Credit cards are an important part of the American economy, but using them can be challenging. If you’ve never had a credit card or a severely restricted credit history, it can be difficult to find a bank that gives you a chance. Remember, if you don’t approve the first card you apply for, you can always turn to similar offers from other banks to get approval. [Sources: 1, 4, 14]
Remember that you may not be able to apply for a credit card now, but you can take proactive steps that could help you get approved in the future. Follow these steps to increase your chances of being admitted by applying for credit cards in the United States and other countries around the world. [Sources: 7, 13]
The credit application is quite simple, as long as you know what kind of details you can request before applying for a credit card online or by post. Learn how to apply for credit cards online and what to expect on your credit card application. [Sources: 2, 12]
If you have trouble obtaining a permit, you can use a secured credit card to build up your credit history. Building a credit card over time and eventually finding regular credit cards is the right way to get your secured credit card. [Sources: 3, 6]
All in all, there are a number of options out there for you to choose from to get started on building loans in the United States. There are several types of secured credit cards that can be applied for, but there is no single – stop – shop approach to applying for them. [Sources: 3, 9]
For foreign students who want to build up their credit, there are a number of credit cards aimed at international students who do not have SSN or credit history. There are several student credit card designs in the United States, and some banks also offer cards for first-time applicants. If you have no credit history or credit history in the United States, you might want to look at the cards marketed to new borrowers. [Sources: 6, 11, 14]
If you don’t get a credit card approval, a debit card can be just as effective, especially if you need one to make cash-free purchases. If your credit card is not high enough to qualify for traditional credit cards, you might consider a secured credit card to get the rock rolling. The US Bank Secured Credit Card is a good card for those who want to switch to an unsecured credit card at some point. Another good example of a secure credit card for foreign students in the United States is the OpenSky Secured Visa credit card (although it has a $35 annual fee and does not include rewards). [Sources: 1, 6, 9]
Earn the opportunity to give international students the opportunity to have a credit card, even if you do not have Social Security numbers or credit card history. [Sources: 0]
Obtaining an SSN not only entitles you to apply for more credit cards, but also makes it easier for the credit card issuer to track your credit card and process your application. Even if you donate, you can still accumulate money by having an account that is reported to the credit reference agencies. [Sources: 5, 11]
There are a few other ways to determine your credit history, but the best options are to look around, have a good job, apply for one or two cards, not apply and get a secured credit card. A good first time – credit cards can be secured cards or student credit cards. [Sources: 8, 12]
If you have no credit history at all or have had difficulty obtaining approval for an unsecured credit card in the past, you can qualify for a secured credit card that requires a cash deposit and is commonly used to build up credit. Capital One offers a few unsecured credit cards for ITIN applicants, which makes secured cards a great stepping stone. If you don’t have an SSN and you don’t have a good job or a good bank account, you can start from scratch when you search for credit cards. Some card issuers offer online applications for consumers who wish to apply for cards online. [Sources: 11, 13, 15]
Citibank will give you the option to request a credit card with SSN by phone, but will contact you personally to request additional information to confirm your identity. Bank of America also allows you to apply for credit cards with your ITIN only after visiting a branch. [Sources: 11]
If you want a credit card but do not have a Social Security number, you will also need to meet the requirements of the card company, which could force you to create your credit card history in the United States. You can get an ITIN if you have behaved with it, but having it may not be enough to get approved. [Sources: 6, 8]
It is also worth noting that business credit cards are not reported to the personal credit bureaus in the States and do not help you build up your credit history, but they are a good choice. It is difficult for credit bureaus to track your credit history accurately, so you cannot get a credit card without a built-in credit card. If you plan to apply for a credit card, you should also have it checked annually. If your balance is borderline, pay off all outstanding balances before applying for a credit card to get the best chance of getting approval. [Sources: 1, 10, 11, 12]
Sources:
[0]: https://www.internationalstudentloan.com/resources/how-to-apply-for-a-credit-card.php [1]: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/credit-cards/blog/how-to-apply-for-a-credit-card-and-actually-get-approved/ [2]: https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-to-apply-for-a-credit-card [3]: http://immigrantfinance.com/immigrants-can-get-credit-cards/ [4]: https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/how-to-apply-for-a-credit-card/25512/ [5]: https://www.novacredit.com/resources/credit-cards-for-non-u-s-citizens/ [6]: https://www.investopedia.com/applying-for-a-credit-card-without-a-social-security-number-4684660 [7]: https://www.benzinga.com/money/apply-for-credit-card/ [8]: https://www.cardratings.com/how-credit-cards-work/basics/steps-to-get-a-credit-card-for-immigrants-h-1b-visa-holders-foreign-students.html [9]: https://www.stilt.com/blog/2018/06/get-credit-card-immigrant-usa/ [10]: https://princeoftravel.com/blog/getting-us-credit-cards-for-canadians/ [11]: https://www.valuepenguin.com/getting-credit-cards-without-social-security-number [12]: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/resources/how-to-get-a-credit-card/ [13]: https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/how-to-apply-for-a-credit-card [14]: https://www.self.inc/blog/guide-applying-credit-card-first-time [15]: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/can-you-get-a-credit-card-without-a-social-security-number/
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