While making it to the land of opportunity is a dream come true, surviving without a credit card can be an uphill task. If you’re a newcomer in the U.S., you may wonder if you can qualify for a credit card if you are undocumented. The good news is that some companies allow you to obtain a credit card regardless of your immigration status.
What are the requirements?
For you to qualify for virtually any credit card in the U.S., you will need:
- A credit history
- A Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
There are certain banks that allow you to apply for a credit card without a social security number or an individual taxpayer identification number but those are harder to come by. If you do not have a social security number you can apply for an individual taxpayer identification number when you do your taxes. Providing a credit history can be a hurdle for you as a newcomer.
Alternatives to Traditional Credit Cards
Since you don’t have a U.S.-based credit history as a newcomer, you might want to explore alternatives to traditional credit cards. One probable option is a secured credit card that can help you build credit so you can explore other credit card options.
Additionally, you can lean on a friend’s or family member’s good credit as an additional authorized user to their account. Piggybacking on the U.S.-based credit history can be the lifeline you need to get a traditional credit card.
Obviously, acquiring a traditional credit card as a newcomer in the U.S. requires some effort. However, while you make an effort to resolve your financial situation, you can benefit from personalized legal guidance. This can help ensure you don’t make any transactions that might jeopardize your status in the U.S.