Can you get a Discover credit card without SSN?

No, unfortunately you can’t get a Discover credit card without an SSN. Discover requires a Social Security number as part of the application process for all of its cards. So you’re left with two options – either obtain a SSN or apply for a credit card that doesn’t require it. Let’s look at the companies that will offer you a card without an SSN first. You’ll still need identification, but you can often use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or even a passport.

Here’s how to get a non-Discover credit card without an SSN:

• American Express: Apply with your ITIN
• Bank of America: Apply with your ITIN or passport (in-person only at a local branch)
• Capital One: Apply with your ITIN
• Citibank: Apply with your ITIN
• U.S. Bank: Apply with your ITIN (secured cards only)

If you’d like to obtain an SSN in order to have a wider range of credit card choices, that’s pretty easy to do too. We’ll walk you through the application process.

Here’s how to get an SSN:

1. Get authorization to work in the United States or have another valid reason to get an SSN like having U.S. investments or income (such as scholarship money).
2. Submit a request online to start the application process.
3. Go to a Social Security Administration (SSA) office to complete the application process.
4. Provide the SSA with evidence of your work authorization, identity, and age (i.e. work papers, immigration documents, passport, birth certificate).
5. Wait for approval. Your Social Security card should arrive within 2 weeks after the SSA approves your application.

So there are quite a few options available, both if you get an SSN or if you just use your ITIN or passport. If you choose the latter option, you can learn more which cards are best for you in WalletHub’s article on credit cards without SSN requirements.