Can You Check Your Credit Score Without a Social Security Number? (2024)

In this article:

  • Can You Establish Credit Without a Social Security Number?
  • Can I Request a Credit Report With an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?
  • What Is a Credit Privacy Number (CPN)?
  • How Can I Get or Replace a Social Security Card?
  • Ordering Your Credit Report and Credit Score

A Social Security number (SSN) is helpful when compiling your credit history because it is the only identifier uniquely assigned to each U.S. consumer. Experian will ask for it when you order your own credit report to help ensure that we provide you a complete and accurate report. If you don't have an SSN, however, Experian will rely on other identification elements to compile your credit history.

In addition to your Social Security number, Experian asks for other identifying information, including your name, addresses for the past two years and your date of birth. This is used to access the credit history information provided to us by your lenders so we can deliver your credit report.

While it's possible to have a credit report and credit score even if you don't have an SSN, providing your full identification information is key to ensuring that the report you receive is accurate and complete.

Can You Establish Credit Without a Social Security Number?

Lenders typically require a Social Security number when you apply for a credit account. However, if you opened an account without an SSN and the lender reports its accounts to Experian, the account should still appear on your credit report, helping you establish credit. That's because Experian doesn't match information to a person's credit history using only the SSN: Experian matches information using all of the identification information provided by the lender.

If you are just starting to establish credit in your name, or if you have not used credit in quite some time, it is possible that you may not have a credit score even if you have a credit report. There are many different credit scoring models available for lenders to use. While some may be able to calculate a score with as little as one account appearing on your report, others may require multiple accounts to be reported for a certain period of time in order to generate a credit score. Credit scores often require three to six months of activity to be reported before the account will be included in score calculations.

Even if you had an established credit history in the past, some credit score models may not be able to generate a score if there has been no activity on any of your accounts in the past several months.

Can I Request a Credit Report With an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued to an individual for tax purposes. These numbers, if used, would be recognized as an invalid Social Security number on your credit report.

If you do not have an SSN, you can submit your request for a free credit report in writing. Please include one copy of a government-issued identification card, such as a driver's license, state ID card or similar displaying your current address, and one copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, insurance statement or similar.

Please also include the following identification information:

  • Your full name including middle initial (and generation - Jr., II, III)
  • Social Security number
  • Date of birth
  • Complete addresses for the past two years

Send your request to:

Experian

P.O. Box 9701

Allen, TX 75013

What Is a Credit Privacy Number (CPN)?

A Credit Privacy Number (CPN) is a term coined by credit repair firms and other companies in an attempt to convince consumers that they can purchase a "Social Security number replacement" to use for the purpose of obtaining new credit. This may also be referred to as a Credit Profile Number or a Credit Protection Number.

Unlike Social Security numbers and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, a CPN is not issued by the Social Security Administration nor the IRS. Using these fictional and sometimes stolen numbers to apply for credit instead of your SSN may be considered a form of identity theft and fraud.

How Can I Get or Replace a Social Security Card?

If you have lost your Social Security card or need a new one due to a name change, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement. You can do so either online (in most states), through the mail or by going to your local SSA office. Be prepared to provide proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate or passport) and/or proof of identity, such a driver's license or state-issued identification card.

If you are an adult and are requesting a Social Security number or card for the first time, the process may be somewhat different. You can read more about how to do this on the Social Security Administration website.

Ordering Your Credit Report and Credit Score

You can order your free Experian credit report and your free credit score from Experian online anytime. You can also request your credit report by calling 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742).

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be asked to send your request in writing, along with proof of your identity, such as a copy of your driver's license and a utility bill or bank statement. Send your request to:

Experian

P.O. Box 9701

Allen, TX 75013

When you order your credit report from Experian by phone or by mail, a credit score will be included.

You can also request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies at AnnualCreditReport.com, but you will need to enter a Social Security number. Experian, TransUnion and Equifax are offering free reports weekly to all U.S. consumers through this website.

Can You Check Your Credit Score Without a Social Security Number? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Check Your Credit Score Without a Social Security Number? ›

You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, passport number, an alien identification number, or government-issued identification instead. You should check directly with financial institutions to find out what type of identification they require.

Do you need SSN for soft credit check? ›

A soft pull does not require their social security number or date of birth. The credit report is no different than what the bank or lender will see when they pull the report: One helpful aspect of soft pulls is that they contain the same information as hard pulls.

How can I check my credit score without a sin? ›

If you do not wish to provide your S.I.N., you will need to select a different option to submit your request such as mail or in person. If/when you complete the identity validation process, your credit report will be sent to your home address via Canada Post within 5-10 days.

What information is needed for a credit check? ›

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Your name, address, Social Security Number, date of birth and employment information are used to identify you.

Can you get credit without SSN? ›

While you may not need an SSN to access credit, with only one or two exceptions, however, you will need a credit file at a credit bureau. Fortunately, though, the bureaus don't require an SSN to set up, report or score your credit history.

How to check credit without SSN? ›

If you want to check your credit history without an SSN, you may need to physically mail a credit report request form to the bureaus with your ITIN in place of an SSN. You can find the instructions for Experian and TransUnion online. Equifax might let you check your report online.

Can I run a soft credit check on myself? ›

You can view the soft inquiries on your credit reports. If you want to get copies of your credit report, you can request one free copy from each major credit bureau (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) weekly through AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also check your Experian credit report for free.

What information is needed for a soft credit check? ›

Personal details like your name, home address and date of birth. A list of any types of credit you currently have, including any bank accounts, loans and credit card accounts, and any outstanding debts. Details of your repayment history, including any missed or late payments.

Can anyone check my credit score? ›

While the general public can't see your credit report, some groups have legal access to that personal information. Those groups include lenders, creditors, landlords, employers, insurance companies, government agencies and utility providers.

Is 700 a good credit score? ›

For a score with a range between 300 and 850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is considered to be excellent. Most consumers have credit scores that fall between 600 and 750. In 2023, the average FICO® Score in the U.S. reached 715.

What documents do I need for a credit check? ›

What do lenders check?
  • Details on your application form.
  • The electoral register and court records.
  • How you've managed your accounts in the past.
  • Information from credit reference agencies.
  • Income and outgoings to check what you might be able to afford.

What is required to check credit score? ›

To check your CIBIL score for Free in just few minutes, you only need to mention few basic details, such as your full name, mobile number and email address in the below form and receive monthly updates.

What personal information is required for a credit check? ›

Collect Candidate Information: Personal identifying information, including the candidate's name, mailing address, and date of birth are all required to complete a credit check. Choose a Credit Reporting Agency: Select a reputable credit report provider or credit bureau to obtain the credit report.

What can I use instead of SSN? ›

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

Does Discover require SSN? ›

Key to verifying your identity are your date of birth and Social Security number (SSN). You must be 18 or older to apply for a credit card. Currently, Discover only accepts SSN to verify your identity; you can't use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Which bank does not require SSN? ›

While some other U.S. banks require a social security number, Bank of America does not require an SSN to open a bank account in the U.S. However, you'll need to provide two forms of identification.

Can I do a soft credit check on someone else? ›

Your credit report can't be obtained by just anyone, even if they want to perform a soft credit check instead of a hard one. The FCRA lays out in what situations a credit reporting bureau can provide others access to your report.

What information is pulled on a soft credit check? ›

How a Soft Credit Check Works. Financial institutions and creditors may want to know whether you are managing your debt and credit history effectively. Creditors might also want to know information such as the number of late payments or your credit usage, such as how much you have borrowed on each loan or credit card.

Do credit companies need your Social Security number? ›

Many financial institutions, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number when you open an account. If you are a noncitizen with permission to work in the United States, you may also need an SSN.

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