Guide & Insights
No credit score yet? These secured cards and credit-builder loans report to all three credit bureaus and often accept an ITIN in place of an SSN — a practical first step before applying for a personal loan.
Self Credit Builder Account
A credit-builder loan that locks your payments into a savings account, releasing the funds once paid off while reporting your on-time history to all 3 bureaus.
- ✓ No hard credit check to apply
- ✓ Accepts ITIN in place of an SSN
- ✓ Reports to Equifax, Experian & TransUnion
- • Funds are not available until the loan term ends
Ava Credit Builder Account
A 0% interest credit-builder account designed for newcomers, with most members seeing a tradeline appear on their credit report within a week.
- ✓ 0% interest, no hidden fees on the loan itself
- ✓ Reports to file within about a week
- ✓ No prior credit history required
- • Only a $1/mo origination fee in some states, but limited loan size
Firstcard Secured Credit Card
A secured credit card built for immigrants starting from scratch — no SSN or credit check required, with a deposit-based credit line.
- ✓ No SSN or credit check for approval
- ✓ Reports to all 3 major bureaus
- ✓ Simple online application
- • Credit line limited to your refundable deposit
Discover it Secured Credit Card
A secured card that still earns cashback rewards, with automatic monthly account reviews starting at 7 months to graduate to an unsecured card.
- ✓ Earns cashback rewards unlike most secured cards
- ✓ Automatic review for deposit refund starting at month 7
- ✓ No annual fee
- • Requires a Social Security Number to apply
Citi Secured Mastercard
A secured card with one of the lowest minimum deposits on the market, and the option to receive a credit limit higher than your deposit.
- ✓ Deposit as low as $49 for a $200 limit
- ✓ Accepts an ITIN as well as an SSN
- ✓ Choose your own payment due date
- • No welcome bonus or ongoing rewards program