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

Sorry,

Should be credit card without SSN

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.

Are you sure you cannot get SSN on dependent Visa?
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.

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?

I know two banks who did this: Barnett Bank, now Bank of America and SunTrust.
Actually any bank should do this, ask your bank.

It works the other way around. If you get a US drivers licence and have no SSN, they get you to sign a document to say that you don't have one.

(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!)

try Chase world wide consumer banking for secured visa which sould give u some credit history