SSN
An SSN (Social Security number) is a nine-digit number issued by the US government, used by many lenders to identify you and pull your credit. It is the most common identifier on credit applications, but it is not the only one.
Why it matters
You do not need an SSN to build US credit: some lenders accept an ITIN instead, so people without an SSN can still open credit accounts and build a file.
Example
Someone without an SSN applies for a secured card using an ITIN; if they later get an SSN, they ask the card issuer what it needs to update the account.
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Educational only — not financial advice. No guarantees.