Applying for a credit card as a new immigrant in the US

Getting a credit card for the first time can be a bit tricky for anyone. But as an immigrant, you may face additional challenges. Whether you’ve recently moved to the U.S. or have been a permanent resident for years, there are options available. 

Key takeaways 

• New immigrants who may not be eligible for a Social Security number (SSN) could apply for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
• Secured credit cards and some types of unsecured credit cards that are designed for people who are new to credit may also be available to recent immigrants. 
• Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account could be another option.
• Once you have access to credit, it’s important to use it responsibly by doing things like making on-time payments.

While immigrants can qualify for a credit card in the U.S., credit card issuers will need to verify your identity before approving you for an account. But depending on your immigration status, you might not be eligible for an SSN. And if you don’t have an SSN or a credit history in the U.S., getting approved for certain cards can be difficult. 

However, you may be able to apply for an ITIN through the IRS. And some credit card issuers may let you use an ITIN instead of an SSN when applying for a credit card. 

If you don’t qualify for an ITIN or SSN, you could check whether card issuers accept alternative forms of identification such as a copy of your passport.

If you want to increase your chances of qualifying for a card, you could try doing the following:

You could apply for a secured credit card, which usually requires a deposit to open an account. Think of it like the deposit you might pay to rent a house or apartment.

Deposit amounts can vary. For example, a $200 deposit might mean your account has a $200 credit limit. But some cards might provide a credit limit that’s higher than the amount of the security deposit. That’s the case with the Capital One Platinum Secured card, which could have a credit line of $200 with an initial security deposit of $49, $99 or $200, depending on your credit history.

As you explore secured credit card options, remember all issuers have their own policies. So it might be helpful to confirm a few things before you apply, such as:

1. Whether the issuer reports activity to credit bureaus
2. How to fund a deposit—and whether it requires a U.S. bank account
3. How deposit refunds work

Unsecured credit cards are considered the standard type of credit card. It can be tougher to qualify for an unsecured credit card because the card issuer won’t have a security deposit, but there may still be options for people with a limited credit history.

One way to see if you may be eligible for an unsecured credit card is by getting pre-approved first. And checking for pre-approval doesn’t affect your credit scores.

It might be tough, but instead of getting a credit card of your own, another option could be to become an authorized user on someone else’s card. 

If you’re able to be added as an authorized user, it means the primary cardholder gives you access to their account. You may receive a card of your own, but the primary cardholder remains legally responsible for paying the full balance.

If the card is reported to the credit bureaus under your name as an authorized user, it could create or be added to your credit file. And once you have a positive credit history, qualifying for a card on your own could become easier. 

While positive account information like consistent on-time payments could help build positive credit history, negative account information like late or missed payments might have a negative impact on your credit. So if you want to be an authorized user, it’s important to ask someone you trust. 

Keep in mind that lenders and credit reporting agencies view buying a tradeline—or paying someone you don’t know to add you to their credit account—as deceptive, and it isn’t recommended.

Starting your credit history from scratch can be frustrating. Even recent immigrants who have a high and steady income may find it hard to get a credit card without a credit history or credit scores in the U.S. But there are several things you can do to help you establish credit and increase your chances of qualifying for a card, like the following:

• Find the right card issuer for you. Some credit card issuers may accept applications using an ITIN, or they may have credit card options you could be eligible for—like secured cards or unsecured cards for people with limited credit history.
• Understand the income requirement. Your income may impact your ability to qualify for a card, but it isn’t necessarily limited to income from a job. You might be able to add other types of income to your application, including certain types of investments, grants and public assistance. Even a household member’s income that you can reasonably access—such as a spouse’s income—may qualify. 
• Get pre-approved. Before you apply for credit cards, you might want to get pre-approved to see which cards you could be eligible for. Pre-approval is considered a soft inquiry, so it doesn’t affect your credit scores, but actually applying for a credit card is generally considered a hard inquiry, which does affect your credit scores.  
• Build your credit first. Using a credit card responsibly might be one way to start building credit, but you can also start with other types of accounts. For example, you may be able to get a credit-builder loan or a lending circle loan.

Whichever route you choose, your credit scores or history won’t have the chance to grow unless you start building credit in a positive way.

Still have questions about your credit card options as a new immigrant in the U.S.? Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions.

While getting your first card as a new immigrant can be tough, a credit card can offer benefits and open new doors when used responsibly. And as you build credit with responsible use, you may set yourself up for lower-cost loans or the chance to upgrade your card in the future.

Capital One offers credit card options for people who want to build their credit with responsible use. When you’re ready to apply, you can first check to see if you’re pre-approved without impacting your credit.

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with Quicksilver.

• Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.