On a Visa from Mexico? How to Get a Credit Card in the U.S.

Helpful tips and tricks for immigrants applying for a credit card in the U.S.

There are a few tips you should know before applying for a credit card in the United States. If you are on a visa from Mexico, you can still get approved for a U.S. credit card. However, it is a little challenging since your credit history does not follow you from your native country to the United States.

But there is good news! We have rounded up a few tricks and tips to help immigrants on a visa apply for a U.S. credit card. We’ve also listed a few credit cards that will most likely approve you without any U.S. credit.

First, why is it important to build credit? 

Building up your credit history shows banks that you can manage debt and money. If you have good credit, you can get approved for a car or homeowner loan and purchase a vehicle or house, for example. Getting a credit card can help you establish yourself long term in the United States.

Information needed to apply for a credit card in the U.S. 

You will need a few pieces of information and documentation when applying for a credit card in the U.S. Don’t worry if you do not have everything on this list, there are still great credit card options available for you.

• A Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

You usually need an SSN or ITIN to apply for a credit card. These numbers confirm your identity. If you do not have an SSN, you might have an ITIN from your job. Using an ITIN can help you apply for a credit card.

• A permanent address

A permanent address will help you get approved for a credit card since it shows you either rent or own a home. If you’re on a visa from Mexico, you can build your credit history by paying for rent and utilities.

• Employment

Employment shows that you have consistent income. Having a job means you can pay back the money you use on the credit card.

• A bank account

It is common for immigrants and international students to open a bank account as the first step to getting credit card approval.

Here are a few more tips that can help you get approved for a credit card.

• Having a bank account with an international bank

If you already have a relationship with an international bank in the United States, they are more likely to approve you. For example, Citibank offers accounts for customers moving to the U.S. from other countries.

• Getting a co-signer

A co-signer agrees to pay off your debt if you cannot pay it off yourself. This is useful if you know someone in the U.S., like a family friend or relative.

Secured credit card options for immigrants on a visa from Mexico 

We’ve rounded up some credit card options for immigrants without any U.S. credit history. The number one option is to get a secured credit card. Secured credit means you “secure” your line of credit with a deposit. You put down money upfront, which becomes the amount of money you can spend on your card.

Here are some examples of secured credit cards:

The Capital One Secured Credit Card

This Capital One credit card lets you open a $200 line of credit with a down payment of either $49, $99, or $200. You can increase the credit limit if you use the card responsibly for the first six months. Many immigrants choose this option because it does not require a lot of money upfront.

The Discover It Secured Credit Card 

The Discover It credit card is a good choice for people wanting to earn rewards on their credit card. You can earn rewards or perks as you use your credit card. The Discover It card offers a 2% cashback reward for purchasing gas and eating out. You need to put down a $200 minimum deposit, but there is no annual fee. You can also increase your credit limit after seven months.

U.S. Bank Secured Credit Card

This credit card is one of the best options to eventually move on from a secured credit card. After a year of using the card, you can upgrade to an unsecured credit card. This card has an annual fee of $29.

Important things to remember as you use your credit card in the U.S.

Remember, your credit card helps you build up your credit history in the United States. Having good credit history gives you a better chance of qualifying for loans and purchasing a car or home. Keep track of the balance on your credit card, and avoid spending over your credit limit. Experts recommend avoiding spending more than 30% of your credit limit. Most importantly, do not forget to pay your balance on time, as being late with payments can damage your credit.

As you settle in the United States, you can also budget and save money to send to family or friends back home in Mexico. Western Union can help. You can send money across the border reliably through WU’s money transfer app. It’s simple, easy to use, and convenient. You can do it all from our mobile app and the person you send money to can receive money in their bank account, on certain digital wallets, or in person at one of our 38,000 agent locations in Mexico.

* Fees current as of publication date.