If you’re looking to get a US credit card as a European resident, you’ve come to the right place.

Our team has helped many European residents obtain even the most sought-after US credit cards. This has included the best travel rewards cards like Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire card, as well as secured credit cards from large US banks.

Now, in case you’re not aware, US credit cards are the most sought-after credit cards in the world. They offer unique benefits, lucrative rewards, and attractive loyalty points you can’t access anywhere else.

But, as a European resident, applying for a US credit card can often be challenging. And, if you try to apply for a US credit card the wrong way you could find yourself blocked from getting a card for as much as two years!

To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, this article will guide you step-by-step through the process of how to successfully apply for US credit cards for European residents.

Can European Residents Apply for US Credit Cards?

Yes, a European resident can apply for a US credit card. But, you will need to have a US tax ID number, US bank account, US address, and more. Read on for how to apply for US credit cards for European residents. 

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.

Here’s a look at everything we’ll cover in this article…

Table of Contents:

1. Why Get a US Credit Card as a European Resident?
2. Challenges of Applying for a US Credit Card for European Residents
3. How to Apply for a US Credit for European Residents

Why Get a US Credit Card as a European Resident?

When it comes to credit cards, the US offers the most attractive cards in the world. If you’re a European resident, the process to qualify and apply for a US credit card can be a bit tricky, but it is possible.

You just need to know how to properly navigate the process.

And it’s definitely worth the hassle. Because once you get a US credit card you’ll be able to tap into lucrative benefits you can’t access anywhere else in the world.

Benefits of Getting a US Credit Card as a European Resident:

• Build a US credit history
• Unlock generous sign-up bonuses
• Access lucrative travel rewards programs
• Access loyalty points
• Unlock US banking products & services (mortgages, loans, etc.)
• And more…

Generally speaking, most US credit cards that cater to non-US residents will give you access to the majority of these benefits, if not all of them.

Of course, it all depends on the type of credit card you choose to apply for. So you first have to assess your options based on the specific credit card features you’re after.

For example, if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to look for a credit card focused on travel rewards. These are US credit cards with an attractive travel reward program, where you can earn points toward free flights, hotels, and rental cars. These may also include lounge access in airports, free rental car insurance, priority boarding, free check-in bags, and more.

Other credit cards may be focused specifically on hotels. Whereas others can give you cashback or discounts with your favorite retailers.

Once you’ve selected the card that you want to apply for, the next step is to check the requirements that you need to meet in order to qualify.

We’ll go over those and other challenges when applying for a US credit card as a European resident in the next section.

Challenges of Applying for a US Credit Card for European Residents

Before applying for a US credit card as a European resident, it’s important to understand the possible challenges you may face during the application process. If not, you could make easily avoidable blunders that mark your credit score. And that can block you from being accepted by other credit cards.

Hard checks on your credit score can last as long as 2 years on your record. So it is absolutely critical that you take great care with each credit card application.

Challenges of Applying for a US Credit Card for European Residents:

If you are a European resident applying for a US credit card, you could be denied for…

• Not having a US credit history
• Being unable to provide an acceptable US address
• Being unable to provide a US phone number
• Not having a Social Security Number (SSN)
• Not having an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Applying for the wrong credit card
• Applying for a credit card available only to US permanent residents
• Being unable to meet specific requirements when applying
• Not having a US bank account
• And more…

As you can see, there are many challenges European residents need to navigate in order to apply for and acquire a US credit card.

Now, the biggest challenge for European residents is not being able to provide an SSN. Which in fact, is one of the main requirements when applying for a US credit card.

Luckily, some credit card providers will accept an ITIN instead, which is how European residents can be eligible.

If you’d like to apply for an ITIN as a non-US resident, we explain how to do so as a non-US resident below.

Above all, it’s important to note that nearly all of these challenges can be avoided. But only if you go in knowing which credit card provider will accept your client profile. And which credit card provider’s requirements you’re able to meet.

If you want to make sure you get the right US credit card, read on for the step-by-step process on how to successfully apply for US credit cards as a European resident.

How to Apply for a US Credit Card for European Residents

There are three paths that a European resident can take to get a US credit card:

First, you can make a qualifying deposit at a bank that issues credit cards to European residents.

Second, you can show up at a US bank in person and obtain a “secure” credit card.

Third, you can establish US credit history and go through the normal application process.

Option 1: Get a US Credit Card With a Qualifying Deposit

European residents willing to make a qualifying deposit (US $50,000), can receive US credit cards upon opening of accounts. Of course, the deposit will then need to stay in the account as long as you wish to keep the credit card.

Additionally, it’s important to note that this will be a charge card. In other words, you will need to pay the balance of the card at the end of each month.

Also, not all banks open accounts for European residents. So you will need to know which specific banks (and in some cases bankers) are willing to accept you before you can apply for an account… let alone a credit card.

Lastly, the card options issued to European residents through this option are usually very limited. Most banks only have one or two cards that they can issue.

Alternatively, if you follow the process outlined below in option 3, you will be able to access the entire range of US credit cards available.

Option 2: Get a Secured US Credit Card as a European Resident

Certain US banks will open accounts for European residents if they show up in person to complete the account opening.

These same banks are often willing to issue what is known as a “secure” credit card. These cards are “secured” by an initial deposit made by the account holder.

In other words, the account holder makes an initial deposit of US $1,000, and then the card limit is set to this amount.

This is a powerful tool for European residents looking to establish credit history in the US. But, if you are looking to obtain credit cards that offer member rewards and travel bonuses, you won’t find those cards here.

Option 3: Get a US Credit Card With an ITIN

Now let’s take you step-by-step through the process of how to apply for a US credit card if you’re a European resident, you don’t want to leave a deposit of US $50,000, and you want to get access to all of the bonuses we mentioned above.

Step 1: Apply for an ITIN Number

First things first, when applying for a US credit card as a European resident, you need to be able to provide a US tax identification number. And, as a non-US resident, you likely don’t have or perhaps aren’t eligible for an SSN. So, your only other option is to apply for an ITIN number through the IRS.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a quick process. Applying for an ITIN number can take up to six weeks to be approved.

Now, this step cannot be avoided. So, it’s important you take the time to properly fill out the ITIN application form and submit the required documents.

Step 2: Open a US Bank Account

After acquiring an ITIN you’ll be ready to apply for a US bank account. Opening a US bank account as a non-resident is crucial to getting a US credit card as it’s the only way to pay your monthly US credit card bill.

But, just like the challenges you can face when applying for a US credit card for European residents, opening a US bank account as a non-resident also has its challenges.

Fortunately, Globalbanks can help – more specifically, GlobalBanks USA.

We cover everything you need to know about how to open a US bank account as a foreign non-resident in our premium members-only report “US Banking for Non-Residents, Foreigners, & Int’l Businesses”.

This report also shares the many benefits you can unlock when banking in the US. But also how to navigate the account opening process and even how to open accounts 100% remotely.

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

[Note: When you join GlobalBanks USA our team of experts will help you open a US bank account as a European resident. In fact, we will even make direct introductions to bankers for account opening. Click here to learn more.]

Step 3: Apply for a US Credit Card for European Residents

The final step is to apply for a US credit card. Of course, depending on the credit card you choose, the requirements you’ll need to meet will vary.

That said, to successfully acquire a US credit card as a European resident, you’ll need to meet the following requirements…

What You Need to Get a US Credit Card as a European Resident:

• Two forms of government-issued identification
• US bank account
• Acceptable US address
• US phone number (varies by bank & credit card company)
• Completed US credit card-specific application form
• SSN or ITIN
• Proof of income & source of wealth

Before applying, it’s crucial to understand which documents are specifically required by the credit card provider you’ve chosen to apply with. This way, you can determine whether or not you’re able to support the requirements.

If you’re struggling to choose the right credit card or not sure how to successfully be approved for a US credit card as a European resident, don’t worry, we can help.

Our premium members-only report “US Credit Card Strategies for Foreigners & Non-Residents” will help you identify the best-suited US credit card for your client profile. Plus, we share the step-by-step process on how to successfully apply for a US credit card as a European resident and how to start building US credit history.

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

If you have any unanswered questions or want to learn more about US banking and US credit cards, we can help…