Your Complete ITIN + Credit Card Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs and Non-Residents
By the BeFiling Expert Team | Updated 2026 | 10 min read
One of the biggest financial challenges foreign entrepreneurs and non-residents face after forming a U.S. LLC is this: “I have a company, I have an EIN — but I have no U.S. credit history.” Without a U.S. credit profile, you cannot access business credit lines, premium travel cards, or the financial tools that American businesses take for granted. The good news? Building U.S. credit as a non-resident is entirely possible — and it starts with two things: an ITIN and the right credit card strategy. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it, step by step.
| What You Will Learn in This Guide • Why U.S. credit history matters for non-residents and foreign business owners • How an ITIN is the key that unlocks the U.S. credit system • Which credit cards accept ITIN applicants (with no SSN required) • The 5 factors that determine your U.S. credit score — and how to maximize each • A 12-month roadmap to go from zero to a strong U.S. credit profile • Business credit vs. personal credit — what every LLC owner needs to know • Frequently asked questions answered by BeFiling’s expert team |
Section 1: Why U.S. Credit History Matters for Non-Residents
Your home country’s credit history means nothing in the United States. When you apply for a U.S. credit card, business loan, car lease, apartment, or even certain business tools, American lenders and institutions check your U.S. credit report — not your international one. If you have no U.S. credit file, you are effectively invisible to the entire American financial system.
For foreign entrepreneurs who own U.S. LLCs, this creates a frustrating gap: you have a legitimate U.S. business entity, an EIN, and possibly a U.S. bank account — but without a credit history, you are locked out of many financial products that could grow your business.
What U.S. Credit History Unlocks for Non-Residents
- Business credit cards with higher limits, rewards, and cashback programs
- U.S. business loans and lines of credit from banks and fintech lenders
- Better terms on payment processors — reduced rolling reserves on Stripe and PayPal
- U.S. apartment or office lease without requiring a large cash deposit
- U.S. car lease or purchase financing
- Premium travel rewards cards (Amex, Chase Sapphire) for business travel
- Vendor net-30 accounts that help build business credit with Dun & Bradstreet
Section 2: The Role of ITIN in Building U.S. Credit
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is the single most important document a non-resident needs to begin building U.S. credit. While many credit card issuers accept an SSN or ITIN for applications, the ITIN is specifically designed for individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number — which covers most foreign nationals and non-resident aliens.
Without an ITIN, your options for U.S. credit cards are extremely limited. With an ITIN, you can apply for a wide range of secured and unsecured credit products, open certain U.S. bank accounts, and begin the process of establishing a formal credit file with the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
ITIN vs. SSN for Credit Applications
Most major U.S. credit card issuers — including Bank of America, Citi, Capital One, and others — explicitly allow ITIN in place of SSN on credit card applications. The process is the same: you fill in the ITIN where the application asks for your tax identification number. However, some issuers may request additional identity verification documents such as a valid passport or visa. BeFiling’s expert team helps clients navigate this process to maximize approval chances.
| Don’t Have an ITIN Yet? BeFiling.com is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. We process ITIN applications for non-residents in 75+ countries — no original passport mailing required, 99% approval rate, 100% money-back guarantee. Apply now: befiling.com/itin-application | WhatsApp: +1 (406) 607-2216 |
Section 3: Understanding the U.S. Credit Score System
Before you can build credit, you need to understand how it is measured. In the United States, your credit score is calculated by three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — using models such as FICO and VantageScore. Scores range from 300 (poor) to 850 (exceptional).
| Factor | Weight | What to Do |
| Payment History | 35% | Always pay on time — even the minimum |
| Credit Utilization | 30% | Keep usage below 30% of your limit |
| Length of Credit History | 15% | Start early — time is your biggest asset |
| Credit Mix | 10% | Add different types over time (card + loan) |
| New Credit Inquiries | 10% | Avoid applying for too many cards at once |
The 5 Credit Score Factors Explained for Non-Residents
1. Payment History (35%) — This is the single most important factor. Every on-time payment builds your score; every missed payment damages it. As a non-resident just starting out, your top priority is to never miss a payment deadline — even if you can only pay the minimum amount due.
2. Credit Utilization (30%) — This is the ratio of how much credit you use versus your total available limit. If your credit card limit is $500 and you spend $400, your utilization is 80% — which will hurt your score. The golden rule: keep utilization below 30%. Ideally, keep it below 10% for the fastest score growth.
3. Length of Credit History (15%) — The longer your accounts have been open and active, the better. This is why it is critical to start as early as possible and keep your oldest accounts open, even if you rarely use them.
4. Credit Mix (10%) — Lenders like to see that you can responsibly handle different types of credit — revolving credit (cards) and installment loans (auto loans, personal loans). Over time, adding variety improves your score.
5. New Credit Inquiries (10%) — Every time you apply for new credit, a “hard inquiry” is recorded on your file. Too many applications in a short time signal financial distress to lenders. Space out your applications by at least 3–6 months.
Section 4: Best Credit Cards for Non-Residents with ITIN (2026)
The most accessible entry point for non-residents is a secured credit card — a card where you deposit collateral (typically $200–$500) that becomes your credit limit. These cards are specifically designed for people with no or limited U.S. credit history and are reported to all three major bureaus, meaning every on-time payment directly builds your credit profile.
| Credit Card | ITIN Accepted? | Security Deposit | Reports to Bureaus | Best For |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards (Secured) | Yes | $300 min | All 3 | Travel rewards starters |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | Yes | $200 min | All 3 | Building credit fast |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | Yes | $200 min | All 3 | No credit check required |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Yes | $49–$200 | All 3 | Low deposit option |
| Deserve EDU Mastercard | Yes | None | All 3 | International students |
| Nova Credit (partner cards) | Yes | Varies | All 3 | Foreign credit history transfer |
How to Choose the Right Card
For most non-residents just starting out, we recommend beginning with one secured card from a major bank (Bank of America or Citi) because they report to all three bureaus and are widely recognized. Avoid cards with very high annual fees or those that do not report to all three bureaus — these are less effective for building credit.
If you have an existing credit history in Canada, the UK, Mexico, India, Australia, or several other countries, Nova Credit can translate your foreign credit history into a U.S.-equivalent report accepted by some issuers like American Express. This can allow you to qualify for unsecured cards without a deposit.
| Pro Tip: The Amex Global Transfer Program If you already hold an American Express card in your home country, you may qualify for the Amex Global Card Transfer program — which allows you to apply for a U.S. Amex card using your existing international Amex relationship. This bypasses the need for U.S. credit history entirely and is one of the fastest ways for foreign nationals to get a premium U.S. card. |
Section 5: Your 12-Month Credit Building Roadmap
Here is a practical, month-by-month plan to go from zero U.S. credit history to a strong, established credit profile as a non-resident:
Months 1–2: Lay the Foundation
- Apply for your ITIN through BeFiling.com if you do not already have one. This is your gateway to the U.S. credit system.
- Form your U.S. LLC and obtain your EIN (if not done already). A U.S. LLC opens doors to business credit that personal credit cannot access.
- Open a U.S. business bank account — Mercury, Relay, or Wise Business are excellent options for non-residents. Having a bank account establishes a financial footprint.
- Apply for one secured credit card using your ITIN. Start with a $300–$500 deposit. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured or Citi Secured Mastercard are strong choices.
Months 3–6: Use It Strategically
- Use your card for small, regular purchases — subscription services, software tools, or monthly business expenses work perfectly. Aim to spend 10–20% of your limit each month.
- Pay your full balance every month — never carry a balance if you can avoid it. On-time payment is the fastest way to build your score.
- Monitor your credit score — use free tools like Credit Karma, Experian’s free tier, or your card issuer’s built-in score tracker. Watch your score grow.
- Apply for vendor net-30 accounts — companies like Uline, Quill, and Grainger offer net-30 trade credit that reports to Dun & Bradstreet and helps establish your business credit profile separately from your personal credit.
Months 7–9: Expand Your Profile
- Request a credit limit increase on your existing secured card. After 6 months of on-time payments, most issuers will either upgrade you automatically or approve a limit increase request.
- Apply for a second card — ideally from a different issuer, to diversify your credit mix and increase your total available credit (which lowers your utilization ratio).
- Consider a credit builder loan from a fintech like Self or Credit Strong. These loans are specifically designed to build credit and add an installment loan to your credit mix.
Months 10–12: Unlock Business Credit
- Apply for a business credit card using your LLC’s EIN — Capital One Spark, Brex, or Ramp are good options for newer businesses. Business cards build your business credit separately from your personal credit.
- Register your business with Dun & Bradstreet to get a DUNS number — the foundation of your business credit file used by lenders and vendors across the United States.
- Review all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) for accuracy. Dispute any errors immediately using the bureau’s online dispute process.
| Expected Results After 12 Months With consistent on-time payments and responsible utilization, most non-residents can expect: • After 3 months: Credit file established, score appears (~580-620 range) • After 6 months: Score in 630-670 range, eligible for more card options • After 12 months: Score in 680-720+ range, eligible for unsecured cards and business credit Results vary based on individual financial behavior and the specific cards used. |
Section 6: Personal Credit vs. Business Credit — What LLC Owners Must Know
Many foreign LLC owners do not realize that personal credit and business credit are two separate systems in the United States. Your personal credit score (based on your ITIN or SSN) is tracked by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Your business credit score is tracked by Dun & Bradstreet (PAYDEX score), Experian Business, and Equifax Business — completely separate bureaus.
Why Both Matter
In the early stages of your business, most lenders will check your personal credit as a proxy for your business’s creditworthiness (this is called a personal guarantee). As your business credit profile grows, you can eventually qualify for business financing that does not require a personal guarantee — protecting your personal assets.
How to Build Business Credit Specifically
- Get a DUNS number — Register your LLC at dnb.com for free. This is mandatory to start your business credit file.
- Open vendor accounts — Uline, Quill, Grainger, and Amazon Business all offer net-30 payment terms and report to business credit bureaus.
- Use a dedicated business bank account — Never mix personal and business finances. Lenders look for this.
- Apply for a business credit card — Once your personal credit is established (typically 6+ months), apply for a business card in your LLC’s name using your EIN.
- Pay all business invoices and vendors on time — Business credit is built through payment behavior with your vendors, not just credit cards.
| Important Warning: Avoid These Common Mistakes • Never max out your credit card — even once. High utilization causes immediate score drops. • Do not apply for multiple cards at the same time. Space applications 3–6 months apart. • Do not close your oldest credit card account — age of credit history is 15% of your score. • Do not ignore your credit report. Check all three bureaus at least once a year for errors. • Do not use personal credit to fund your business — keep them strictly separate. |
Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I build U.S. credit without an SSN?
A: Yes. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is accepted by most major U.S. credit card issuers in place of a Social Security Number. Major issuers including Bank of America, Citi, and Capital One all accept ITIN on their credit applications. Once approved, your payment history is reported to the same three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and builds your credit score exactly the same way as an SSN holder.
Q: How long does it take to build a good U.S. credit score from zero?
A: With consistent on-time payments and responsible credit utilization, most non-residents can establish a credit score within 3–6 months and reach a “good” score range (670+) within 9–12 months. Reaching an “excellent” score (750+) typically takes 2–3 years of consistent credit history. The most important factor is starting early — the length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your FICO score, so every month you wait is a month of history you cannot recover.
Q: Can I apply for a U.S. credit card without a U.S. address?
A: Most U.S. credit card issuers require a U.S. billing address on the application. If you have formed a U.S. LLC with BeFiling, your business address service gives you a valid U.S. address that can be used for this purpose. This is one of the practical advantages of having a properly formed U.S. LLC — it provides the U.S. address infrastructure many financial applications require.
Q: Does my foreign credit history transfer to the U.S.?
A: Not automatically. However, a service called Nova Credit partners with credit bureaus in several countries — including Canada, the UK, Mexico, India, Australia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Nigeria, and the Philippines — to translate your foreign credit history into a U.S.-equivalent report. American Express, MPOWER Financing, and a growing number of other issuers accept Nova Credit reports. If your home country is supported, this can significantly accelerate your U.S. credit building journey.
Q: Can my U.S. LLC have its own credit score separate from mine?
A: Yes. Your LLC can build its own business credit profile through Dun & Bradstreet (PAYDEX score), Experian Business, and Equifax Business — completely separate from your personal credit. This requires getting a DUNS number, opening trade accounts with vendors that report to business bureaus, and applying for a business credit card in your LLC’s name using your EIN. Building strong business credit eventually allows your LLC to access financing without requiring your personal guarantee.
Q: What is the minimum credit score needed to get a secured credit card?
A: Secured credit cards are specifically designed for people with no or limited credit history — so there is typically no minimum credit score requirement. You provide a cash deposit (usually $200–$500) as collateral, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. The card issuer’s risk is minimal, which is why these cards are accessible to people with zero U.S. credit history. After 6–12 months of responsible use, most issuers will upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Q: Do I need to be physically present in the U.S. to apply for a credit card?
A: No physical presence is required for most secured credit card applications. You can apply online using your ITIN, a U.S. address (your LLC’s business address works), and a U.S. bank account for payment. Some premium cards may require additional verification steps, but the majority of secured cards used for credit building can be applied for and managed entirely online from outside the United States.
Section 8: How BeFiling Helps You Every Step of the Way
Building U.S. credit as a non-resident requires getting several pieces in place: an ITIN, a U.S. LLC, an EIN, a U.S. business address, and a U.S. bank account. BeFiling.com provides all of these services in one platform — making it the ideal starting point for any foreign entrepreneur who wants to build a serious U.S. financial footprint.
BeFiling Services That Support Your Credit Building Journey
- ITIN Application — The essential first step. IRS Certified Acceptance Agents, no passport mailing required, 99% approval rate, $225.
- LLC Formation — Register your U.S. LLC in any state including Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, and Montana. From $139 + state fees.
- EIN Obtainment — Included in the LLC formation package. Required for business banking and business credit applications.
- Business Address Service — Provides you with a real U.S. address for credit card applications, banking, and business correspondence.
- Tax Preparation — Ensures your annual U.S. tax filings are accurate and on time, which keeps your business in good standing with the IRS — a signal of reliability that matters to lenders.
- Nia AI Co-Founder — BeFiling’s AI assistant can help you navigate ongoing compliance questions, business strategy, and financial decisions in real time.
| Start Your U.S. Credit Journey with BeFiling Everything you need — ITIN, LLC, EIN, U.S. address, and tax compliance — in one platform, for entrepreneurs in 75+ countries. Apply for ITIN: befiling.com/itin-application Form Your LLC: befiling.com/form-my-llc Tax Preparation: befiling.com/tax-preparation WhatsApp Support: +1 (406) 607-2216 |
Conclusion
Building U.S. credit as a non-resident is not just possible — it is one of the smartest financial moves a foreign entrepreneur can make. With an ITIN in hand, a U.S. LLC properly formed, and the right secured credit card strategy, you can go from an invisible presence in the American financial system to a well-established credit profile within 12 months.
The journey begins with a single step: obtaining your ITIN. From there, every on-time payment, every responsible use of your credit limit, and every strategic application builds toward a U.S. financial identity that opens doors — to business financing, premium travel cards, vendor credit, and the full power of the American financial system.
BeFiling.com is built to help you take that first step and every one that follows. From ITIN application to LLC formation, tax compliance to business credit strategy — your U.S. financial journey starts at befiling.com.
Disclaimer: BeFiling Inc. is a private, third-party document preparation service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS, U.S. Department of the Treasury, or any U.S. government agency. BeFiling is not a law firm or CPA firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. Information in this article is for general educational purposes only. Credit card availability and terms are subject to change — verify directly with card issuers before applying.