 TITLE: Do Credit Cards Require Citizenship? CONTENT: What Roadblocks Could Non-Citizens Face When Applying for Credit?\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\nWhether you're new to the U.S. or have been here for years but aren't a citizen, you may face several issues when applying for a credit card:\n*   **Some cards are only available to legal permanent residents.** Most credit card companies offer credit cards to legal residents and U.S. citizens alike. Undocumented immigrants may have fewer options, but there are credit card issuers, banks and credit unions that offer credit cards to applicants regardless of citizenship status.\n*   **You might not have or be eligible for an SSN.** Card issuers may ask for your SSN on the application. If you can't get an SSN, you may be able to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and use it instead. ITINs are issued to people who need to file federal income tax returns in the U.S. but don't qualify for an SSN.\n*   **You might not be eligible for an ITIN, either.** If you don't qualify for an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for certain credit cards using other identification documents, such as your passport. However, you may need to submit your application in a branch or apply over the phone rather than online.\n*   **You don't have any credit history in the U.S.** Whether or not you're a citizen, getting approved for a new card can be difficult without a good credit history. But you may have more options than U.S. citizens if you've established credit or banking relationships in your home country.\nWith these roadblocks and detours in mind, you can start identifying which credit cards you might be able to get before submitting your application. END