Originally Posted by
IncyWincy
Thanks.
What about if I were to open a bank account at Chase? Let it sit for a year or two before applying for visa card?
I am not completely positive, but it will be difficult/impossible to open an account without an SSN. I think the Patriot Act has rules pertaining to bank account reporting and money laundering, so they need to keep track of where money is coming and going. I suspect whatever bank you go to, they will say you need a SSN. There are links on the internet that say you can open without having an SSN, but the banks will be very hesitant to do so. YMMV.
I was told that it takes about 6 months to build a credit history.