How To Get a US Credit Card With Citi/Chase/BoA From Canada?

[hanover.john]

Is it possible to get a US credit card with Citi, Chase, or BoA using my Canadian credit record?

I am located in Canada right now, but I have a US mailing address, and a US Amex (through Global Transfer), but not enough US credit history. I want to know how to do this over the phone or email and not have to go into the branch.

I have checked the boards and it seems that all the threads rely on the Amex Global Transfer technique. (I have a great credit record in Canada and I'm dying to apply for the Chase Visa.)

If anybody knows how to do this, I'll be forever grateful!

[agnelson]

"dying to apply"? Really?

Can I ask why Chase Visa in particular. I have one, and its not the holy grail.

Look at this post for RBC:
Getting a US Credit Card/Transferring Credit

[hanover.john]

Chase has a bonus for 100K BA miles if you get a specific Visa card. There are many other deals with Chase and especially Citi which have great signing bonuses.

I am already aware of the RBC route- but your link is not related to this topic.

[agnelson]

I don't see how its not related, but ??

You need to be a resident to qualify for the points.

[alstonian]

hanover.john ....Are you live by the border in between? How difficult for you to go south of the border and walk into BOA and apply for a check card with Visa logo on it? That's what I will do during boxing day.

Also when I first open up my U.S checking with a cross the border not so well know regional U.S bank. They lady (dual citizen used to work for Royal bank) suggest me to apply for a U.S credit card. They will check my Canadian credit and see how much credit i will be getting based on my canadian credit history.

Hope this relate....

[agnelson]

You can't get a US credit card without at least having an SSN. You can't get an SSN without authorization to work in US.

[alstonian]

agnelson, I found this is a good discussion. I think those border town small U.S cities banks do get you a visa card without SSN. All you need is CDN passport and another pc of id. I indeed get one so far, its a visa check card.

What's the difference between a Debit Check Card and Reg credit card? I had an impression that those debit check card got visa logo w/ it works just like credit card.

I think its a smart idea that those u.s banks are willing to work with Canadians and help them set up some kind of U.S checking, Savings and credit card etc. We are spending money and helping w/ their economies.

[agnelson]

In the old days maybe, but not now, post-9/11. Of course the woman you spoke to at the bank was a dual citizen, so had an SSN.

You were indeed lucky to get an bank account, as this is in violation of the Patriot Act.