OK, it might seem a strange question, but what I’m actually asking is just whether non-U.S. citizens who are legally living within the U.S. (such as those on student and work visas) can apply for a U.S. credit card. Having a U.S. credit card becomes handy for such things as buying from certain online vendors.
You might think that a VISA is a VISA is a VISA all over the world, as I once did, and as they market themselves, but nooooo – oo – o. My own Canadian VISA didn’t work with a certain U.S. online retailer that refused to take “international” cards.
Hence, I’m looking into applying for a VISA or MC denominated in US dollars and administered in the US. If you know whether this is possible or you know someone who has done this, let me know! I do have a SSN number, and I think that’s what’s most important. I’ve got excellent credit rating, but the credit report apparently doesn’t extend past Canadian borders, so I’m looking to set up my credit rating here now, too.
February 2009 update: The answer is YES. I received my Citibank VISA in the mail this week. I applied for a student card (since I’m still in grad school) and I showed that I have a “permanent residence” in the U.S., which doesn’t mean *permanent* and is not a legal category – it just means that you have an active residential (i.e., you’re living there) address. I think it probably helped that I was filling it out in a recognized student-bank-branch and used my student status information. Either way, it’s interesting to know that it’s still pretty easy to get credit in this infamous credit-crisis.
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