Can an immigrant get a credit card in the US?
Some credit card companies may accept applications from immigrants without a Social Security number, but those cards may require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN.) Immigrants who don't qualify for a standard credit card may be eligible for a secured credit card or a student credit card.
Many credit card applications will ask you for a Social Security Number (SSN). However, you don't necessarily need an SSN to complete an application or qualify for a credit card as a non-U.S. citizen. Some issuers are very clear about being able to apply without an SSN.
Credit bureaus normally match your information using your social security number or SSN. Without an SSN, they can use your name, birthdate, current and previous addresses, and employment history for matching.
Are you a citizen or permanent resident? Most credit cards require that you have an SSN to apply. This is one main reason why it is difficult for undocumented immigrants to get a credit card. However, there are some credit card companies and banks that allow you to apply with an ITIN.
While most credit card applications ask for your Social Security number, there are a few that will allow you to apply for a credit card even if you don't have a Social Security number. However, you will need to be able to verify your identity in a way that complies with their requirements.
Establishing credit in the U.S. can make it easier for immigrants to obtain a loan or other financial products. Things like applying for a SSN or ITIN, opening a bank account, and applying for a credit card are critical first steps in beginning to build a credit history in the U.S.
The biggest problem migrants face when it comes to building credit in the US is that they have no credit history, and thus no credit score. Therefore, when they apply for a loan or credit card, lenders have no information to base a decision on, which usually ends with them denying your application.
Recommended credit cards for immigrants include Capital One Secured Mastercard, Discover It Secured Mastercard, US Bank Secured Credit Card, First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard Secured Credit Card, and OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Before you begin your first U.S. credit card application, you will need to have a U.S. mailing address.
As noted by credit companies like Experian, it can take anywhere from three to six months for immigrants with no credit score to build their credit history from scratch.
Can immigrants get a loan?
A non-U.S. citizen can get a personal loan, but eligibility requirements vary by lender and it's generally tougher than if you were a citizen. Some lenders may consider non-citizens high-risk borrowers based on two factors: the duration of their stay in the country and a potential lack of credit.
Again, credit scores are taken into account when applying for a green card, visa, or citizenship, so declaring bankruptcy will also hurt your chances of approval in these processes. Wherever possible, it is better to choose other options for taking care of outstanding debts.
If a Social Security number or ITIN isn't an option, some credit card issuers might accept an applicant's foreign passport or U.S. driver's license. Yet another alternative is Nova Credit's Credit Passport, which an issuer can use to look at an applicant's overseas credit history.
Applying for a credit card without a Social Security number is possible when you use an ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Many of the largest credit card companies allow immigrants and those without Social Security numbers to apply for and use credit cards, regardless of immigration status.
Apply for an individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN. If you're unable to get a Social Security number, you may still be able to apply for a credit card by using an individual taxpayer identification number, a tax-processing ID number assigned to individuals by the Internal Revenue Service.
Several credit card issuers may accept applications for certain card products without an SSN, including Capital One, Chase, Discover, and WebBank.
- Bank of America.
- Chase.
- Wells Fargo.
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
- Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
- Latino Credit Union.
ITIN. 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).
In recent years, banks across the country have been offering checking accounts and even mortgages to the nation's fast-growing ranks of undocumented immigrants, most of whom are Hispanic, the paper said, adding these immigrants generally have not been able to get major credit cards.
All sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least 18 years old, and be living in the United States (including territories and possessions) when they file the affidavit of support.
Which credit card is best to start with?
| Card | Best for | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | Cash back | $0 |
| Self - Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card | Building credit | Secured Card $25 |
| Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card | Building credit with no deposit and annual fee | $0 |
As mentioned, an 400 credit score is generally considered to be a poor credit rating. Depending on your other qualifications, such as income and employment, you may be able to qualify for certain types of loans (more on that in a bit).
The credit history you established with your ITIN number, if any, will need to be transferred to your new Social security number credit history. This will not happen automatically. Find out how to request a transfer from any of the 3 credit bureaus or any office of the IRS.
The Takeaway. It usually takes a minimum of six months to generate your first credit score. Establishing good or excellent credit takes longer. If you follow the tips above for building good credit and avoid the potential pitfalls, your score should continue to improve.
The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on all purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back. Cardholders can also get an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending...
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