I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolHow to Check Your Credit Score Without an SSN
Updated on November 22, 2023
Written by
Written by
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
See all posts Rohit Mittal
At a Glance: This article explains how to check your credit score in the U.S. without a Social Security Number (SSN). It discusses using an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), contacting credit bureaus, providing alternative identification documents, checking for a credit file, and using third-party services. It also provides information on disputing errors and offers alternative methods to estimate your credit score. The article emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing your credit report and being cautious of scams.
While living in the U.S., your credit score can have a positive or negative effect on many aspects of your life. As an international student without a Social Security Number (SSN), you might think that building a good credit score is impossible. However, below we will explain how to build credit without an SSN.
Can You Check Your Credit Score With an ITIN Number?
When trying to obtain a credit score, another alternative to an SSN is an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
How to Check Your Credit Score With an ITIN
Checking your credit history without a Social Security Number (SSN) can be challenging but not impossible. Here are the steps you can follow:
1. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
If you have an ITIN, use it in place of an SSN. Credit bureaus can track your credit history using your ITIN.
2. Request Your Credit Report
Contact the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Explain that you do not have an SSN and ask if they can locate your credit file using your ITIN, name, and address.
3. Alternative Identification Documents
Be prepared to provide additional identification documents. This might include a passport, driver’s license, or other state-issued ID.
4. Check for a Credit File
Even without an SSN, you might have a credit file if you’ve been involved in credit or payment activities, such as paying utility bills or rent.
5. Manual Search Requests
If the online or automated phone system methods do not work, you may need to send a written request to the credit bureaus. Include copies (not originals) of your identification documents.
6. Consider Third-Party Services
Some third-party services and websites allow you to check your credit score using alternative information. However, be cautious and ensure that the service is reputable to avoid scams.
7. Review Your Report
Once you receive your credit report, review it carefully for any inaccuracies or fraudulent activities.
8. Dispute Errors
If you find any errors, file a dispute with the credit bureau. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim.
Required Documents
If you do not have an SSN, you can submit a request for a free credit report in writing to any of the major credit reporting agencies. Generally, the following items will need to be included with your request to obtain a copy of your credit report in the absence of an SSN:
- Copy of a government-issued ID with current address
- Copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, or insurance statement
- Full name including middle initial and generation
- Individual Tax Payer Number (ITIN)
- Date of birth
- Complete addresses for the past two years
How to Check Your Credit Score With an ITIN
So how do you get a credit score without SSN? You can get a credit score if you have provided your lenders with sufficient personal information and if they report it to credit bureaus. You can apply at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for your credit score. Some of them may even grant you a free annual credit report.
Go online on the credit bureaus’ websites and check your credit score without SSN. Enter your personal information and provide your ITIN as another way to distinguish yourself. Pull your report and also verify the validity of the information. You can ask the credit bureaus to change incorrect information about your financial history. Be patient though, because it might take a while to correct errors on your record.
Please note though that not having an SSN will affect the way your credit is reported to credit bureaus. They may not have all of your financial history reported. But having a credit score of any kind is a start.
What to Do if You Don’t Have an ITIN
There are, however, some other ways to check your credit history without SSN:
- You can use FICO, a scoring model a lot of lenders use, to make an estimation of your credit score. FICO offers a free FICO score estimator which gives you an estimation after you have answered a few questions.
- You can use the factors determining your credit score and the weight that each of them carries towards making up your score. You can find the exact weightings and factors used in the FICO model here.
- You can compare your estimated credit score to the credit ranges to check the quality of your credit. Your credit score can range from 300 to 850.
Read More
- How to Remove Paid Collections from a Credit Report
- How to Get Approved for a Cell Phone with Bad Credit
- How Many Points Will My Credit Score Increase When I Pay Off Collections?
- How to Remove Late Payments from a Credit Report
- Why Did My Credit Score Go Down When Nothing Changed?
- How Accurate is Credit Karma?
- Can You Be Denied a Job Because of Bad Credit?
Final Thoughts
While not having a Social Security Number (SSN) can present challenges when it comes to checking your credit score, it is not impossible. By obtaining an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can still build and monitor your credit history. Remember to review your credit report regularly, dispute any errors, and be patient as you work towards establishing a credit score. With diligence and responsible financial habits, you can take control of your credit and open doors to various opportunities in the U.S.
Checking Your Credit Score Without an SSN FAQ
Can I check my credit score without a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Yes, you can check your credit score without an SSN by using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other forms of identification such as a passport or state-issued ID.
What alternative identification can I use if I don’t have an SSN?
Besides an ITIN, you can use a passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued identification documents to verify your identity with credit bureaus.
How do I request my credit report without an SSN?
Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and ask to access your credit report using your ITIN or other identification documents. You may need to provide additional information for verification.
Will utility and rent payments affect my credit score if I don’t have an SSN?
Yes, utility and rent payments can impact your credit score. Credit bureaus can track these payments and include them in your credit history.
What should I do if the credit bureaus can’t find my credit file without an SSN?
If automated methods fail, you can send a written request to the credit bureaus with copies of your identification documents. This manual search may help locate your credit file.
Are there any third-party services for checking credit scores without an SSN?
Yes, some third-party services offer credit score checks using alternative information. However, it’s important to use reputable services to avoid scams.
What if I find inaccuracies in my credit report without an SSN?
If you find errors in your credit report, file a dispute with the respective credit bureau. Provide necessary documentation to support your dispute.
Can I build a credit history in the U.S. without an SSN?
Yes, you can build a credit history in the U.S. without an SSN by engaging in credit activities such as credit card usage, loans, or regular bill payments and ensuring these are reported to credit bureaus.
Is it safe to provide my ITIN to credit bureaus?
Yes, it is generally safe to provide your ITIN to recognized credit bureaus for the purpose of obtaining your credit report. Always ensure you’re communicating with legitimate bureaus.
How often should I check my credit score if I don’t have an SSN?
It’s advisable to check your credit score at least once a year to monitor your credit health and spot any potential inaccuracies or fraudulent activities.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.