How to Get a US-Issued Credit Card

how to apply for US credit card for European residents

Are you a non-resident looking for information on how to get a US-issued credit card?

If so, you’re not alone.

US credit cards are known to offer some of the best benefits in the world. Including higher cashback rates, better travel perks, and much more.

And, what many people don’t realize is that you can be eligible for a US credit card even without being a US resident or having any ties to the country.

But, unless you have the right information and know which credit card provider to choose, you’re going to have a difficult time navigating how to get a US-issued credit card as a non-resident.

Worse yet, if doing it the wrong way, you can actually mess up your credit score and have yourself blocked from the system completely.

Read on below to find out what you need to apply for a US-issued credit card as a non-resident and how to do it the right way.

How to get a US-Issued Credit Card for Foreign Non-Residents

If you are a foreign non-resident, you can get a US-issued credit card by first having a US bank account. From there, you need to know which credit card providers will accept you and to be able to meet their specific requirements. However, without inside knowledge, it can be a very difficult process to navigate, but if you know exactly where to go it can actually be surprisingly simple.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about how to get a US-issued credit card as a non-resident. Including who can apply, the challenges you’ll need to overcome, and of course, the specific steps you’ll need to take.

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.

Who Can Apply for a US Issued Credit Card?

The first step in figuring out how to get a US credit card is to determine if you are eligible to apply for one and what client group you belong to.

This is important because credit card companies have very specific criteria for vetting applicants. If you apply to one that does not accept your client group you will be rejected immediately.

Not only is this a waste of time, but it will put a mark on your record that can block you from being accepted by other companies as well.

Because of this, it is essential that you do not apply for any credit cards until you are sure that you’re applying for the right card for your client group.

To begin, let’s look at the client groups that can apply for a US-issued credit card.

Who Can Apply for a US Issued Credit Card:

Permanent residents of the US
Individuals with a US bank account
Individuals with a US credit history
Non-resident business owners doing business in the US
Foreign companies with US suppliers
Foreign individuals with or without an ITIN or SSN
Offshore companies with US operations
Foreign businesses with no US operations
Foreign non-residents with a Canadian social insurance number (SIN)
Non-residents with a Canadian credit history
Non-residents with zero ties to the US

Now, although you may be eligible for a US credit card if you belong to any one of these client groups, this alone is not a guarantee that you will be approved.

You will still need to overcome a strict due diligence process. Not to mention, submit proper identification, and meet specific requirements.

Now, this may sound daunting. But, if you know which specific companies to apply to and what information you need to provide, it can be a smooth process to get a credit card.

With that said, let’s look at the challenges foreign non-residents will need to navigate when figuring out how to get a US-issued credit card.

Challenges of Getting a US-Issued Credit Card

It can be difficult to know how to get a US-issued credit card, but it’s 100% possible.

The key is in preparation so that you can avoid the most common mistakes that non-residents typically make when applying for US credit cards.

So, with that said, let’s look at some of the most common challenges non-residents face when applying for a US-issued credit card.

Challenges of Getting a US Issued Credit Card as a Non-Resident:

Zero US credit history
Don’t have a US bank account
Don’t have SSN or ITIN
Apply for the wrong credit card
Specific credit cards may only be available to US permanent residents
Unable to meet specific requirements when applying
And more…

Let’s explore the top four challenges a little further…

Zero US Credit History

Many non-residents have zero credit history in the US. Which also means you’re invisible to all of the US credit bureaus and banks.

This means that there is no way for a US credit card provider to determine your creditworthiness. Unfortunately, this makes it nearly impossible to get a US-issued credit card as a foreign non-resident. Especially, any cards with attractive perks that you would want a US credit card for.

That said, there are different ways non-residents can overcome this challenge. One of the simplest is to open a US bank account as a non-resident.

Don’t Have a US Bank Account

Yes, to get a US credit card, you’ll need to open a US bank account. But unfortunately, as a non-resident, it is not as simple as flying to the US and walking into the nearest bank and asking them to open an account. Each bank, branch, and even banker has different standards when it comes to accepting non-resident clients.

Some may reject you right at the door. While with others, you can spend hours going through the process of opening an account only to have your application rejected because of a minor due diligence detail that didn’t come up until the end.

Needless to say, you can waste a significant amount of time and money if you don’t know where to go.

The good news is, unlike what you may have read elsewhere, non-residents can open US bank accounts. And, in some cases, without even stepping foot in the US

Now, if you’re not sure how to open a US bank account as a foreign non-resident, you’re in luck. We cover everything you need to know in our free article “US Bank Accounts for Non-Residents [Start Here]”.

Don’t Have an SSN or ITIN

To start a US bank account, many banks require applicants to have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

So one of the most common ways that a non-resident can have their applications rejected is if they make the mistake of applying for an account with a bank that requires this.

However, as a non-resident, it is possible to apply for an ITIN online or through a service provider.

But, if you would like to save time or if you’d prefer to stay out of the US tax system, an alternative is to look for a bank that does not require non-residents to have an SSN or ITIN to open a US bank account. This way, you’ll also be able to get a US credit card without needing either.

If you’d like to take this approach, you can check out our free article “Open a US Bank Account Without an SSN or ITIN” for the steps on how to do this.

Apply for the Wrong US Credit Card

The next most common mistake we see when non-residents apply for US-issued credit cards is to apply for the wrong credit card for their client profile.

It is key to know the right credit cards to apply for to improve your chances of being accepted. But also, to get the benefits you’re seeking and to make sure that the card matches your banking needs.

This is critical because applying for the wrong US credit card not only can waste your time and money, but it can block you from being able to apply for other cards.

Each time you apply for a credit card, a credit check is noted on your file. This can bring down your credit score and if you have enough hard checks on your file, any further applications you submit will be automatically rejected. Regardless of your credit score or profile.

So please, do not take this lightly. Do not apply for credit cards without knowing your chances of approval.

Also, be sure not to apply for credit cards that do not match your needs or do not provide you with the benefits you’re looking for. This can land you with outrageous fees and limited access to benefits.

With this in mind, if you’re interested in learning more about the specific benefits US credit cards can offer foreign non-residents, be sure to check out our recent article “US Credit Card for Foreign Nationals”, which outlines the benefits specific customer groups can unlock when getting a US credit card.

Now, if you want to learn more about how to get a US-issued credit card, keep reading to find out what you need to get one today.

Once you’ve done your research and have picked out the right card for your client profile, here’s how to get a US-issued credit card.

Depending on the US credit card provider you choose to apply with and the specific card you apply for, requirements can (and will) vary. In fact, requirements can also vary depending on your citizenship and residency.

So, it’s important to know what you need to successfully get a US-issued credit card. More on this below.

What You Need to Get a US Issued Credit Card:

Two forms of government-issued identification
US bank account
Acceptable U.S address
US credit card application form
SSN or ITIN (not necessary if you know which banks to apply with)
Employment status & proof of income
And more…

Now, before you apply, it’s important to know which of these documents you can provide. This way, you’ll be able to determine which US credit card providers are best suited for you.

And, not only will this save you time and money, but it will save you from applying for the wrong US credit card.

But, it’s also important to understand which benefits you’re after. Not to mention, which credit card providers will accept you and the specific steps you need to take to know how to get a US-issued credit card.

If this is something that you are looking for, our premium report “US Credit Card Strategies for Foreigners & Non-Residents” dives into the actual application and credit strategies you need to build out a US credit card portfolio. This includes which specific cards you should be applying for based on your client type. And of course, the step-by-step process on how to get a US-issued credit card.

But, that’s not all.

This report also covers the following topics:

How to get a US-issued credit card without any US credit history
How to access the many benefits US credit cards can offer
How to establish a US credit score to build a US credit history
The specific strategies non-residents use to successfully get a US-issued credit card
Which specific US credit cards to apply for, when, and in what order (based on client profile and needs)
The mistakes non-residents make before, during, and after applying for US-issued credit cards (and how to avoid them)

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

Now, if you’re ready to learn how you can get a US-issued credit card today, here’s how…

Ready to Start Opening Accounts?

Whether you’re ready to learn how to get a US-issued credit card 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 for you and your business.

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 navigate the account opening process at top US banks.