Which credit cards can a newcomer get with only a passport and no SSN yet?

A handful of issuers now cater to newcomers and let you apply using a passport, visa, and sometimes an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, often underwriting off your international profile or U.S. bank deposits rather than a domestic score. Some fintech and immigrant-focused programs and a few major bank secured cards accept ITINs. If you can wait, getting your SSN first widens your options and makes approvals easier. Whatever card you open, confirm it reports to all three U.S. bureaus, keep utilization low, and always pay in full. This is the single fastest legitimate way to start a domestic file. The CFPB lists newcomer strategies at consumerfinance.gov.