Credit Cards for Non US Citizens: Options and Fees Explained

As a non-US citizen, getting a credit card can be a bit more complicated than it is for US citizens, but it's not impossible. You can still get a credit card, but you'll need to consider a few things.

Some credit card issuers don't issue credit cards to non-US citizens, while others do, but with certain restrictions. For example, some credit cards require a US Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply.

Many non-US citizens opt for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, which can save them money on international purchases. These fees can range from 1-3% of the transaction amount, depending on the credit card issuer.

A unique perspective: Life Insurance for Non Us Residents

Applying for a credit card can be a bit tricky if you're a non-US citizen, but don't worry, it's not impossible. You can start by deciding which card you want to apply for.

To apply, you'll need to submit the official application, which can usually be done online in just a few minutes. However, if you're applying without an SSN, you may need to jump through a few extra hoops. If you have an ITIN, you can use it in place of your SSN, but if you don't have an ITIN or SSN, you can try applying with other identifying documents, such as your passport.

Readers also liked: Business Credit Cards That Don't Report to Personal Credit

Some credit card issuers, like American Express, accept foreign credit history from certain countries, including Australia, Canada, and the UK. This can help you access a US credit card, but it will depend on the issuer and their technology. American Express, for example, uses unique technology to translate international credit data from these countries into US-equivalent scores.

Here are some countries whose credit history is accepted by American Express for a US credit card application:

To apply for a credit card, you'll need to submit an application, which can often be done online in just a few minutes. If you don't have an SSN, you may be able to use an ITIN or other identifying documents like your passport.

If you're unsure about the application process, call the card issuer or visit a local bank branch for help. Obtaining a credit card without an SSN can be a bit more complicated, but it's not impossible.

Explore further: Citicard Application

You can also consider applying with an international credit history, which can be translated into a U.S.-equivalent score through partners like Nova Credit and American Express. This can help you access U.S.-based cards that require a credit history or certain credit score.

Typically, there are three key steps to apply for a credit card without an SSN:

Recommended read: Beginner Credit Cards with No Credit

If you're a non-citizen looking to apply for a credit card, you're not alone. Many international students and newcomers to the US face similar challenges.

You can apply for American Express credit cards without an SSN by using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Make sure to enter your ITIN in the field asking for your SSN and check the box that says “I have had a credit card or loan in Australia, Brazil...”

American Express accepts foreign credit history from over a dozen countries, including Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, and the UK. If you don't have sufficient US credit history, this may prompt them to ask you to use your foreign credit history later in the application.

For your interest: Guaranteed Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit Australia

You must have an SSN or an ITIN to apply for most credit cards. However, you can start building your US credit history even without an SSN, and Experian and TransUnion will track and attempt to match your name, birth date, and address to your credit history.

If you're unsure of how to apply online, don't worry – you can call the card issuer and ask to speak with a representative or visit a local bank branch.

Some credit card issuers, like American Express, offer unique technology that can translate international credit data from other countries into US-equivalent scores. This can help people with good international credit get accepted for US-based cards that require a credit history or a certain credit score.

If your credit card applications are being declined, you can try applying for secured credit cards or take steps to improve your chances of earning approval by reviewing the reasons you're being denied in your rejection letter.

Here are some countries from which American Express accepts foreign credit history:

If you're a student, you may be able to apply for a credit card using your passport, even without an SSN or ITIN. Some credit card issuers offer cards exclusively for students that don't require long-term plans to stay in the US.

To apply for a credit card as a non-US citizen, you'll need to meet the issuer's requirements. Some issuers, like American Express, will let you use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN on your application.

You may qualify for an ITIN if you've worked in the U.S. or receive a taxable scholarship. An ITIN allows people who don't qualify for an SSN to file a tax return in the U.S.

To qualify for a credit card, you'll need a good credit history and a low debt-to-income ratio. Credit card companies consider a variety of factors when reviewing your creditworthiness.

Some credit card issuers offer credit cards to non-US citizens with a good credit history in their home country. International banks and card issuers may review your foreign credit history when considering your application.

You may need to be a legal permanent resident to apply for a credit card with some issuers. However, some banks and credit unions offer credit cards to non-US citizens.

A fresh viewpoint: Do Medical Bills Affect Your Credit When Buying a House

To apply for a credit card, you'll need to provide various information, including your full legal name, date of birth, U.S. address, contact information, and SSN or ITIN.

Here's a list of the information you may need to provide:

You can apply for a credit card as a non-US citizen, and it's entirely legal. Some credit card companies, like American Express, accept international credit history, which can help you get approved for a card.

To qualify for a card, you'll need to meet the issuer's requirements, which may include having a good credit history in your home country or a stable income. Credit card companies consider various factors, such as your income and debt-to-income ratio, when reviewing your creditworthiness.

You can explore different types of credit cards, such as student cards or secured credit cards, which may be more accessible to non-US citizens. Some cards, like the Experian Smart Money Debit Card, are even designed for international students and professionals.

Some international banks and credit card issuers have programs for professionals relocated to the US, so it's worth exploring those options as well.

You can use your international credit history to apply for credit cards in the US, but it depends on the issuer. Nova Credit has partnered with American Express, which offers unique technology that can translate international credit data from other countries into US-equivalent scores.

Some credit card companies require a Social Security number (SSN) to issue a card, but it's not the only option. You can apply for a credit card as a non-US citizen, and it's also legal.

Not having a US credit history can make it harder to get approved for a credit card, but it's not impossible. You may be able to get approved for a student card or a secured credit card, even without a US credit history.

To build credit in the US, you'll need to use your credit card responsibly, making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization ratio low. This will help you establish a good credit history.

Expand your knowledge: International Mortgage Loans

Here are some options for getting a credit card with no US credit history:

Keep in mind that even with a good international credit history, you may still need to meet the credit card issuer's requirements to get approved.

Annual fees should be no more than $40. This is a reasonable amount to pay for the benefits and services that come with a credit card.

Some credit card products charge steep "activation" fees just to open the account, which is a major red flag. Avoid these products at all costs.

Balance transfer fees should be between 3% to 5% of the transferred amount. This is a standard range, but be aware that some cards may charge more.

Foreign transaction fees should also be no more than 3% of the transaction amount. This is a reasonable rate, especially considering the benefits of using a credit card abroad.

Curious to learn more? Check out: 3 Numbers on the Back of a Credit Card

If you're a permanent resident with an SSN and no credit history, a secured card could be a good fit. These cards are also popular for U.S. citizens who are building credit for the first time.

Student credit cards are available for those studying in the U.S. on a student visa, and some cards were even created with international students in mind. You can apply with a copy of your passport, student visa, and immigration forms.

If you've established credit elsewhere, you may be able to use that to get a card in the U.S. Some international banks and credit card issuers have programs for professionals who are relocated to the U.S.

You can also ask your employer if it has any relationships with U.S. financial institutions that offer credit cards to its international employees.

A different take: Fha Mortgage Student Loans

Applying for a credit card as a non-US citizen can be a bit of a challenge, but there are ways to overcome these obstacles.

You don't need a Social Security Number to start your U.S. credit history, and Experian and TransUnion will track and attempt to match your name, birth date, and address to your credit history.

If you don't have a Social Security Number, you can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in the application for American Express Personal Card. This way, you can still build your U.S. credit history.

If your credit card applications are being declined, you can try applying for secured credit cards or take some steps to improve your chances of earning approval by reviewing the reasons you are being denied in your rejection letter.

To increase your chances of getting approved, consider applying for credit cards that accept foreign credit history, such as American Express, which accepts credit history from countries like Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, and the UK.

Here are some credit card issuers that offer credit cards to non-US citizens:

Getting a job without a Social Security Number can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Some countries have alternative identification numbers, like the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), that can be used in place of a Social Security Number.

You can apply for an ITIN if you're not eligible for a Social Security Number, and it's often required for tax purposes. It's a relatively straightforward process, but it does require documentation.

Some employers, especially those catering to international students, may not require a Social Security Number for employment. They might only need a valid passport for identification purposes.

A different take: Account Not Appearing on Credit Report

As a non-citizen, you may face some roadblocks when applying for a credit card in the US. Some cards are only available to legal permanent residents, so you'll need to check the issuer's requirements before applying.

You might not have or be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN), which is often required for credit card applications. If you can't get an SSN, you may be able to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and use it instead.

You might not be eligible for an ITIN either, but you can try applying for certain credit cards using other identification documents, such as your passport.

Having no credit history in the US can make it difficult to get approved for a new card, but if you've established credit or banking relationships in your home country, you may have more options than US citizens.

Here are some credit card issuers that may accept foreign credit history or ITINs:

American Express allows you to use your ITIN in the application for the American Express Personal Card, and they report to all 3 major credit bureaus (Transunion, Experian and Equifax) if you're approved.