How to Apply for a Credit Card in the USA

How to Apply for a Credit Card in the USA

Trying to get credit cards within the US almost always is an intimidating concept for a lot of international students, particularly from countries which have been largely train on cash or debit cards. The United States is usually a largely cashless society, and getting credit cards for the duration of your stay will likely be extremely convenient, and it is important in establishing a credit line (especially if you need things such as a cellphone, in order to get a house).

Here are the steps to follow in order to get yourself on the credit ladder in the USA and secure a credit card:

Step 1 - Apply for a Social Security Number

The key requirement that banks have for getting credit cards within the US is often a Social Security Number (SSN). SSNs are used on those people who are authorized to be employed in the US, and are widely used to report your wages to the us government and to find out eligibility for Social Security benefits. A high level student studying within the US when using F-1, M-1, or J-1 student visa, and are also authorized to be employed in the US, you can put on on an SSN.

So as to try to get an SSN, you need to first have employment within the US (for off-campus employment, you are likely to must receive authorization from your Department of Homeland Security). To try to get an SSN, you will have to complete an Application for the Social Security Care (Form SS-5) and show documents proving your work-authorized immigration status, age, and identity. You'll then take you and documents to your neighborhood Social Security office.

If you are not employed or have an SSN, never fear! Some banks will be willing to waive the SSN requirement for you.

Step 2 - Apply for Credit Cards

When looking for a bank card, you will have to provide an immutable address; you may use your school address for this. Having a gentle revenue stream as well as a checking or checking account will boost the likelihood of being accepted. It is a wise course of action not to obtain a lot of cards at the same time, because a lot of rejections will negatively affect the likelihood of another financial institute accepting your application. Attempt to submit only several applications, particularly for cards designed for individuals with lower credit lines.

Choose applying online on the secured site. Using this method, your personal information goes straight away to the financial institute, eliminating the chance of one third party obtaining the information you have and reducing the opportunity of identity theft.

 provides international students like you with the opportunity to have a credit card, even if you don't have a social security number or credit history.

Step 3 - Wait!

Upon having followed those steps, you may must wait for approval decision. As a possible international students just coming in the USA, it can be quite not easy to secure credit, and you could find that you'll be rejected from many banks. A handful of good ideas , overcome this are:

Secured Credit Cards

For some international students, it's rare to find a card while in the US because they haven't yet yet stayed developing a credit standing and because they're not US residents. You might get one of these “secured credit card.” Them offer several of the conveniences of a card, however you secure your card by using a deposit that becomes your credit line. Prepaid credit cards are reported as regular a credit card in your credit report.

Building a Credit History

Constructing a history of credit is very important to other parts of the US, including securing housing and utilities. To aid this, it is advisable to manage your card balances wisely. Because the capability of plastic cards, you'll be able to overspend and never pay your balances on time. Bear in mind when using your charge card, you find yourself owing that money. It really is generally a smart idea to avoid spending in excess of 30% within your spending limit. As an example, when you have a card which has a maximum spending limit of $300, you must charge in excess of $90 to that particular card in the month. Additionally it is crucial for you to pay balance on time.

Do not apply for too many credit cards at once as it can negatively impact your credit!