Millions of legal U.S. residents have an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number. They work, pay taxes, and build lives here — and BFF has a mortgage program built specifically for them. Up to $1.5M, three income doc options, DACA eligible.
Program at a Glance
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to individuals who are required to file U.S. taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. ITIN holders are legal U.S. residents who pay federal income taxes, often have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, and have established financial lives here — but have been shut out of homeownership by programs that require a SSN for qualification.
ITIN borrowers come from a wide range of employment structures. BFF accepts all three major income documentation types so brokers can use whichever best reflects the borrower's actual earnings.
Standard credit bureaus typically don't have full tradeline history for ITIN borrowers. BFF has a specific tradeline framework that recognizes U.S. and international credit history, rental history, and other documented payment patterns.
Option A 3 Tradelines - 12+ months each Three separate active or closed accounts with at least 12 months of payment history on each. Tradelines may include U.S. or international credit history, auto loans, credit cards, personal loans, or other installment/revolving accounts. Option B 2 Tradelines - 24+ months each Two separate accounts with at least 24 months of documented payment history. A longer individual history on each account can substitute for the third tradeline under Option A. ITIN Payment History: In addition to tradeline requirements, the borrower must have a minimum 2-year consistent ITIN payment history. This means 2 years of on-time payments on accounts tracked under the ITIN. This is separate from the tradeline count - both requirements must be satisfied. 680 FICO Floor: BFF requires a minimum 680 FICO score. For ITIN borrowers without a traditional credit score, alternative credit documentation may be used to establish creditworthiness, but the underwriter must be able to arrive at a credit assessment equivalent to 680 through the documented tradeline and payment history.
ITIN borrowers come from a wide range of employment structures. BFF accepts all three major income documentation types so brokers can use whichever best reflects the borrower's actual earnings.
Standard credit bureaus typically don't have full tradeline history for ITIN borrowers. BFF has a specific tradeline framework that recognizes U.S. and international credit history, rental history, and other documented payment patterns.
Key parameters from the BFF ITIN Matrix. Download the PDF for complete guidelines before pricing any ITIN scenario.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max Loan | $1,500,000 |
| Min Loan | $150,000 |
| Min FICO | 680 |
| Max LTV - Purchase | 80% (primary residence and second home) |
| Max LTV - Cash-Out | 75% |
| Max Cash-Out | $500,000 if LTV ≤50% · $300,000 if LTV >50% |
| Occupancy | Primary Residence · Second Home (no investment properties) |
| Income Doc Types | Full documentation · Bank statements (12 or 24 months) · 1099 |
| Tradeline Requirement | 3 tradelines (12+ months each) OR 2 tradelines (24+ months each) |
| ITIN Payment History | Minimum 2-year consistent payment history under the ITIN |
| Gift Funds | Allowed - properly documented per gift letter requirements |
| Non-Occupant Co-Borrower | Eligible (same ITIN tradeline and credit requirements apply) |
| First-Time Homebuyers | Allowed |
| DACA Borrowers | Eligible - valid U.S. driver's license AND valid EAD required |
| Property Types | SFR · PUD · Condos · 2-unit (primary only) |
| Loan Purpose | Purchase · Rate & Term Refi · Cash-Out Refi |
| Cash-Out Note | Cash-out maximum is $500K when LTV is at or below 50%, and $300K when LTV is above 50%. The lower LTV ceiling must be satisfied to access the higher cash-out amount. |
Individuals who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, have established financial lives and payment histories, but have an ITIN rather than a Social Security Number.
Dreamers with a valid Employment Authorization Document and U.S. driver's license. DACA-specific eligibility confirmed — standard ITIN loan requirements apply.
ITIN borrowers purchasing their first U.S. home. Gift funds are allowed, making down payment assistance from family possible — a common scenario in this borrower community.
Contractors, small business owners, and freelancers who file U.S. taxes with their ITIN but have income that is better documented through bank statements than tax returns.
Long-term renters with strong payment history who have been locked out of conventional mortgage programs solely because of SSN requirements — not credit worthiness.
Borrowers with a combination of U.S. and international credit history. BFF accepts international tradelines alongside U.S. tradelines to satisfy the credit requirement.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to individuals who must file U.S. taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. This includes permanent residents, certain visa holders, and others without legal immigration status who still have U.S. tax obligations. ITIN holders pay U.S. taxes, often for many years, have established U.S. financial lives, and have been contributing members of their communities — but conventional mortgage programs have historically excluded them simply because they lack an SSN.
BFF requires one of two tradeline configurations: 3 tradelines with at least 12 months of history each, or 2 tradelines with at least 24 months of history each. Tradelines can be U.S. or international and include credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, or other installment or revolving accounts. Additionally, the borrower must have a minimum 2-year consistent ITIN payment history — this is separate from the tradeline count and both must be satisfied.
Yes. DACA borrowers (Dreamers) are eligible for the BFF ITIN program. Two documents are required: a valid U.S. driver's license and a current, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Both must be valid at the expected closing date. Standard ITIN loan eligibility requirements — tradelines, payment history, FICO, LTV, and income documentation — all apply to DACA borrowers the same as any other ITIN borrower.
BFF accepts three income documentation types: full documentation (ITIN-filed tax returns and W-2s), bank statements (12 or 24 months personal or business, with expense factor), or 1099 income (1-year or 2-year 1099s with 10% expense factor and YTD documentation). The flexible doc type acceptance recognizes that ITIN borrowers often work in employment structures that don't fit a single documentation type — choose whichever produces the strongest qualifying income.
Yes. Gift funds are allowed on ITIN loans at BFF. The gift must come from an eligible donor and be documented with a properly executed gift letter meeting standard requirements. This is particularly useful for first-time ITIN borrowers who have strong income and credit history but may be relying on family support for the down payment.
BFF ITIN Matrix — Rev. Oct 2025
Before submitting: verify 3 tradelines (12+ mo.) or 2 tradelines (24+ mo.) AND 2+ years of ITIN payment history. Both requirements must be met independently.
DACA borrowers need both a valid U.S. driver's license and a current EAD. Either alone is not sufficient. Verify expiration dates before pricing.
Price it in the Quick Pricer, download the matrix, or call your AE. We Deliver.
