Is it possible to get a credit card while doing an AOS?

[E&G 2]

We are in our AOS process right now.

Is it possible for the immigrant (greencard application) to sign up for a credit card? 

 

What are the processes? Does she need to establish credit and sign up for creditkarma or something first? Because she has no credit history in the US.

[JaredShadkin 53]

1 hour ago, E&G said:

We are in our AOS process right now.

Is it possible for the immigrant (greencard application) to sign up for a credit card? 

 

What are the processes? Does she need to establish credit and sign up for creditkarma or something first? Because she has no credit history in the US.

Visa and Mastercard allow you to add Authorized Users without their social security numbers. American Express, on the other hand, requires a SSN number. So currently, they can have their own card (but tied to yours). 

 

If the immigrant did not receive a SSN prior to filing AOS by requesting one at a social security office, you’ll have to wait until the immigrant receives one for them to apply for their own cards.

 

[powerpuff 5,907]

*** Topic moved to Moving to the US & New life in America where similar questions are discussed ***
 

I agree with the authorized user advice. As soon as I was added, my credit score shot up thanks to my husband. 

[Crazy Cat 39,287]

This is what we did.  I added wife as authorized user to my existing Citibank CC.  She then set up an account on CreditKarma.  In about 3 or 4 months, she had an established credit report. 

[P055UM 259]

All good advice above.
 

Maybe check your local credit union too. I was able to get a ‘secured’ credit card. Basically you lodge cash with the bank and they extend you a credit card with a limit equal to the cash you lodged. I was able to do this with no income of my own. Another great way to build credit  

[E&G 2]

3 hours ago, JaredShadkin said:

Visa and Mastercard allow you to add Authorized Users without their social security numbers. American Express, on the other hand, requires a SSN number. So currently, they can have their own card (but tied to yours). 

 

If the immigrant did not receive a SSN prior to filing AOS by requesting one at a social security office, you’ll have to wait until the immigrant receives one for them to apply for their own cards.

 

 

But what about just getting a card without being an authorized user?

[JaredShadkin 53]

4 minutes ago, E&G said:

 

But what about just getting a card without being an authorized user?

 

If the immigrant does not have a Social Security Number at this juncture, he/she will not be able to obtain their own credit card. 

All credit card providers are required by law to solicit an SSN in order to open an account.

 

Once the Adjustment of Status is completed, the Social Security Administration will send the immigrant their new Social Security Number (if you selected this option on the I-485).

If you did not select this option, you may request a SSN from the SSA once you have the Green Card.

 

 

Therefor, until the AOS is completed, the only viable option is for the immigrant to become an Authorized User on your cards. 

[yuna628 9,530]

21 minutes ago, E&G said:

 

But what about just getting a card without being an authorized user?

Generally a SSN would be needed if you aren't going with an authorized user. The easiest way to start from scratch and no credit history would be a secured credit card.

[GEOntificator 271]

3 hours ago, JaredShadkin said:

Visa and Mastercard allow you to add Authorized Users without their social security numbers. American Express, on the other hand, requires a SSN number. So currently, they can have their own card (but tied to yours). 

 

If the immigrant did not receive a SSN prior to filing AOS by requesting one at a social security office, you’ll have to wait until the immigrant receives one for them to apply for their own cards.

 

Amex does not require the SSN. One cannot have an online account without the SSN but you can have authorized users. I have done so many times successfully.

[JaredShadkin 53]

5 minutes ago, GEOntificator said:

Amex does not require the SSN. One cannot have an online account without the SSN but you can have authorized users. I have done so many times successfully.

While some AMEX card members have been able to add AU’s without SSN’s in the past, this practice was halted late last year - I personally tried once.  
 

As per their Terms and Conditions and FAQ section: 

“You also need to provide their Social Security Number, but you have up to 60 days from the date the Card is issued to provide this. If you do not provide their and Social Security Number within 60 days, the Additional Card Member’s Card will be canceled.”

 

Both Citi and Chase have no posted requirement and don’t ask for an SSN on the application section, which is why I specifically recommend those providers for AU cards and not AMEX.  

 

 

[E&G 2]

59 minutes ago, JaredShadkin said:

 

If the immigrant does not have a Social Security Number at this juncture, he/she will not be able to obtain their own credit card. 

All credit card providers are required by law to solicit an SSN in order to open an account.

 

Once the Adjustment of Status is completed, the Social Security Administration will send the immigrant their new Social Security Number (if you selected this option on the I-485).

If you did not select this option, you may request a SSN from the SSA once you have the Green Card.

 

 

Therefor, until the AOS is completed, the only viable option is for the immigrant to become an Authorized User on your cards. 

 

Can we use the SSN what we got with our work authorization?

[K1visaHopeful 2,663]

From the many GUESSES you've received from VJ members, the SSN is an important document in obtaining credit.

Indicating if one has been obtained is important info left out of your post in order to help you.

[gstrength 20]

That's the only SSN you will ever going to get. right now, you have a SSN that is restricted for employment with DHS authorization, nothing to do with credit cards, you can apply for a credit card.

[NorthByNorthwest 216]

8 hours ago, E&G said:

We are in our AOS process right now.

Is it possible for the immigrant (greencard application) to sign up for a credit card? 

 

What are the processes? Does she need to establish credit and sign up for creditkarma or something first? Because she has no credit history in the US.

If she’s had an American Express in another country they offer a global transfer program that gets you a card based on your history with them rather than credit score. 
 

If that is not an option, she can always apply for a secured credit card where she deposits money as collateral for the credit. 

[Thunderbolt 162]

I've added my wife to Amex even before she had SSN. But that was 5 years ago. I don't know about now. 

As for the OP's question. You should have credit history to get credit card. I don't know how long you have your SSN but most credit card companies won't give you a card just because you have the number. Also you have to have income to be granted CC. 

I would suggest starting with retail CC like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Home Depot etc. They are the ones that most likely will give you CC with low credit limit ($500 / $1000 or so). Use that card and pay off your balance before your monthly statement hit's to build your credit. The card will increase your limit themselves after they will see you are paying your statements on time. Just a thought.