Cridit card without SSN
Oct 19, 2002 | 11:46 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: RST
Programs: Delta Diamond; Hilton Diamond; Accor Gold
Posts: 4,844
Cridit card without SSN
We have just moved to the US from Canada. Our story is typical - long credit history in Canada, trying to built one in the US. I am in the US on a work visa (H1B) and have a SSN. I did get a credit card through Wells Fargo after a Canadian credit check and based on cash in our US account.
My wife is here on a "dependent" visa (H7) and can not have a SSN. She can, however, get a IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Can this be used to apply for a credit card of her own? If so I hope to push the bank to issue a card under her name so that she can built up a credit history while we wait for permanent residency status.
Thanks for your help.
now from RST
My wife is here on a "dependent" visa (H7) and can not have a SSN. She can, however, get a IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Can this be used to apply for a credit card of her own? If so I hope to push the bank to issue a card under her name so that she can built up a credit history while we wait for permanent residency status.
Thanks for your help.
now from RST
Oct 19, 2002 | 2:52 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Naples, Florida
Posts: 7,419
You can try two things:
1) Get a ITIN from IRS, it actually looks like a SSN!?!
2) She might get a credit card without SSN ITIN by purchasing a CD and give this CD as collateral (security) for the credit card, as she does not have a credit history in the US.
1) Get a ITIN from IRS, it actually looks like a SSN!?!
2) She might get a credit card without SSN ITIN by purchasing a CD and give this CD as collateral (security) for the credit card, as she does not have a credit history in the US.
Oct 20, 2002 | 6:44 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: RST
Programs: Delta Diamond; Hilton Diamond; Accor Gold
Posts: 4,844
Thanks for the advice.
In the state of MN, you can get a DL without a SSN based on your visa.
At the Social Security office she was flatly turned down for a SSN and their web site is also clear on that.
As far as a CD, which bank will do this?
In the state of MN, you can get a DL without a SSN based on your visa.
At the Social Security office she was flatly turned down for a SSN and their web site is also clear on that.
As far as a CD, which bank will do this?
Oct 20, 2002 | 7:43 am
#6
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Naples, Florida
Posts: 7,419
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fromYXU:
As far as a CD, which bank will do this?</font>
As far as a CD, which bank will do this?</font>
Actually any bank should do this, ask your bank.
Oct 20, 2002 | 8:54 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2001
Programs: IHG Diamond, HH Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 4,345
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bertie_jeeves:
I think if you want to get a drivers liscence in US, you need a SSN.So the DMV should give you a letter saying that you need a SSN. </font>
I think if you want to get a drivers liscence in US, you need a SSN.So the DMV should give you a letter saying that you need a SSN. </font>
(eg. From Washington State: "Applicants who don't have an SSN may sign a Social Security Number Declaration form (DLE 520-031)."
It used to be much easier for foreigners to get US SSNs, but it's rather hard now. I knew people who got them easily when just visiting the US, but it's been changing. They won't issue them unless you have a government requirement to have one. (Which means that if it's just a bank that requires it, tough!)