US Credit Card for Foreign Nationals

If you’re looking to get your hands on a US credit card for foreign nationals, you’re in luck. Foreigners and non-residents are eligible for US credit cards.

And, with the benefits that a US credit card can offer, it’s no surprise that more foreign nationals want to get their hands on these cards.

But, accessing US credit cards isn’t easy, especially for foreign nationals. So, if this is a goal of yours, read on to learn how you can navigate the challenges and successfully access US credit cards for foreign nationals.

To obtain a US credit card for foreign nationals, there are several required prerequisites, such as a US bank account, US credit history, or a secured deposit. Additionally, only a small fraction of US banks issue US credit cards to foreign nationals. So, it is important to choose the correct US banks before starting the application process.

In this article, we’re going to share the customer groups that are eligible for a US credit card. We will also share how to identify the best-suited banks for these groups. And, we’ll outline the benefits and challenges you’ll face during the application process.

Of course, before you’re able to get your hands on a US credit card, you will need to open a US bank account. And, for foreign nationals, account opening in the US isn’t an easy process. But, it is possible with the right information.

If you’re already a GlobalBanks USA member, you can start opening US bank accounts right now with real, brick-and-mortar banks without ever visiting the United States. If you’re not a GlobalBanks USA member, keep reading to learn how you can start the process of opening US bank accounts to access a US credit card as a foreign national today.

But, before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE USA Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents open accounts with top banks in the US.

Is a US Credit Card Obtainable for Foreign Nationals?

When it comes to obtaining a US credit card as a foreign national, there are several customer groups that can confidently apply and expect to get approved.

But, unfortunately, receiving a US credit card as a foreign national isn’t as easy as submitting applications. First, you’ll need to open a US bank account.

If you’ve yet to open a US bank account and you’re interested in how to get started, you can review our free article “US Bank Accounts for Non-Residents [Start Here]” for more information.

Now, if you already have a US bank account, you’re one step closer to getting your hands on a US credit card. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re eligible for one.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at who can get a US credit card as a foreign national.

Who Can Obtain a US Credit Card as a Foreign National:

Foreign individuals with or without an ITIN or SSN
Non-residents with or without US credit history
Foreign business owners doing business in the US
Offshore companies with US operations
Foreign companies with suppliers in the US
Non-resident US LLCs with no US operations

As you can see, the above list is fairly inclusive. In fact, in most instances, foreign nationals that aren’t members of the Unlucky Passport Club can typically access US credit cards for foreign nationals.

But knowing where to start, which banks or credit card companies to approach, and how to best apply is key to success.

And, to shape your approach, you need to know which benefits you want to unlock, which challenges you can overcome, and (importantly), which US credit cards you will realistically be approved for.

Benefits of a US Credit Card for Foreign Nationals

Undoubtedly, a US credit card for foreign nationals offers some of the most attractive benefits in the world. In fact, no other country even comes close.

This is due to the profitability of US credit card users. In other words, US credit card providers can offer such attractive benefits because every credit card customer they acquire adds value to their bottom line.

And, if you’re a foreign national that falls into one of the above categories, this means you can access the same benefits.

So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the benefits US credit cards can offer foreign nationals:

The most lucrative travel rewards programs available
Access to the highest possible sign-up bonuses
Establish US credit history for you personally
Establish US credit history for your business
Gateway to further US credit products (mortgage, loans, etc.)

In most cases, foreign nationals looking to obtain a US credit card are interested in the first two benefits mentioned. So, let’s take a closer look at these to better understand how you can benefit.

US Travel Rewards Programs

Travel rewards are points earned from charging qualified purchases to your credit card. These travel rewards can be used to obtain free hotel rooms, free flights, special bonuses, and even points themselves. Of course, the more you charge to your credit card, the more rewards you collect.

But, not all travel rewards programs are created equal. And, depending on what you ideally want to use your points for, certain travel rewards programs (and credit card providers) may be better suited to your needs. So, it’s important to know which credit card matches your goals before applying.

US Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

Just like US citizens, foreign nationals can earn sign-up bonuses from US credit card providers after they pass a certain threshold. These sign-up bonuses typically come in the form of rewards points. But, they can also be cash.

Importantly, US credit card providers often issue rewards between 2 and 5 times higher than credit card providers elsewhere. In other words, by meeting the same thresholds, you can earn up to 5 times more than in Canada, the UK, or elsewhere.

Of course, not all credit card providers offer the same perks. And, sign-up bonuses can change throughout the year. So, it’s important to know how you’re looking to benefit and which cards you can access.

But, as we’ve already mentioned, US credit cards for foreign nationals are not easy to obtain. And, which cards you can access can vary depending on a wide range of different factors.

So, before applying for a US credit card as a foreign national, you need to understand the challenges.

Challenges of Getting a US Credit Card for Foreign Nationals

Although a foreign non-resident can get a US credit card, it doesn’t mean it’s an easy process. In fact, it’s the opposite.

There are critical obstacles foreign nationals have to overcome in order to get their hands on a US credit card. Here are just a few of them to help you begin:

Challenges of Obtaining a US Credit Card for Foreign Nationals:

Usually required to open a US bank account first
Identifying which credit card providers issue to foreign nationals is very difficult
Establishing US credit history (not required for all cards) is very time consuming
Each US credit card provider has specific requirements you need to overcome
Identifying a US credit card strategy right for you is difficult
Executing the correct US credit card strategy takes time and patience

While this isn’t a long list, these challenges can have a significant impact on you and your application. In other words, they can determine whether or not you can obtain a US credit card as a foreign national.

As mentioned, if you don’t have a US bank account, you won’t be eligible to obtain most US credit cards. And, even if you do get a US credit card, you still need a US bank account to pay your monthly bill. So, opening a US bank account really is the first step in obtaining a US credit card as a foreign national.

How To Get a US Credit Card for Foreign Nationals?

The burning question everyone is asking is “how can you obtain a US credit card for foreign nationals?”

As a bonus, it would be great to understand which credit cards match your client profile and goals.

And, if possible, wouldn’t it be nice to have a step-by-step process to apply for and obtain these cards?

Well, lucky for you, we have the answers you’re looking for.

We uncover everything you need to know about US banking in our premium US banking reports. And, when it comes to US credit cards, we share everything you need to start applying in “US Credit Card Report for Foreigners & Non-Residents”.

In this report, we outline the best strategies for your specific client profile. Plus, we share the step-by-step process on how to successfully apply for US credit cards. And, we even outline how to start building a US credit history as a foreign non-resident.

You can access this report immediately when you join GlobalBanks USA.

That said, if you’re looking for more information or you have unanswered questions, we can help…

Ready to Apply for a US Credit Card?

Whether you’re ready to apply for a US credit card as a foreign national today or you’re just starting to explore your options, we can help.

GlobalBanks USA is our dedicated US bank account opening service.

GlobalBanks USA gives you everything you need to start finding and opening US bank accounts and credit cards.

When you join GlobalBanks USA, you receive a dedicated account manager to help you navigate your US account opening options.

Plus, you receive access to our library of premium (members-only) US banking reports. This includes proven account opening strategies, client-specific lists of banks, and successful tactics to make the most of US banking.

Of course, you’ll receive direct introductions to US bankers who are ready to help you start opening accounts.