The U.S. has long led the world in credit card use. In 1950, Diner’s Club issued the first modern credit card after its founder, Frank McNamara, left his credit card at home when dining at a New York City restaurant. Fast-forward to the 1980s, American Airlines and Citibank created the world’s first airline credit card, which rewarded cardmembers for their everyday spending with airline miles.
The U.S. continues to lead the travel credit card world, with the highest earning rates and welcome bonuses, largely thanks to higher merchant interchange fees and less regulation than other countries. This is why U.S. credit cards often earn more points than their international equivalents, even if the same multinational bank issues them.
It’s a common misconception that all U.S. credit cards are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. But that’s not the case. Most foreign expats in the U.S. can apply for popular rewards-earning credit cards if they meet a few requirements.
In this article, we’ll show you how to apply for a U.S. credit card as a foreign expat. Specifically, we’ll discuss what information you must provide when you apply and what credit card issuers are best for expats.
It’s important to preface that the information in this section may not apply to all banks. Some U.S. banks require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to apply (and be approved) for a credit card. Others are more lenient, letting any legal resident apply.
Generally, however, expect your bank to request the following information when you apply for a credit card:
This last point is the most important. SSNs are issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and some eligible nonimmigrant workers. Meanwhile, ITINs are given to those filing a U.S. tax return but who do not qualify for an SSN. According to the IRS, this includes:
Some banks require an SSN to open a credit card, but many will accept an ITIN. According to Bankrate, this includes cards issued by the following banks. Other banks may accept ITINs but only for secured credit cards.
However, having a U.S. address and an ITIN doesn’t guarantee approval for a U.S. credit card. Most banks require that you have a U.S. credit history to be approved. One good way to build this is by opening a secured credit card, where you pay a deposit that’s used as collateral if you don’t pay your bill.
Some travel credit cards for expats to consider include:
With its Global Card Transfer tool, American Express makes opening a credit card as an expat even easier. Amex cardholders in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Singapore, France, Hong Kong SAR, the Netherlands and India can move their existing Amex relationship to another one of these countries, giving you a local Amex without extensive local credit history.
You can start the process of moving your existing Amex card to the U.S. on Amex’s Global Card Transfer website. Amex will let you open one card with this tool, with subsequent cards requiring you to apply regularly. That said, your new U.S. Amex will begin reporting on your U.S. credit and make this process far easier.
Opening a credit card as an expat living in the U.S. isn’t much different than a U.S. citizen or permanent resident applying for a card. The hardest part, however, is building a U.S. credit history. Do this by opening a secured card and paying select bills on time — then, you can start earning travel rewards on your daily purchases.
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