Credit card applications can come with various obstacles and hurdles. Beyond the credit score requirements, many issuers place other limits on potential applicants, including geographic restrictions. Are you wondering who can apply for a U.S. credit card? Here is everything you need to know:
What Information Do You Need to Apply for a Credit Card?
Before discussing geographic restrictions on specific credit cards, it’s essential to mention what information most credit card applications require. Typically, you’ll need to provide the following when applying for a U.S. credit card:
| Info | Explained |
|---|---|
| ① Full legal name and contact information | You'll need your full legal name, contact address, phone number, and e-mail address to apply for pretty much every credit card. |
| ② Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) |
Most credit card issuers require applicants to have a U.S. Social Security number to apply for a credit card. Since foreign citizens likely lack an SNN, they may receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is an ID number the IRS issues to anyone who needs to file income tax returns in the United States but doesn’t qualify for an SSN. Be ready to provide either of these items when applying for a personal credit card. The following banks accept foreign national applicants with an ITIN number, according to Experian:
Currently, only two major card issuers don’t allow applicants with an ITIN:
|
| ③ Income | You'll need to provide income information when applying for a credit card. Banks like to see that you aren't too stretched financially, and part of this process is by evaluating how much income you have from things like your job, investments, and other sources. |
| ④ Expenses | Your monthly expenses are the second part of the puzzle when it comes to gauging your risk as an applicant. Your monthly housing costs (rent, mortgage) current utilities, and other relevant info might be asked when you apply. |
| ⑤ Credit Score | The final piece of informational lender needs to judge a credit card application is your credit score. Much of the information in your credit report is supplied by creditors and lenders, and potential lenders will use these details as a point of reference when considering you for a loan or line of credit. Your credit report is prepared and sold to prospective lenders and creditors by three credit reporting agencies – or bureaus, as they’re also known. They are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. |
Can Puerto Ricans Apply for U.S. Credit Cards?
One of the most asked questions is whether Puerto Rican nationals can apply for credit cards from the mainland United States. Because Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and possess Social Security numbers (SSNs), for many major issuers, the answer is “yes.”
Banks like Wells Fargo, American Express, and Discover welcome applicants from Puerto Rico for all their credit card products. Amex also welcomes Puerto Rican applicants for its charge cards, including the Platinum Card, the Gold Card, and the Green Card. Other U.S. issuers, like Citibank, make most of their credit cards available but exclude some. The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Citi® Double Cash Card, and even some co-branded cards like the Costco Anywhere Visa® are available to all applicants, while PR residents are excluded from the AAdvantage credit cards from American Airlines. Other issues have restrictions on who can apply for their credit cards. These limitations include age restrictions for Puerto Rican applicants – as seen with Chase and Bank of America.
Major Issuers with Specific Rules for Puerto Rican Applicants
The following credit card issuers allow applications from Puerto Rican nationals, but specify rules that differ from other U.S. citizens:
| Issuer | Available in PR? | Eligible cards | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Yes | All American Express credit cards and charge cards are available to Puerto Rico residents. | |
| Bank of America | Yes | All Bank of America credit cards are available to Puerto Rico residents over the age of 21. | |
| Barclays | No | N/A | |
| Capital One | Yes | Puerto Ricans may only apply for the Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard. | |
| Chase | Yes | All Chase credit cards are available to Puerto Rico residents over the age of 21. | |
| Citi | Yes | Citi allows Purto Rican residents to apply for all Citi credit cards, except for the following American Airlines cards: | |
| Discover | Yes | All Discover cards are available to Puerto Rican residents | |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | All Wells Fargo credit cards (including the co-branded Bilt Mastercard) are available to residents of Puerto Rico. | |
Credit Card Issuers Which Don’t Allow Applications from Puerto Ricans
Currently, the only major credit card issuer that does not allow Puerto Rican nationals to apply for their U.S. credit cards is Barclays. Many smaller issuers may also reject Puerto Rico applications, though these banks also limit who can apply depending on the U.S. states they reside in.
Related Article: New JetBlue Credit Cards for Puerto Rico Market
Can Foreign Nationals Apply for a U.S. Credit Card?
Like Puerto Ricans, foreign nationals also face setbacks when applying for a U.S. credit card. Some of the limitations foreign citizens might experience include:
Not Having an SSN
Most credit card issuers require applicants to have a U.S. Social Security number. Since foreign citizens likely lack an SNN, they may receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is an ID number the IRS issues to anyone who needs to file income tax returns in the United States but doesn’t qualify for an SSN.
Which U.S. Credit Card Issuers Accept an ITIN When Applying?
The following banks accept foreign national applicants with an ITIN number, according to Experian:
| American Express | Bank of America | Capital One | Chase |
| Citibank | OpenSky | Wells Fargo |
Which U.S. Credit Card Issuers Don’t Accept an ITIN When Applying?
Currently, only two major card issuers don’t allow applicants with an ITIN:
| Barclays | Discover |
No U.S. Credit History
Another major hurdle for non-U.S. citizens is having no credit history in the United States. For those without a credit score in the U.S., getting a credit card can be challenging – if not impossible. Opting for an international bank or issuer like HSBC might make the processes easier in these situations.
Related Article: Kids’ Cards: Pros & Cons of Debit vs Credit Education
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