topic Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN? in Credit Cards

Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 14:24:08 GMT

I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 14:39:15 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.

@Anonymous,

It is not going to be possible to get a credit card with Chase for someone on F1 Visa and no SSN. Since she can't work on a F1 Visa, there are a few exceptions if the school has approved jobs. If there are approved jobs, I'd encourage her to take advantage of that as the school can apply for a SSN on her behalf. Once she gets the SSN, you can then proceed with appying for a card.

Even with that, she will need to establish a credit history and being an AU on 1 card is not enough.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 14:51:21 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.
@Anonymous,

It is not going to be possible to get a credit card with Chase for someone on F1 Visa and no SSN. Since she can't work on a F1 Visa, there are a few exceptions if the school has approved jobs. If there are approved jobs, I'd encourage her to take advantage of that as the school can apply for a SSN on her behalf. Once she gets the SSN, you can then proceed with appying for a card.

Even with that, she will need to establish a credit history and being an AU on 1 card is not enough.

I am pretty sure it's possible. I have opened Chase (checking account) for many of my international student friends and inquired about credit card. The above stated condition (parking $10,000 at Chase) was confirmed many times. There is also evidence from this forum, for example: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/Chase-Freedom-approved-without-SSN-credit-history/td-p/2175857

But I am seeking for advices from the forum as the nearest Chase branch is in another state, and I am not ready for a ride there for nothing (Edit: I think one of the condition to open an account is that the branch has to serve my home area. My SO is also looking for a student job but it's no gaurantee that she'll get one).

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:00:49 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.
@Anonymous,

It is not going to be possible to get a credit card with Chase for someone on F1 Visa and no SSN. Since she can't work on a F1 Visa, there are a few exceptions if the school has approved jobs. If there are approved jobs, I'd encourage her to take advantage of that as the school can apply for a SSN on her behalf. Once she gets the SSN, you can then proceed with appying for a card.

Even with that, she will need to establish a credit history and being an AU on 1 card is not enough.
I am pretty sure it's possible. I have opened Chase (checking account) for many of my international student friends and inquired about credit card. The above stated condition (parking $10,000 at Chase) was confirmed many times. There is also evidence from this forum, for example: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/Chase-Freedom-approved-without-SSN-credit-history/td-p/2175857
But I am seeking for advices from the forum as the nearest Chase branch is in another state, and I am not ready for a ride there for nothing (Edit: I think one of the condition to open an account is that the branch has to serve my home area. My SO is also looking for a student job but it's no gaurantee that she'll get one).

I know opening a checking account is possible with without a SSN and alot of banks do that. I was addressing your question getting a reward credit card. That is not possible without a SSN.

Also, that thread is from 2013, I'd call and confirm with Chase if it is indeed true.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:02:09 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.
@Anonymous,

It is not going to be possible to get a credit card with Chase for someone on F1 Visa and no SSN. Since she can't work on a F1 Visa, there are a few exceptions if the school has approved jobs. If there are approved jobs, I'd encourage her to take advantage of that as the school can apply for a SSN on her behalf. Once she gets the SSN, you can then proceed with appying for a card.

Even with that, she will need to establish a credit history and being an AU on 1 card is not enough.
I am pretty sure it's possible. I have opened Chase (checking account) for many of my international student friends and inquired about credit card. The above stated condition (parking $10,000 at Chase) was confirmed many times. There is also evidence from this forum, for example: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/Chase-Freedom-approved-without-SSN-credit-history/td-p/2175857
But I am seeking for advices from the forum as the nearest Chase branch is in another state, and I am not ready for a ride there for nothing (Edit: I think one of the condition to open an account is that the branch has to serve my home area. My SO is also looking for a student job but it's no gaurantee that she'll get one).
I know opening a checking account is possible with without a SSN and alot of banks do that. I was addressing your question getting a reward credit card. That is not possible without a SSN.

Also, that thread is from 2013, I'd call and confirm with Chase if it is indeed true.

The first post in the thread in the link is someone getting a $1000 Freedom with no SSN

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:10:49 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.
@Anonymous,

It is not going to be possible to get a credit card with Chase for someone on F1 Visa and no SSN. Since she can't work on a F1 Visa, there are a few exceptions if the school has approved jobs. If there are approved jobs, I'd encourage her to take advantage of that as the school can apply for a SSN on her behalf. Once she gets the SSN, you can then proceed with appying for a card.

Even with that, she will need to establish a credit history and being an AU on 1 card is not enough.
I am pretty sure it's possible. I have opened Chase (checking account) for many of my international student friends and inquired about credit card. The above stated condition (parking $10,000 at Chase) was confirmed many times. There is also evidence from this forum, for example: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/Chase-Freedom-approved-without-SSN-credit-history/td-p/2175857
But I am seeking for advices from the forum as the nearest Chase branch is in another state, and I am not ready for a ride there for nothing (Edit: I think one of the condition to open an account is that the branch has to serve my home area. My SO is also looking for a student job but it's no gaurantee that she'll get one).
I know opening a checking account is possible with without a SSN and alot of banks do that. I was addressing your question getting a reward credit card. That is not possible without a SSN.

Also, that thread is from 2013, I'd call and confirm with Chase if it is indeed true.
The first post in the thread in the link is someone getting a $1000 Freedom with no SSN

The person who got a $1000 Freedom more than likely had an ITIN instead of an SSN. ITINs are basically meant to be temporary SSNs.

Anywho, to answer your question. A person on an F-1 visa can apply for an SSN, so she should go ahead and do this. In addition, she should try to get an on campus job. She's legally allowed to do this.

Let me tell you a little secret, since I work with visas all day. You can apply for and get an SSN without a job. I've seen students on J-1 visas be issued an SSN.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:13:24 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.
@Anonymous,

It is not going to be possible to get a credit card with Chase for someone on F1 Visa and no SSN. Since she can't work on a F1 Visa, there are a few exceptions if the school has approved jobs. If there are approved jobs, I'd encourage her to take advantage of that as the school can apply for a SSN on her behalf. Once she gets the SSN, you can then proceed with appying for a card.

Even with that, she will need to establish a credit history and being an AU on 1 card is not enough.
I am pretty sure it's possible. I have opened Chase (checking account) for many of my international student friends and inquired about credit card. The above stated condition (parking $10,000 at Chase) was confirmed many times. There is also evidence from this forum, for example: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/Chase-Freedom-approved-without-SSN-credit-history/td-p/2175857
But I am seeking for advices from the forum as the nearest Chase branch is in another state, and I am not ready for a ride there for nothing (Edit: I think one of the condition to open an account is that the branch has to serve my home area. My SO is also looking for a student job but it's no gaurantee that she'll get one).
I know opening a checking account is possible with without a SSN and alot of banks do that. I was addressing your question getting a reward credit card. That is not possible without a SSN.

Also, that thread is from 2013, I'd call and confirm with Chase if it is indeed true.
The first post in the thread in the link is someone getting a $1000 Freedom with no SSN

@Longtime Lurker,

I saw the thread. The business I am in involves flying people over from various countries and doing the paperwork for their H1Bs - Fresh and transfers for work. These are poeple allowed to work in the U.S. Their families members who piggyback on them are not able to get credit cards without SSNs although they are AUs on cards.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:24:38 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I am trying to get my SO a cash back/reward credit card. She's on F1 visa, having no SSN and more than a year AU on my VS card. The only thing I can think of is parking $10,000 at Chase and apply for a Freedom with them. But I am not entirely sure that it will work because the nearest Chase branch is in another state, 90 minutes from us (we're in Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally there is only PNC and a few small banks here, no other big bank like Chase, WF, Citi, etc.)

Any suggestion is welcome and appriciated.
@Anonymous,

It is not going to be possible to get a credit card with Chase for someone on F1 Visa and no SSN. Since she can't work on a F1 Visa, there are a few exceptions if the school has approved jobs. If there are approved jobs, I'd encourage her to take advantage of that as the school can apply for a SSN on her behalf. Once she gets the SSN, you can then proceed with appying for a card.

Even with that, she will need to establish a credit history and being an AU on 1 card is not enough.
I am pretty sure it's possible. I have opened Chase (checking account) for many of my international student friends and inquired about credit card. The above stated condition (parking $10,000 at Chase) was confirmed many times. There is also evidence from this forum, for example: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/Chase-Freedom-approved-without-SSN-credit-history/td-p/2175857
But I am seeking for advices from the forum as the nearest Chase branch is in another state, and I am not ready for a ride there for nothing (Edit: I think one of the condition to open an account is that the branch has to serve my home area. My SO is also looking for a student job but it's no gaurantee that she'll get one).
I know opening a checking account is possible with without a SSN and alot of banks do that. I was addressing your question getting a reward credit card. That is not possible without a SSN.

Also, that thread is from 2013, I'd call and confirm with Chase if it is indeed true.
The first post in the thread in the link is someone getting a $1000 Freedom with no SSN
The person who got a $1000 Freedom more than likely had an ITIN instead of an SSN. ITINs are basically meant to be temporary SSNs.

Anywho, to answer your question. A person on an F-1 visa can apply for an SSN, so she should go ahead and do this. In addition, she should try to get an on campus job. She's legally allowed to do this.

Let me tell you a little secret, since I work with visas all day. You can apply for and get an SSN without a job. I've seen students on J-1 visas be issued an SSN.

I see, that's very interesting. I just took a look at the documents from SSA and indeed it seems to be a posibility. I'll dig into that as it seems to be easier than parking a good chunk of cash at Chase for a while (Edit: though she would probably still need to do that at some point for an "easy in" to Chase). Thank you.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:29:40 GMT

Make sure your SO has a copy of her DS2019 form.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:33:58 GMT

@Yes-It-Me I actually did research about this topic. Dispite most people seem to respond "it's not possible" before they even read the entire question, occasionally some people say that they, or someone they know, manage to get a credit card without a SSN somehow. Now, a reward card without SSN nor TIN (obviously no credit history) in addition to no local branch, I haven't seen one. Thus this thread.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:33:29 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Make sure your SO has a copy of her DS2019 form.

Heh..?

"The Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program.

This form permits a prospective exchange visitor to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to obtain a J visa to enter the United States."

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:38:33 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous-It-Me I actually did research about this topic. Dispite most people seem to respond "it's not possible" before they even read the entire question, occasionally some people say that they, or someone they know, manage to get a credit card without a SSN somehow. Now, a reward card without SSN nor TIN (obviously no credit history) in addition to no local branch, I haven't seen one. Thus this thread.

@Anonymous,

No problem... This is actually a great topic for us to discuss here as it is different. I hope you report back with your findings so that it can help others also.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

newhis — Fri, 08 May 2015 18:06:47 GMT

I was able to get BoA Secured without SSN. I can't get SSN (F2 Visa) but I was able to get ITIN. With ITIN I was able to:

- apply by phone with Discover (a year ago)

- get Freedom at branch (6 months ago)

- get JCrew by shopping cart trick

- Amex PRG and ED online filled SSN section with ITIN number

Some universities cite that you need work authorization (on campus most of the time or CPT) before getting SSN. I read that you can fill the papers and get SSN even without having work with F1 visa. So try to do that.

Good luck

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 19:01:59 GMT

Where's she from? Got US credit cards based on Canadian history without no ssn, itin, US history, income or misrepresenting anything such as residency or using Canadian social insurance number in place of ssn

Banner bank MasterCard and TD Aeroplan visa both applied using cross border application, nearing six months of history now

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 21:19:20 GMT

I was able to get BoA Cash Rewards secure, and 9 month later it was updated to unsecure with CL increase to 2k. And all than without SSN or ITIN. So it is possible, but 2k was max limit for me without SSN.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:46:25 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I was able to get BoA Cash Rewards secure, and 9 month later it was updated to unsecure with CL increase to 2k. And all than without SSN or ITIN. So it is possible, but 2k was max limit for me without SSN.

This is exactly what I wanted to find out. Thank you. Did you have to go to a branch?

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Christina_xyt — Fri, 08 May 2015 23:30:02 GMT

I wouldn't recommend to get chase for her first card anyway.. doesn't matter if she is your AU or not..

I am on an F-1 and I wasn't working when I obtained my first credit card..

I was lucky and it was also the fact that the school in my area is famous (bank knows that international students go to taht school is rich)

I got my first ever credit card in BOA.. cash rewards with no SSN, no job, no credit history.. $900 credit line.. not everyone in my position was able to obtain an unsecure card, some can, some can't , not sure how they even decide that..

But Bank of america does hand out reward cards without ssn.. if they can't give you a unsecure card, then put a deposit, and (in my area) they will unsecure it after a year if you are doing right.

I also know discover gives out credit cards without ssn, you have to call, can't app online.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Aarvard — Fri, 08 May 2015 23:32:55 GMT

This is my case 2 years ago. No SSN or credit history whatsoever, but I banked with Citi so they gave me the Citi Forward card. Maybe your SO should give Citi a try.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

newhis — Sat, 09 May 2015 00:02:55 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I was able to get BoA Cash Rewards secure, and 9 month later it was updated to unsecure with CL increase to 2k. And all than without SSN or ITIN. So it is possible, but 2k was max limit for me without SSN.
This is exactly what I wanted to find out. Thank you. Did you have to go to a branch?

In my case I visited a branch. They asked for my passport, I don't remember if they needed the Visa, I94 or I20.

Online, after selecting non-resident alien, I get this message:

Non-resident alien applicants
Non-resident aliens may complete their card applications at a local banking center or by calling 1.800.932.2775 (reference priority code VACGYT when calling). Please note, you may not be eligible for any incentive offers when applying at a banking center.
Find a banking center near you

Need to make a change? Please close this window and update your citizenship status.

Re: Reward Credit Card for F1 Visa, No SSN?

Anonymous — Sat, 09 May 2015 02:06:53 GMT

@Christina_xyt wrote:
I wouldn't recommend to get chase for her first card anyway.. doesn't matter if she is your AU or not..

I am on an F-1 and I wasn't working when I obtained my first credit card..

I was lucky and it was also the fact that the school in my area is famous (bank knows that international students go to taht school is rich)

I got my first ever credit card in BOA.. cash rewards with no SSN, no job, no credit history.. $900 credit line.. not everyone in my position was able to obtain an unsecure card, some can, some can't , not sure how they even decide that..

But Bank of america does hand out reward cards without ssn.. if they can't give you a unsecure card, then put a deposit, and (in my area) they will unsecure it after a year if you are doing right.

I also know discover gives out credit cards without ssn, you have to call, can't app online.

Thank you for the information. I just asked, SO actually have had a BofA account for 2-3 years, so that's something to work with.

By the way, I thought all international student are thought to be rich (jk, ofc)