can be a time-consuming,
complex process.
However, the fact that this is an option may be good news for international students and other foreign nationals
who aren't eligible for a SSN and want to establish credit in the U.S.
Credit files contain many identifying data points.
Your is generally based on your credit report, and your credit report is a record of your activity with
credit accounts, such as loans or . Once you have one or more credit accounts, your activity can be
sent to the credit bureaus, and they may create a credit file for you.
Credit bureaus such as Experian and TransUnion use multiple data points, such as your full name, recent
addresses, employment history and date of birth, to match you to your credit file.
A Social Security number can be helpful because it's a unique identifier, but it's not required.
Stuart Pratt, president and CEO of (CDIA) says the credit bureaus his
organization works with use as much identifying information as they can to match a person to an existing credit
file - or create a new file.
It can be difficult to build the credit for a credit file without an SSN because some lenders and card issuers
won't accept an application for a loan or credit card without one. However, there are options.
An ITIN may make the process easier.
So you may be able to start your credit file without a SSN - but can you apply for lines of credit without one?
It depends. Some financial institutions allow you to apply for loans or credit cards with an
(ITIN) instead of an SSN. An ITIN is nine-digit tax-processing number that's issued by
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues ITINs to noncitizens who need to file a federal income tax return but
don't qualify for an SSN.
ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status. However, it's important to note that
.
When applying for a loan or credit card with an ITIN, you may need to provide additional identification, such
as a copy of your passport, ITIN card or a bill with your home address.
Depending on the issuer and whether you have a previous relationship with the company, you may be able to
apply online, over the phone or at a local branch.
What happens if you get an SSN?
Depending on your circumstances, you may have an ITIN and then get a Social Security number.
For example, if you're a foreign student or scholar who's in the U.S. and receive a scholarship, fellowship, one-
time payment, grant or stipend, you may need to use an ITIN to file a tax return.
LOUIS DENICOLA
credit score
credit cards
Consumer Data Industry Association
Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number
they don't authorize wo
rk status or grant Social Security benefits
If you then become eligible to apply for a Social Security number and it's granted to you,
and notify the IRS.
You can do so by visiting an IRS office, or writing a letter to the IRS and mailing it to:
Internal Revenue Service,
Austin, TX
73301-0057
Include your full name, mailing address, and ITIN, along with a copy of your Social Security card and a copy
of the Notice of ITIN Assignment if you have it. The IRS will
.
But what happens to the credit that you've built while you had an ITIN?
Jason Gross, co-founder of , a company that helps immigrants and people with build
credit, says, "The credit you build should stay with you, even after you move from an ITIN to an SSN."
When you add a SSN to an account or open a new account with your SSN, the number may be reported to the
credit bureaus by a lender if they report other identifying information about you and your account.
However, your credit history isn't automatically updated by the credit bureaus once you acquire your SSN. To
ensure that any reported data includes your new SSN and any history you've built with your ITIN, you can
update your information with your current lenders or card issuers.
You can also to each of the major credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian, informing
them of your new SSN. Include identifying information, such as:
Sending letters could help facilitate the updating of your credit files, especially if you don't have credit lines
open. Credit bureaus may respond by mail confirming the update, or requesting additional information if they
have trouble finding your file or can't identify you.
If you haven't heard from them within two to four weeks, .
Bottom line
It may be possible to apply for lines of credit if you have an ITIN and not a SSN -- some lenders and credit card
issuers accept applications from people without Social Security numbers.
Credit reporting agencies track you using multiple points of identification - not just by your ITIN -- and if you
do get a SSN they can add it to your existing credit history
you must stop using y
our ITIN
add your prior tax information to your SSN and v
oid the ITIN
Credit Bridge thin-files
send a letter
Your full name.
Date of birth.
A copy of your ITIN.
Your previous addresses.
A bill with your current address.
contact the bureaus directly by phone