Those who have secured CC....help! - Page 2

Resident alien. It's a tax issue.

I applied in person at my local WF. The person who helped me out was very nice and helpful. I gave $500 deposit, and after one year they'll return that money back and make that one into an unsecured one.
They put me as resident alien in the system, but originally I was listed as non-resident, once I gave him my social. I've lived here for more than 10 years!

I don't know how Wells Fargo runs their ship, but with other banks you can start the application process but not be approved for a secured credit card. At citiBank i started the process and i gave them the money later to find out i was denied because of lack of information whatever that means, Best denial ever.

They guy did say they might not approve me, but the money would get returned to me if that were to happen. I think it didn't happen because I've been with them for more than four years. But honestly, IDK why any secured credit would be denied, you're only allowed to spend as much as you gave them.

I have banked with Wells Fargo for the last 12 years and never have had a problem with them. I'm aware they have stiff fees for everything, it's all about being responsible with your money and not putting yourself in a situation where you have to pay any of them.

I was able to open an account with them back then with no social. I also got a secured CC with them just using my ITIN before DACA was announced. All I needed was my passport to use as a legitimate government ID. They told me even though I didn't have a SSN at the time, I would still be building credit with them. They told me once I received a SSN, they would be able to transfer that credit history to the credit bureaus. There is a $25 annual fee but that is a small price to pay to start credit, especially without a SSN in my opinion. But yes, I recommend going to a branch and getting a secured CC in person with any bank.

Once I received my SSN, I went in and they transferred my credit like they said they would. And now I'm able to get unsecured CC with no problem (you start getting bombarded with credit card offers in the mail in no time--it's like they can smell the ink on your new SSN card like a shark can smell a drop of blood). Gotta be careful and pick a good one. Just got a approved for my first one yesterday by American Express

You are a resident alien for banking/tax purposes. If you aren't a resident then yes, you will need your permanent address outside the US.

It's not an immigration question.

About a year ago I got a call from Wells Fargo where they offered me a Secured CC. Back then I just found out what it was but I read here that you need at least an ITIN for it. When I told the lady I don´t have an ITIN she said it would be no problem since I´m a resident alien and was willing to give me one anyway. I call that VERY immigration friendly.
A couple months ago I went to the IRS to apply for my ITIN. The lady there also told me I was a resident alien for tax purposes but I didn´t have a steady residence which they wanted so I didn´t apply and since I already had a WF (and BofA) account I didn´t really care for one.
A few weeks later I got a EIN so I can pay my taxes for my own business in the future. As far as I was told that´s all I need but lately I´ve been eyeing with a Secured CC because I want to build credit to be ablt to buy a better car sooner or later.
But the weirdest thing that happened: I applied for a Chase account (the $200 special) and while I was there (and the rep knew definitely I´m a resident alien with now SSN and no ITIN) he still said I should come to him to apply for a car loan (he saw the money I make on my BofA statement [as residential proof] so I guess that might be the reason).
Even though it´s a little OT: Is it possible to get a car loan at a bank without a SSN or ITIN?