Opening a US credit card as an expat
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An expat credit card in the USA can help you build a local credit history. Your options depend on the issuer's identification requirements, your income, and your credit profile.
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.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for every U.S. credit card. Some issuers accept an ITIN in specified application processes. Acceptance of an identifier does not guarantee approval. The issuer sources below were checked on October 22, 2026.
Applying for a U.S. credit card as an expat
Check the requirements for the specific card and application channel before applying. A U.S. address, proof of income, and identity documents may be required. Requirements can differ between personal and business cards.
Chase's application guide, checked October 22, 2026, lists the information applicants should prepare:
- Full legal name.
- SSN or ITIN, as accepted by the application.
- Physical U.S. street address and contact information.
- Gross annual income and employment status.
- Housing costs.
- Any additional identity documents requested by the issuer.
The IRS defines an ITIN as a tax number for someone with a federal tax purpose who is not eligible for an SSN. It does not grant work authorization or immigration status. Do not apply for an ITIN solely to obtain a credit card. Source checked October 22, 2026.
These issuer sources document specific uses of an ITIN. They do not establish that every card or application channel accepts it:
- Chase: its consumer application guide lists an SSN or ITIN. Confirm the requirements on the application for your chosen card.
- American Express: its moving-to-the-U.S. process lists passport details, an SSN, or an ITIN among the identification information. This evidence concerns that process, not every Amex application.
- Other issuers: ask the issuer directly. We have not verified a current issuer source here for Bank of America or Citi. Sources checked October 22, 2026.
A U.S. address and an accepted identifier do not guarantee approval. Your income and credit profile also matter. A secured card may help you start building credit, but it still has eligibility requirements and usually requires a deposit.
Once you meet the issuer's requirements, compare U.S. travel credit cards. A rewards card listed there is not a guarantee of eligibility for a newcomer.
American Express Global Card Transfer
American Express calls this service Global Card Relationship, also known as Global Card Transfer. It may use your existing Amex account history when you apply for a new card after moving. Check the destination-country directory and the U.S. application requirements. The directory lists destinations, not a guarantee that every transfer between them is available. Sources checked October 22, 2026.
For the U.S. process, you must be the primary holder of an eligible card issued by American Express and have held it for at least 3 months. The account must be open and in good standing; Amex also describes an exception for accounts you closed within the last 3 months. Corporate cards and cards issued by another bank are excluded. Amex requests U.S. address, phone, bank, identity, and employment information. You may apply for 1 U.S. card through this process; additional applications require a local credit history. Approval remains subject to review. Your existing card stays open unless you request cancellation, and its balance does not transfer. See Amex's terms, checked October 22, 2026.
Bottom line
Start with a card whose eligibility rules match your situation. Pay on time and, when possible, pay your statement balance in full. Compare U.S. credit cards as your needs and credit history change.
FAQs – How Expats Can Get a U.S. Credit Card
Can foreigners apply for a U.S. credit card?
Non-citizens can apply for some U.S. cards. Check the specific issuer's residency, identification, income, and credit requirements. An accepted ITIN or an existing overseas card does not guarantee approval.
What is the difference between an SSN and ITIN for credit card applications?
An SSN is a Social Security number. An ITIN is issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes to people who are not eligible for an SSN. An ITIN does not grant immigration status or permission to work.
Which banks accept ITINs for credit card applications?
Chase's consumer guide lists an SSN or ITIN. American Express's U.S. relocation process also lists an ITIN among its identification options. Check the chosen card and application channel; this is not a verified list of all eligible issuers. Sources checked October 22, 2026.
How can I build U.S. credit as an expat?
Start by applying for a secured credit card, which requires a deposit. Make on-time payments, keep balances low, and gradually apply for unsecured cards as your credit profile grows.
What is Amex Global Card Transfer and how does it help expats?
It lets eligible existing Amex cardmembers apply for a new card after moving, using their account history in the review. The U.S. process has account-age, issuer, identity, and address requirements. It is a new application, not a transfer of your old balance or a guaranteed approval.
Can I get a travel rewards credit card as an expat?
You may qualify if you meet the chosen card's requirements. A secured card or an eligible Amex relocation application can be a starting point, but neither guarantees approval for a later travel rewards card.
