Can someone with an ITIN instead of an SSN get a personal loan?
Yes, at a smaller set of lenders. ITIN-only applicants typically need to apply with a credit union or CDFI that explicitly accepts ITIN, since most marketplace lenders require an SSN to pull credit. Bank-statement-based underwriting (12 to 24 months of deposits) is the common path because ITIN holders often have thin or no credit files.
Context
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number, including undocumented workers and certain non-resident aliens. ITIN holders can build credit (most credit bureaus accept ITIN-only applications) but the credit file is often thin or non-existent.
The practical lending path for an ITIN applicant: a community-development financial institution (CDFI), a credit union with explicit ITIN-friendly underwriting, or an online lender specialising in the immigrant market. Self-Help Credit Union, Latino Credit Union, and Mission Asset Fund all have ITIN-friendly products. Approvals usually depend on bank-statement income verification and a co-signer with an SSN-based file, plus stable U.S. address history of 12+ months.
APRs tend to run 2 to 5 percentage points above comparable SSN-based loans because of the thinner data. Building 12 to 24 months of secured-card or credit-builder-loan activity before applying for an unsecured personal loan usually pays for itself in better pricing.
- Reviewed by
- Compliance Review
- Last reviewed
- June 15, 2026
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