If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number, navigating the U.S. credit system can feel like hitting a wall at every turn.
The good news is that checking your credit score with an ITIN is absolutely possible, and there are more options available than most people realize.
In this post, we'll walk through how credit works with an ITIN, how to check your score, and the fastest way to start building one.
How to check your credit score with an ITIN number
Checking your credit score with an ITIN requires finding platforms and institutions that accept ITINs for identity verification.
Let's jump in.
Sign up for Kikoff
The fastest and most straightforward way to check and start building your credit with an ITIN is to sign up for Kikoff.
Kikoff accepts ITINs in place of Social Security numbers during the sign-up process, which means every individual with an ITIN can create an account, access their credit information, and start building credit without needing anything else.
Once you're signed up, Kikoff reports your payment activity to the major credit bureaus, helping you establish the positive payment history that credit scores are built on.
There's no hard credit check to get started, making it a no-brainer first step for anyone with an ITIN.
Request your credit report directly from the bureaus
Every individual in the United States, regardless of whether they have an SSN or an ITIN, has the right to request their credit report from the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Contact Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion directly
If the automated systems at the bureaus aren't working with your ITIN, contacting each bureau directly by phone or mail is generally a reliable fallback.
Apply for a credit product at an ITIN-friendly institution
Some banks and credit unions accept ITINs for credit card or loan applications, and being approved for one of these accounts is often what creates a credit file in the first place. For more on this, see our best credit cards for immigrants guide.
What is an ITIN and who has one?
An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who are required to file U.S. taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security number. For more on the difference, see our guide on ITIN vs. SSN.
Can you build credit with an ITIN?
Yes, you can absolutely build credit with an ITIN. The five factors that determine your credit score apply equally regardless of whether your identity is tied to an SSN or an ITIN:
- Payment history (35%)
- Credit utilization (30%)
- Length of credit history (15%)
- Credit mix (10%)
- New credit inquiries (10%)
How long does it take to build credit with an ITIN?
Building credit with an ITIN follows the same general timeline as building credit from scratch for anyone.
Most people with no U.S. credit history don't have a scoreable credit file for the first three to six months after opening their first account. The earlier you start, the sooner your credit history begins to mature.
Conclusion
Checking and building your credit with an ITIN is entirely possible, and you have more options than most people realize.
The fastest and most efficient place to start is Kikoff, which accepts ITINs at sign-up, gives you access to your credit information, and immediately begins reporting positive payment activity to the major bureaus.
Either way, the most important move is to start building your U.S. credit history as soon as possible. Every on-time payment moves you closer to the score you're working toward.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
