How to Check Your Credit Score With an ITIN Number

A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that indicates an individual’s creditworthiness. Lenders use these scores to evaluate applications for financial products like credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, as they predict the likelihood of on-time repayment. A favorable score can lead to better interest rates and terms, potentially reducing overall costs and payments.

Understanding Credit Scores and Identification

Credit scores, such as FICO scores, are calculated based on five main categories:
Payment history (35%)
Amounts owed (30%)
Length of credit history (15%)
New credit (10%)
Credit mix (10%)

Payment history, which reflects whether past credit obligations were met on time, holds the most weight. Amounts owed considers current debt levels relative to available credit, while length of credit history assesses how long accounts have been open. New credit applications and the variety of credit types managed also influence the overall score.

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) serve as the primary identifier used by credit bureaus to link and track an individual’s credit profile. However, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can also be used for credit reporting purposes. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for an SSN. For an ITIN to contribute to a credit profile, lenders must report credit activity using that specific ITIN.

If lenders do not consistently report credit information using the ITIN, or fail to report to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), establishing a comprehensive credit history becomes challenging. While an SSN is not strictly required to build credit, having an ITIN that lenders use for reporting is beneficial for creating a financial identity.

Methods for Accessing Your Credit Information

Federal law allows individuals to obtain a free copy of their credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com. However, this website is primarily for online requests using an SSN, posing a challenge for those with an ITIN.

ITIN holders must typically request credit reports directly from each credit bureau by mail. The request should include a copy of a government-issued identification card displaying your current address, a recent utility bill or bank statement for address verification, your full legal name, date of birth, and your ITIN, explicitly identified as such.

Many financial service providers offer customers free access to their credit scores, often available on monthly statements or through secure online banking portals. These services typically provide either a FICO Score or a VantageScore, updated periodically, and may include insights into the factors influencing the score. Checking your own score this way involves a “soft inquiry,” which does not negatively affect your credit score.

Paid credit monitoring services also provide access to credit reports and scores, often from all three bureaus. Services like MyFICO offer detailed insights and can accommodate ITIN users with appropriate identity verification. Experian also offers free plans with monthly access to an Experian credit report and FICO Score tracking; ITIN users can use these, though identity verification may require a mailed submission. If a credit history is not immediately linked to an ITIN or discrepancies exist, contact the credit bureaus directly to provide additional documentation and ensure accurate reporting.

Building a Credit History with an ITIN

Secured credit cards are a practical way to establish a credit history. These cards require a refundable security deposit, typically ranging from $200 to $2,500, which often serves as the credit limit. Consistent and on-time payments are reported to credit bureaus, contributing to the development of a positive payment history. Many credit card issuers specifically accept ITINs for secured card applications.

Credit-builder loans also help establish or improve a credit profile. A lender places the loan amount, often between $300 and $1,000, into a locked savings account or Certificate of Deposit (CD). The borrower then makes regular installment payments over a set period, generally ranging from 6 to 24 months. These timely payments are reported to credit bureaus, and the funds become available once the loan is fully repaid. Many credit unions, community banks, and online lenders offer credit-builder loans that accept ITINs.

Becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card account can also aid in building credit. The primary account holder’s positive payment history may then be reflected on the authorized user’s credit report. This approach depends on the primary user consistently maintaining good credit practices. This method can provide a pathway to establishing a credit file without directly applying for new credit products.

Specialized services can report rent or utility payments to major credit bureaus. While these types of payments are not typically reported by default, certain third-party providers can facilitate this process, often for a fee. Experian Boost, for example, is a service that can add eligible rent, utility, and even streaming service payments to an Experian credit report, which has the potential to improve a credit score. Ensure any credit-building product or service consistently reports account activity to all three major credit bureaus using your ITIN.