SSN vs ITIN: What's the Difference and What You Need for Credit
Which number you need, how to get an ITIN, and which products are available with each
7 minitin
SSN vs ITIN: What's the Difference
To build credit history in the US, you need one of two numbers: SSN or ITIN. Let's break down the differences.
SSN (Social Security Number)
- Who gets it: people authorized to work in the US
- Used for: employment, taxes, credit, government services
- Format: 9 digits (XXX-XX-XXXX)
- How to get: apply at Social Security Administration
With an SSN, virtually all credit products are available.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Who gets it: anyone who can't get an SSN but needs to pay taxes
- Used for: filing tax returns
- Format: 9 digits, starts with 9 (9XX-XX-XXXX)
- How to get: Form W-7 with the IRS
Which Credit Products Are Available?
| Product | SSN | ITIN | No Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it Secured | Yes | No | No |
| OpenSky Secured | Yes | Yes | No |
| Capital One Secured | Yes | No | No |
| Chime Credit Builder | Yes | No | No |
| Self Credit Builder | Yes | Yes | No |
Transitioning from ITIN to SSN
If you get an SSN after building credit with an ITIN:
- Contact the IRS to link your ITIN and SSN
- Contact the credit bureaus
- Your entire credit history will be merged
Recommendations
- Have an SSN? Start with Discover it Secured — best cashback
- Have an ITIN? OpenSky Secured — doesn't require SSN
- No number yet? Get an ITIN first, then start building credit