đ Section 2 â Who Can Actually Get a U.S. Credit Card?
âYou donât need to be a U.S. citizen â but you do need to be smart about access.â
Securing a U.S. credit card from the Philippines requires planning. U.S. banks ask for identification, a U.S. address and sometimes proof of income. Hereâs what you need to know.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some issuers allow you to use an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number. Capital One notes that certain card issuers accept an ITIN but may still require proof of income and U.S. residence. Applying for an ITIN involves filing IRS Form Wâ7 and providing identity documents. It doesnât make you a taxpayer on its own; it simply allows banks to report your credit history.
U.S. Mailing Address. Card issuers mail physical cards only within the U.S. If you donât have relatives there, you can use a mail forwarding service. A guide on mail forwarding explains that such services provide a U.S. address and forward your card internationally, effectively creating a âplace of residenceâ for credit history.
Choose a reputable forwarder with low shipping fees and compliance with U.S. postal regulations.
U.S. Bank Account. You need a U.S. account to pay your credit card bill. Nonâresidents can open accounts via fintech platforms. LLC University reports that many nonâU.S. residents have successfully opened accounts with Wise and Relay, though it reminds readers that Wise is technically an electronic money institution and not FDIC-insured.
Mercury used to accept nonâresident LLCs but now requires a U.S. address for compliance.
Coâsigners or Authorized User Routes. If you have a trusted friend or relative with a U.S. credit card, they can add you as an authorized user. Chase explains that a cardholder can add an authorized user using a Social Security Number or ITIN, and the issuer may report payment history for both the cardholder and the authorized userchase.com.
This helps build credit, making it easier to apply for your own card later. A coâsignerâsomeone who legally guarantees your debtâis another route, though many U.S. issuers donât allow coâsigners.
Foreigners with U.S. LLCs. Entrepreneurs who register a U.S. limited liability company can sometimes open business credit cards. Banks may still require a U.S. mailing address and ITIN, but having a company and U.S. bank account increases your chances.
Checklist for Applicants
U.S. mailing address (via relative or mail forwarding service)
U.S. bank account (Wise, Relay, or a traditional bank if you visit the U.S.)
ITIN or SSN (optional depending on issuer)
Proof of income or deposit (pay stubs, bank statements or deposit receipts)
Neutral Technical View: Obtaining a U.S. card isnât trivial but is possible without U.S. citizenship. The core requirements are a tax identifier, an address, and a way to pay your bill. Each bank sets its own rules, so research the specific requirements before applying.
Devilâs Advocate: Even if you meet the requirements, some issuers may reject applicants without a U.S. credit history. Mail forwarding services can be costly and not all banks accept them. Opening a U.S. bank account remotely might be subject to stricter compliance checks and service fees. Regulatory changes can also close loopholes, so be ready to adapt.
Constructive Strategic Takeaway: Approach the process step by step. Start by obtaining an ITIN and U.S. bank account. Build relationships with fintech platforms that cater to global users. Consider joining as an authorized user on a friendâs card to establish history. Always keep copies of documents, and be prepared for compliance checks.
