Do You Need an ID to Get a Credit Card?

M

Michael

Member
Quick question do you need to show ID to get approved for a credit card? I’m helping a younger relative get started with building credit, and they asked me this. It made me realize I’ve never actually thought much about what’s required during the application process.

Obviously, you need to provide personal info like your name, address, and Social Security number, but do credit card companies require an actual photo ID or government-issued ID as part of the approval?

And if so, does that apply to both online and in-person applications? Just trying to understand what the process looks like, especially for someone who might not have a driver’s license yet but does have other forms of ID.
 
Yeah, you usually don’t have to physically show an ID when applying online. But you do need to provide accurate personal details like your full name, SSN, address, and sometimes even income. They verify identity through credit bureaus.
But if you're applying in person, like at a bank branch, they’ll likely ask to see a government-issued photo ID just to match your face with the application. That’s standard practice.
 
I got my first credit card at 18 and didn’t have a driver’s license, just a state ID. Totally worked.
Online apps don’t usually ask you to upload ID unless something doesn’t match. Like, if there’s a red flag on your credit report or mismatched address.
So no, ID isn’t always shown, but they’re still checking your identity in the background.
 
Online applications typically pull your info from the credit bureaus using your SSN, DOB, and address. If those match, you're good to go.
However, if your younger relative has no credit history, they might hit a wall. Some banks might request extra documentation like a passport or school ID, especially for student cards.
In-person, expect to show ID. Online? Usually not needed unless flagged.
 
I remember getting a secured card and being shocked they didn’t ask for a photo ID during the process.
They just used my SSN and linked it to my bank account. No upload.
But when I went into a bank branch for another card, they wanted ID and proof of address.
So yeah, online = less hassle. In person = more formal.
 
For minors or people new to credit, banks might want to manually verify ID. Not always a license.....passport, state ID, even military ID can work.
Also, if your relative is a teen, they might need a co-signer or start with an authorized user setup.
Just make sure whatever ID they do have matches their SSN info and address.
 
Kinda wild how easy it is to get a credit card without showing ID, tbh.
We act like it’s super locked down, but really you just need a SSN and a few clicks.
I know someone who accidentally used an old address and still got approved.
Scary how trusting these companies are sometimes
 
Used to work at a bank. In-branch apps always required photo ID......passport, DL, or state ID.
Online? That’s more automated. If you’re flagged, then the fraud department might follow up.
Tell your relative to be honest on income too. They rarely check, but still.
 
It’s all about digital verification now. The big banks and fintech companies are doing it all behind the scenes.
If something seems suspicious, then yes...manual verification with ID might kick in.
Otherwise, you just type stuff and hit submit. Wild times!
 
I got approved for a Capital One card with no job, no ID upload, and a 612 score
It’s mostly data-driven approvals. So as long as the SSN and address match, you’re probably fine.
But if your cousin doesn’t have any credit, might be smarter to start as an authorized user.
 
Technically, ID is part of the legal verification process under Know Your Customer (KYC) rules.
But for credit cards, that’s usually automated unless you trigger a manual review.
So yes, they’re verifying you, but no, you don’t often have to show them your ID physically.
 
I helped my little sister apply recently. She had a school ID and no license, but still got approved online
Some cards are beginner-friendly, like student cards from Discover or Capital One
They didn’t ask for ID, just the usual info. But we made sure her address and SSN were right
Just keep an eye out for emails asking for extra verification.
 
I applied for my first card through Discover Student and didn’t have to upload an ID or anything. Just entered my SSN, address, school info, and boom.....approved. They never even asked for a driver’s license. So no, it's not always required unless there’s something off in the app or maybe you’re applying in person at a bank.
 
Depends on the issuer, really. Online apps usually verify identity using data from your credit file and databases like LexisNexis. If you’re applying at a branch or in person? Yeah, they’ll ask for a government-issued photo ID......like a driver's license or passport. But for online, unless they can't verify your info electronically, no ID upload needed.
 
I got my first card at 18 through a local credit union. They made me show my school ID and birth certificate because I didn’t have a license yet. Super old-school. Big banks are usually more chill since they rely on digital records. But yeah, it’s not always a one-size-fits-all situation.
 
My bank asked for ID when I applied in person, but when I helped my cousin apply online through Capital One, he just entered his info and was approved in seconds. No ID upload or anything. He’s 19 and doesn’t have a license either just his state-issued ID. So there are definitely options.
 
Honestly, most online applications are automated. They use info from your credit report and identity verification databases to approve you. They can ask for ID if your info doesn’t match up or if there’s a fraud alert. But for most people? You just plug in your SSN and you're good to go.
 
Tried applying for an Amex card last year and they froze my application until I uploaded my passport. Apparently, I triggered a fraud flag because my address history was short (college student probs). So yes, sometimes they do ask, especially if you're young or have limited credit history.
 
No photo ID needed when I applied online, but I’ve heard some people with ITINs instead of SSNs do need to submit docs to prove identity. Might be a case-by-case thing depending on whether the issuer can verify you through normal channels.
 
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