How could a Canadian get a USA credit card?

Hi guys,

How could a Canadian legally get a USA credit card?

I used to do a lot of business with online stores such as Buy.com, which now don't allow any international orders.... the communists. Whatever happened to NAFTA? Anyway...

I have a mailing address (box # only) in the US, but I don't know how to go about getting a US credit card. I believe it can be done, but I don't know of the proper way of obtaining one.

Thanks!

 

Have you tried getting a secured credit card sent to your US P.O. box?

 

What exactly is a "secured" credit card?

 

It's more like a checking card with the Visa or Mastercard logo. People get them to rebuild their credit. You have to put money on it (anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on who you get it through) and can only spend what you put on it. Usually after a year of use and payments, they'll switch it to a regular credit card. You use them exactly like a credit card. Since you're putting the initial money on it, you'll have a better chance of getting one sent to an address that you don't live at. I did it through Capital One with $75 to start

Just do a google search for Secured Credit card and you'll see a ton of results.

 

Well, I suppose that's worth a shot. But how do you fund these cards? (Remember I'm from Canada... )

 

I think it is possible to fund your bill with your canadian bank account. Just wire the cash to the card to pay bills? Im sure there are many people out there who's doing this!

 

I would use a US money order to get the credit card because a check (cheque) from a Canadian bank account might not work at first. It should be fine for making payments afterwards though. I practically live on the US/Canada border so getting US Postal money orders isn't a problem for me but might be for you.

How close to the border are you? Lots of banks in American border towns promote accounts for Canadians. Well, at least they did before our dollar was on par. If you can do it, that would be your best option.

 

Why not you go to U.S in order to apply the credit card?

 

Open up a bank acc in the USA and then get a credit card, or get a Visa Giftcard, they can be used anywhere a credit card would, but buy it from the USA. LOL

 

If you live close enough to a border town, the banks are usually really eager to open accounts for both sides of the border. Once you have an account, you just get an ATM card. It works both as an ATM withdrawal card and also as a debit card when you are purchasing.

It is actually a debit card but when you purchase with it, the process is the same as a credit card. You do not enter the PIN for the purchase.

This way you would have a card issued on an American bank and can use it to shop online.

 

Does AMEX considered as US cc?
Well, I'm Malaysian and didn't have problem getting that?

 

Well if you apply for an Amex Card in Malaysia then it would be considered a Malaysian Charge or Credit Card. It would not be considered a US issued card. Unless you get the card from the US.

 

I see..i thought AMEX (american express) is a US cc..

 

The US banks I've asked need you to keep steady account activity or they'll close your account. Unfortunately, it's not realistic in my case. Though yes, that is one way that it *could* possibly work.

Unfortunately, I've never seen a definitive guide on how a Canadian can get a US credit card. Someone who has done this should do it sometime.

 

Hmm. I'm pretty sure you need a social security # or excellent credit (in Canada) if you don't have established credit in the US.

 

So how would one get a social security # for the US when you live in Canada? I've never heard of that personally... but I don't know. I'm not sure that your credit history in Canada makes a difference even if it's really good. Once again, I just don't know for sure.

 

Hi ... have you tried applying? I'm in Ottawa and have cards from CitiBank and MBNA USA. I just applied, a few years ago. A friend manages an RBC branch and tells me he writes 5+ loans, a week, to pay off USA credit cards. His RBC branch is in a rural community, outside Ottawa. Also, RBC owns at least one bank in the USA that issues credit cards to Canadians. Go on rbc [dot] com and check it out. Hope this helps.

 

I've looked on their site and all I can find is a Canadian credit card that can hold a US dollar balance? How did you get your cards? Did you live in the states for a period of time? I may have to call RBC about this...

Thanks!

 

RBC definitely, ask them, I think you can keep your existing account or ask them to open you one.

Maybe American Express too?

You could try Bank of America, if you get connected to the right place, they can check Canadian credit history and give you a US card.

**Does anyone know US banks that check Canadian credit history? I know Bank of America will, but any others?

 

I think it's called RBC Centura.