💳 US Credit Guide 2026

How to Apply for a US Credit Card from Pakistan with ITIN 2026

By ITIN Plus · IRS Certified Acceptance Agent · August 2026 · 5 min read

⚡ Quick Answer

Yes — Pakistani residents can get a US credit card using an ITIN (no SSN needed). Best options: Discover It Secured ($200 deposit, upgrades to unsecured in 7 months), Self Visa (credit builder), and Amex (verify current policy). First step: get your ITIN for $99 through ITIN Plus.

Why Would a Pakistani Want a US Credit Card?

A US credit card gives you a real US credit history — which unlocks US mortgages, business credit lines, and premium travel rewards cards later. For Pakistani entrepreneurs with US LLCs or Amazon sellers working in the US market, a US credit card also simplifies business expenses, subscription payments, and US platform billing.

All 3 major US credit bureaus accept ITIN. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion all create full credit files for ITIN holders. Your US credit history starts the day your first ITIN-linked card reports a payment.

Best US Credit Cards That Accept ITIN — 2026

Discover It® Secured Best Choice

The #1 credit card for ITIN holders worldwide. Explicitly accepts ITIN. No annual fee. Real cashback. Automatic upgrade to unsecured card after 7 months of on-time payments — deposit refunded.

Deposit required:$200–$2,500 Annual fee:$0 Cashback:2% gas/restaurants, 1% other Upgrade:After 7 months

Self Visa® Secured No Big Deposit Needed

Pay monthly into a credit builder savings account. Once you save $100, a secured Visa card unlocks. Reports to all 3 bureaus — both the loan and the card. Best for building from zero.

Monthly payment:$25–$150 Annual fee:$25 Credit check:Soft pull only Reports to:All 3 bureaus

American Express Verify Current Policy

Historically accepted ITIN for Blue Cash Everyday and some other cards. Amex Global Card Relationship allows existing international Amex members to apply for a US card without SSN or US credit history.

ITIN accepted:Historically yes — verify Annual fee:$0 (Blue Cash Everyday)

Step-by-Step: How to Get a US Credit Card from Pakistan

1

Get Your ITIN — $99 via ITIN Plus

Your ITIN is required on the credit card application in place of an SSN. Apply online through ITIN Plus — 7–11 weeks processing, no US visit needed.

2

Get a US Mailing Address

Most card applications require a US address. Options: registered agent address from your US LLC, virtual mailbox (Anytime Mailbox, iPostal1), or a trusted US contact's address.

3

Get a US Phone Number

Applications verify via US phone number. Use a US eSIM (Red Pocket, US Mobile) — available online and ship internationally. VoIP numbers (Google Voice) often fail verification.

4

Apply at Discover.com — Select ITIN

Go to discover.com → Apply for Secured Card → In the SSN field, select "I have an ITIN" → Enter your 9-digit ITIN. Fund the $200 minimum deposit via international wire or Wise.

5

Pay on Time Every Month — Credit Score Builds

Pay the full balance every month. Your score starts around 650–680 and reaches 720+ within 12 months. After month 7, Discover automatically reviews for unsecured upgrade.

Step 1: Get Your ITIN for $99

You cannot apply for a US credit card without a US tax ID. ITIN Plus processes your ITIN for $99 — Pakistan's lowest price, IRS certified, no US visit needed.

Get My ITIN — $99 →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a US credit card from Pakistan without visiting America?

Yes. Discover It Secured and Self Visa can be applied for online with an ITIN. You need a US mailing address and US phone number but no in-person visit is required.

How long until I can get an unsecured US credit card?

Discover automatically reviews at month 7. With consistent on-time payments and low utilization, an unsecured card and full deposit refund typically come between months 7–12. Other unsecured cards (Amex, Capital One) become accessible around month 12 with a 700+ score.

What credit score will I start with using ITIN?

With no prior US credit history, your score starts at approximately 640–680 after 2–3 months of reporting. With on-time payments and under 10% utilization, it reaches 720+ within 12–18 months.

Do I need a US bank account to fund the Discover deposit?

Not always. Discover accepts international wire transfers in some cases. Having a Mercury bank account (requires US LLC + ITIN) makes funding much easier and eliminates wire transfer fees.