Published by the Modern Lending Solutions editorial team. Last reviewed: .

Short answer: an ITIN is a tax number from the IRS for people who need one but cannot get a Social Security number (IRS). Each lender sets its own rules on whether it takes an ITIN, so ask before you apply. Expect to show who you are, where you live and what you earn, and walk away from anyone who wants money up front.

What an ITIN is, and what it is not

The IRS describes an ITIN as a 9-digit number it issues if you need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but are not eligible for a Social Security number. The IRS says an ITIN is for federal tax purposes only, and it does not provide or change immigration status, authorize work in the U.S., qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit, or serve as identification outside the federal tax system (IRS).

An ITIN can expire. If it is not used on a U.S. federal tax return for any 3 consecutive tax years, it expires on December 31 after the third year, and you must renew it if it will be on a federal tax return (IRS). If a lender asks for your ITIN, check that it is current.

What a lender may ask for

When you open an account at a bank, federal rules require the bank to collect your name, date of birth, address and an identification number. For a non-U.S. person, that number can be a taxpayer identification number, a passport number and country of issuance, an alien identification card number, or the number of another government-issued document with a photo (31 CFR 1020.220).

  • Identity: a photo ID, such as a passport or other government-issued document (31 CFR 1020.220).
  • Address: where you live now. Ask which documents the lender accepts as proof.
  • Income: pay stubs, bank statements or tax returns. The income guide covers what lenders check.
  • Residency: a lender may ask about permanent residency and immigration status, and may consider it (12 CFR 1002.5(e), 1002.6(b)(7)).

A lender may not use national origin against you. Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, a lender may not discourage you from applying, refuse you credit you qualify for, or give you worse terms because of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, marital status or age (CFPB). The law does not promise approval: you still have to meet the lender's credit standards (CFPB). If you think a lender discriminated against you, you can complain to the CFPB or the FTC (CFPB); the complaint guide shows how.

Building a credit history

Lenders set standards for credit score and history (CFPB). Two guides cover the first steps: checking your credit report, and how credit builder loans work. Before you open any account to build credit, ask whether the lender reports your payments to the credit bureaus.

Where to ask

  • Credit unions: see the credit union vs online lender guide and the payday alternative loans guide.
  • Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): lenders supported by the U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund that provide loans and financial services to underserved people and communities (CDFI Fund).
  • Any lender: ask whether it accepts an ITIN before you apply, and compare offers by APR and total cost.

Check that a lender is licensed before you share documents; the licensing guide shows how.

Red flags

  • A fee before you get the loan. Paying up front to "unlock" a loan is the classic advance-fee scam (FTC).
  • A promise of "guaranteed approval" (FTC).
  • Someone who claims to be from the government or a bank and asks you to send money (CFPB).
  • Pressure to act right away, or no time to ask questions (CFPB).
  • Payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, payment app, prepaid card or gift card (CFPB).
  • A request for your account numbers, passwords or access codes (CFPB).

You do not need to pay anyone to get an ITIN. The IRS lists free ways to apply in person, at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers with ITIN services and at some Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites; Acceptance Agents charge a fee (IRS). For more on loan scams, see the advance-fee scam guide and the fake loan text guide. You can report a scam to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov).

Questions to ask a lender

  • Do you accept an ITIN instead of a Social Security number?
  • Which documents do you need for identity, address and income?
  • What is the APR, is there an origination fee, and what is the total of payments?
  • Do you report payments to the credit bureaus?

This guide explains federal rules in general terms. It is not legal advice and not tax advice, and it does not address immigration questions.

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Sources

  1. IRS: Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
  2. IRS: How to renew an ITIN
  3. IRS: How to apply for an ITIN
  4. 31 CFR 1020.220: customer identification program requirements for banks
  5. Regulation B, 12 CFR 1002.5: rules concerning requests for information
  6. Regulation B, 12 CFR 1002.6(b): rules concerning evaluation of applications
  7. CFPB: What information is a card issuer not allowed to base decisions on when I apply for credit?
  8. CFPB: What do I do if I think a lender discriminated against me?
  9. CFPB: What are some classic warning signs of possible fraud and scams?
  10. U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund: About
  11. FTC: What To Know About Advance-Fee Loans
  12. FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Disclosure: Modern Lending Solutions is not a lender, loan broker or agent for any lender or loan broker, and does not make credit decisions. Any compensation we receive is paid by participating lenders, only for advertising services. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.