Can I get a US credit card without living in the US?
To get a U.S. credit card, you'll need to apply for the card directly. Several major banks offer credit cards for foreigners. It helps if you already have U.S. or international credit history. Most credit card companies will require that you have a bank account, a job and proof of income.
Before you begin your first U.S. credit card application, you will need to have a U.S. mailing address.
Some credit card issuers also offer credit cards to those without an SSN such as international students or professionals relocating to the U.S. for work. They allow you to apply using other forms of identification, such as your passport and visa information.
Foreign banks also issue credit cards. You can begin to cultivate a good credit score in a foreign country by looking at cards offered by the local banks there.
Depending on what type of identification new immigrants have, there are a few types of credit cards available to them. Most cards require that you have a Social Security number (and some require you to be a U.S. citizen), so your options will be more limited if you don't have one.
If you didn't get a card before you left the country, apply by using a U.S. address, and seek out expat-friendly cards.
- Legal name.
- Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
- Mailing address.
- Birthdate.
- Employment status.
- Income information.
- Debt information.
- Permission to pull your credit history.
Several credit card issuers may accept applications for certain card products without an SSN, including Capital One, Chase, Discover, and WebBank.
A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive. Why We Like It: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is one of the best starter credit cards without an SSN requirement because applicants can use an ITIN instead of an SSN and get approved despite limited or no credit history.
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.
Can I apply Amex without SSN?
Yes, you must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for an American Express Card. What other information do I need to apply? For your security, you will be asked for information to authenticate your identity.
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.
- Proof of address with contact information and personal details.
- Two forms of ID — Passport and government-issued ID or valid driver's license.
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
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.
New immigrants are "credit invisible" without a U.S.-based credit report, which can make it nearly impossible to get approved for loans and other forms of credit. Lack of a credit history can also make it harder to rent property and to obtain cellphone and utility services.
- Apply for a Social Security number, if possible. ...
- Open a bank account in the US. ...
- Apply for a credit card. ...
- Avoid debt and late payments. ...
- Pay rent and utilities on time.
Yes, non-resident aliens are able to open US bank accounts. They still need to provide the required documentation to prove their identity, address, and employment as well as a US Taxpayer document.
Bank of America offers accounts to US residents and Green Card holders, with no specific restrictions based on nationality. If you're a non-resident alien you can also open an account with Bank of America — but you'll need to have a US address, which you provide to the bank alongside your permanent foreign address.
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card. ...
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card * ...
- Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card * ...
- Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card * ...
- Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit * ...
- Discover it® Student Cash Back.
The minimum credit score you need to get an unsecured credit card is between 650-660. Unsecured means you don't have to put up a security deposit or collateral, like you do with a secured credit card. Those who don't have a good credit score can get a secured credit card, but Hoyes says to proceed with caution.
Is it easy to get credit card in USA?
Consider your credit standing.
In general, it's easier to qualify for store cards or secured credit cards than unsecured credit cards. However, there are unsecured credit cards for people who are rebuilding their credit and cards for those brand new to credit that may be easier to get approved for.
- Bank of America.
- Chase.
- Wells Fargo.
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
- Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
- Latino Credit Union.
Yes, you can! In the United States, banks should not ask what your immigration status is. Many do not require you to have legal status. There are ways to establish your identity without having status or a social security number.
Proof of US residency, like a US government-issued photo ID or rental agreement showing your name and US address. Primary photo ID like your passport. Secondary ID, like a photo driving license or a Visa® or Mastercard® debit or credit card in your name.
Getting a credit card may be one of the items on the financial to-do list of an undocumented immigrant. Undocumented immigrants can apply for a credit card in the U.S., but they might need to jump over some hurdles to do so. These could include obtaining a federal tax ID number or qualifying for a secured credit card.
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