The days of applying for a U.S. credit card without supplying a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when moving from overseas are ending. A new policy change means that, from August 23, 2023, you must provide a U.S. Social Security Number or ITIN when applying for a credit card and want your overseas credit history to be considered in the application process.

The change mainly affects Nova credit, which allows you to apply for U.S. American Express Cards and have your overseas credit history from select countries to be considered.

Our Take

If you are moving to the U.S. (or recently moved) and were planning on applying for a credit card, the ability to do so without an SSN or ITIN was very convenient. It meant you could start immediately building your U.S. credit history. Unfortunately, the new policy means you will now have to wait until you have your SSN or ITIN number before applying for a credit card in the U.S.

Fortunately, there is still a window of opportunity through August 23, 2023, where you can apply without needing an SSN or ITIN. If applying for a US card is important or something you intended to do soon, you may want to do so now before the change.