How Foreign Nationals Can Get a Business Credit Card in the U.S

Did you know that many foreign nationals think they can’t get a business credit card in the U.S. without a Social Security Number? That’s a common misconception. At InvestoDock, we show you how the right preparation—using tools like an ITIN or EIN—can help you build credit, stay compliant, and unlock financial opportunities for your business. This guide walks you through the exact steps, alternatives, and strategies to make the process easier and more successful.

Understanding U.S. Credit Requirements for Foreign Nationals

When I first started learning about credit in the U.S., I felt like I had landed on another planet. Everyone kept talking about the Social Security Number (SSN) as if it was the magic key to unlock all financial doors. For most Americans, it is. Banks use your SSN to check your credit history, your income records, and even your identity. Without it, applying for a business credit card can feel like trying to open a locked door without the right key.

But here’s where things got interesting for me. As a foreign national, I discovered that not having an SSN doesn’t automatically mean the journey ends. Instead, there are other tools that can help you prove your identity and start building credit. One of the most common is the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Think of it as a substitute ID issued by the IRS. It’s not a free pass, but it allows non-U.S. citizens to file taxes and, in some cases, apply for certain credit products.

Another option that completely changed the way I looked at things is the EIN (Employer Identification Number). If you’re starting a business in the U.S., you’ll need this anyway to operate legally. What I didn’t realize early on was that some banks let you use your EIN to apply for a business account or even a business credit card. It’s like having a company’s SSN—it shows that your business is real, and it’s recognized by the government.

Now, here’s the part nobody told me at first: just having an ITIN or EIN isn’t enough. Banks and credit issuers will always check if your business identity is verified properly. I made the mistake of rushing into applications without making sure my company registration documents matched my EIN. That cost me weeks of delays and some serious frustration. Lesson learned: make sure your paperwork lines up before hitting “submit.”

• Always double-check your legal business documents before applying for credit.
• Start with smaller financial products or secured credit cards if you can’t qualify for a business credit card right away.
• Keep your ITIN and EIN in a safe place—you’ll need them for everything from taxes to banking.

As Mark Cuban once said, “Sweat equity is the most valuable equity there is.” When you’re building credit as a foreign national, patience and persistence are part of that sweat equity. The path might feel tricky, but every step toward establishing your identity legally gets you closer to unlocking financial opportunities.

How to Apply for a Business Credit Card Without an SSN

When I first tried to get a business credit card in the U.S., I hit a wall: no Social Security Number (SSN). At first, it felt impossible. But then I learned that as a foreign national, you can still apply using an ITIN or an EIN. It’s not the easiest road, but it’s definitely doable if you follow the right steps.

Step-by-Step Process Using ITIN and EIN

Here’s the process I followed after a lot of trial and error:

1. Get an ITIN: Apply through the IRS. This number works as your identification for tax purposes and can be accepted by some credit card issuers in place of an SSN.
2. Register for an EIN: If you have or plan to start a business, apply online with the IRS for an EIN. Think of it as your company’s SSN.
3. Open a business bank account: Most banks will want to see your EIN before they issue any credit. I learned this the hard way after trying to skip this step.
4. Choose the right bank or issuer: Not all credit card companies accept ITINs or EINs for applications. Research first to avoid rejection.
5. Apply with complete documents: Have your passport, visa, company registration documents, and IRS letters ready. Missing paperwork can mean instant denial.

Requirements from Different Banks and Issuers

Here’s what I noticed when I compared different banks and credit issuers:

• Some major banks strictly require an SSN. Don’t waste time there if you don’t have one.
• Others, especially those targeting small businesses, may accept an ITIN or EIN with supporting documents.
• Online banks and fintech companies are often more flexible. I had better luck with them because they cater to entrepreneurs and international founders.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with the right documents, I ran into a few roadblocks:

• Proof of U.S. Address: Some issuers demand a U.S. mailing address. I solved this by using my business’s registered office address.
• No Credit History: Without an SSN, you probably won’t have a U.S. credit history. I started with a secured card and then moved up once I proved I could manage payments.
• Document Mismatch: If your business name, EIN, and bank account details don’t line up perfectly, banks may deny your application. Triple-check all paperwork before applying.

One thing I learned: persistence pays off. As Steve Jobs once said, “I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.” That perseverance helped me finally land my first business credit card as a foreign national.

Watch also: Authorized User vs Co-Signer: What’s the Real Difference and Which One Is Safer for Your Credit?

Building Credit History as a Foreign National

I’ll be honest—when I first heard the phrase “credit history,” it sounded like some kind of mysterious file cabinet hidden in a bank’s basement. In reality, your credit history is simply the record of how responsibly you’ve handled debt. Without it, banks see you as a stranger. That’s why building credit is so important if you want access to things like loans, mortgages, or even a business credit card. For a foreign national, this step is often the biggest hurdle.

Why Credit History Matters

Think of credit history as your financial reputation. Lenders use your score to decide if they can trust you with money. A good history can unlock higher limits and lower interest rates, while no history usually means rejection or expensive options. I learned quickly that even if my business was doing well, without credit history, banks weren’t willing to take a chance on me.

Options for Foreign Nationals to Establish Credit

Luckily, there are ways to get started, even if you don’t have an SSN:

• Secured Credit Cards: This was my first step. You deposit a set amount, and that becomes your credit limit. It felt a little restrictive, but it gave me the chance to prove I could pay on time.
• Personal Credit: Some banks allow accounts with an ITIN, which means you can slowly build personal credit. It’s not fast, but it works if you’re patient.
• Business Credit Lines: Using an EIN, I applied for small business lines of credit. At first, the limits were tiny, but they grew as I showed consistency.

Monitoring and Improving Credit Score

What I didn’t realize early on is that building credit isn’t just about getting approved—it’s about keeping an eye on your progress. Services like Credit Karma or Experian can help you track your score. I checked mine monthly, sometimes nervously, but it kept me motivated.

A few things that worked for me:

• Always paying at least the minimum on time—late payments kill your score fast.
• Keeping balances below 30% of your limit.
• Using credit regularly, but never maxing out cards.

As Warren Buffett famously said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” The same goes for your credit history. As a foreign national, building trust with the system takes time, but every on-time payment is a step toward unlocking bigger opportunities.

Alternatives to Traditional Business Credit Cards

When I first hit a dead end trying to qualify for a traditional business credit card, I honestly felt stuck. As a foreign national, it sometimes feels like the system wasn’t built with us in mind. But here’s the good news: there are alternatives that can help you manage expenses, build some credibility, and keep your business running smoothly even without the perfect credit setup.

Secured Business Credit Cards

A secured business card was my first “real” step into U.S. credit. You basically put down a cash deposit, and that becomes your credit limit. For example, I deposited $1,000 and that gave me a $1,000 limit. The upside is that your payments get reported to credit bureaus, which helps build credit history. The downside? Your money is tied up until the bank decides you’ve earned enough trust to graduate to an unsecured card.

Prepaid Business Cards

Prepaid cards saved me more than once when I needed to manage employee expenses. You load money onto the card, and that’s all you can spend. Simple, safe, and accepted pretty much everywhere. The pro is zero debt—you can’t overspend. But the big con is that prepaid cards don’t usually build credit history. It’s more of a cash management tool than a credit-building strategy.

Credit Cards from International Banks

If you already bank with an international institution that has branches in the U.S., this might be your golden ticket. I know a fellow entrepreneur who used his HSBC account from overseas to qualify for a U.S.-based credit card. The benefit here is continuity—your international banking history can sometimes work in your favor. The challenge is that not all banks offer this, and approvals can still be strict.

Pros and Cons of Each Alternative

• Secured Business Cards: Pro: Builds credit. Con: Locks up your cash.
• Prepaid Business Cards: Pro: No debt risk. Con: Doesn’t help your credit score.
• International Bank Cards: Pro: May leverage existing banking history. Con: Limited availability, stricter rules.

The way I see it, these options aren’t perfect, but they’re stepping stones. As Richard Branson once said, “Business opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.” Each of these alternatives can help you keep moving until you’re ready for that traditional business credit card approval.

Watch also: Why Is There a Random $1 Charge on My Credit Card? What It Means and When to Act

Tips for a Successful Application

When I finally got approved for my first business credit card as a foreign national, it wasn’t luck—it was preparation. The application process can feel overwhelming, but I learned that success often comes down to the small details. Here are a few tips I wish I’d known from the start.

Accurate Documentation

Banks are picky. If your company name, EIN, or registration papers don’t match exactly, you’ll likely get rejected. I once had an application delayed for weeks just because of a missing middle initial on a form. Double-check everything before you hit submit.

Choosing the Right Issuer

Not every bank welcomes applications from non-U.S. citizens. I wasted time applying at big-name banks that flat-out required an SSN. Smaller banks, online issuers, and fintech companies were far more open to working with an ITIN or EIN. Do your research before applying—it saves time and frustration.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Applying to multiple banks at once—too many hard inquiries can hurt your score.
• Skipping the step of opening a business bank account first—many issuers require it.
• Submitting incomplete paperwork—always attach everything they ask for, even if it feels repetitive.

Legal Considerations and Compliance (Patriot Act)

One thing many people overlook is legal compliance. Under the U.S. Patriot Act, banks are required to verify the identity of anyone opening an account or applying for credit. That means you’ll almost always be asked for a passport, visa, or business incorporation documents. It may feel like overkill, but it’s the law—and skipping these steps simply isn’t an option.

In the end, the smoother your application, the quicker you’ll be approved. As I like to remind myself, “measure twice, cut once.” The same rule applies here: get your details right, and your first business credit card as a foreign national will feel less like a gamble and more like a calculated step forward.

Conclusion

Navigating the U.S. credit system as a foreign national can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s far from impossible. Whether you’re applying with an ITIN, an EIN, or exploring alternatives, the key is preparation. From securing accurate documentation to choosing the right issuer, every step you take lays the foundation for future financial opportunities.

Building credit takes time, and it’s not just about getting a business credit card. It’s about proving your reliability through on-time payments, consistent recordkeeping, and respecting legal requirements like those under the Patriot Act. Each small win—whether it’s getting approved for a secured card or seeing your credit score improve—moves you closer to financial independence in the U.S.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that preparation and persistence pay off. Approach the process strategically, stay compliant, and your credit journey will open doors you never thought possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a business credit card with only ITIN/EIN?

Yes, in many cases you can. When I applied as a foreign national, I used my ITIN and EIN because I didn’t have an SSN. Some banks and fintech companies accept these as valid alternatives, especially for business accounts. Just be prepared to show extra documentation, like your passport and proof of business registration. Not every issuer will say yes, but it’s absolutely possible to get a business credit card this way.

Do I need a U.S. address?

Almost always, yes. Every application I submitted asked for a U.S. mailing address to verify my identity and send statements. The trick is that it doesn’t have to be your personal residence. I used my business’s registered office address, and that worked fine. Without a U.S. address, most issuers won’t process the application—it’s part of their compliance checks.

How to check if my business qualifies?

The first thing I learned is that qualifications vary by bank. Some require a year or more of operating history, while others only ask for an EIN and basic registration papers. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself three questions:

1. Do I have an EIN that matches my business registration?
2. Do I have a U.S. bank account linked to my business?
3. Can I provide proof of identity (passport, visa) and address?

If the answer is yes to all three, you’re likely in good shape. I always recommend checking the issuer’s website or even calling customer service before applying—it saves you from unnecessary denials. At the end of the day, building credibility step by step makes it easier for your business to qualify for a business credit card as a foreign national.

Can a foreign national get a credit card?

Yes, a foreign national can absolutely get a credit card in the U.S., though the path is a little different than for U.S. citizens. Most banks ask for an SSN, but many will accept an ITIN instead. When I started, I applied with my ITIN and had to provide my passport and visa as well. It took patience, but it proved that being a foreigner doesn’t block you—it just means you have to show more documentation to get approved for a business credit card or even a personal card.

Can a normal person get a business credit card?

Yes, you don’t need to run a massive company to qualify. I remember applying for my first business credit card while freelancing. The bank let me use my own name as the business and my EIN for registration. As long as you have some form of legitimate business activity—even side hustles count—you can usually apply. The key is proving your business exists, whether that’s through invoices, registration documents, or a simple EIN.

Can foreigners apply for a credit card?

Definitely. Foreigners can apply for both personal and business credit cards in the U.S. The challenge is that you’ll almost always need an ITIN or EIN, plus a U.S. address and bank account. When I applied, I learned quickly that international applicants often face extra verification steps, but it’s still possible. Many fintech banks and smaller issuers are more welcoming to foreign applicants than the traditional big-name banks.

How can I apply for business credit without SSN?

This was my biggest question when I started, and here’s the process that worked for me:

1. Apply for an ITIN: This acts as your tax identification number and can be used on applications.
2. Get an EIN: Your business needs this to operate legally and to apply for credit lines.
3. Open a business bank account: Most issuers won’t consider your application without one.
4. Choose the right bank: Focus on issuers that specifically accept ITINs or EINs instead of an SSN.

It might take longer, but I managed to get my first business credit card as a foreign national by following these steps. Persistence and the right paperwork make all the difference.