U.S. CREDIT CARDS, CLEARLY EXPLAINED

New to the U.S.: From Arrival to Your First Credit Card

Last reviewed: 2026-10-20

These are cards to investigate, not a finding that your visa/income qualifies or that you will be approved. Check each card’s evidence, documents and actual bank route.

Residence, immigration and tax IDs are separate

A passport, visa, SSN or ITIN is not an approval. Tax residency is not the same as immigration status. IRS guidance says an ITIN does not change immigration status or authorize employment. Do not obtain or report an ITIN merely on the assumption that it guarantees a card.

Confirm the exact status with the issuer

For F-1/M-1, OPT, H-1B/L-1, dependents and other temporary statuses, our card data does not establish a universal visa policy. Ask whether your exact status and remaining document validity are accepted, whether a real U.S. home address is required, and whether an online or branch application is available. A visitor or overseas resident should confirm the permitted channel before applying.

Existing Amex cardholders: separate relocation program

The official U.S. relocation program describes an eligible existing primary Amex account held at least three months, account standing conditions, a new U.S. home address/phone, U.S. bank details, passport, employment and SSN or ITIN. Corporate cards and cards issued by other banks are excluded from that program. Review the complete current terms; it is not a passport-only or approval-guaranteed shortcut.

Use a genuine residential address

Capital One’s credit-card FAQ requests a physical address and excludes P.O. boxes. Chase Rise asks for an address consistent with identification/legal records. These are issuer-specific instructions, not a rule that every bank accepts a forwarding address. Ask about your actual situation; do not substitute a friend’s address or a VPN for residence.

Official evidence and scope

• Capital One · ITIN card list
• Chase Freedom Rise · Branch application and documents
• Citi · Named secured-card application requirements
• American Express · Moving to the United States
• U.S. Bank · Possible identity and income documents
• CFPB · Regulation Z ability to pay
• IRS · ITIN purpose and limitations