Bank won't issue me a business credit card because I'm not a citizen

[kovu 0]

I have a green card through marriage, before that was here on a TN. I have lived in the US for 3 years and have 2 personal credit cards.

I have decided to start my own business. I went to the bank and set up a business account, deposited 10 thousand into the account and applied for a business credit card through them. Two weeks late I get a reject letter saying that they couldn't verify references. I phoned them to see what it was about and was told to fax a copy of my ssn to them which I did. Another week goes by and I get another rejection letter with the same thing. So I phone again and am told I can't get a credit card because my ssn says "for work purposes only" and that they only give credit cards to US citizens. I am livid! Is this normal. When I told them that my other bank which I share with my husband issued me a personal credit card no problem, they couldn't answer and just said this was there policy. Has anyone heard about this? At this point I feel like I should just take my business elsewhere, but I just paid for them to order me checks and don't want to lose even more money closing my accounts. Is there anything I can do about this? I am planning on going to see the bank manager tomorrow who I openned the account with last month.

And for those that are wondering what bank it was - it is Citizen's Bank. I have had a personal account with them since the day I step first in the US over 3 years ago.

[NArocks 13]

Get a differnt bank My husband was able with just a tax ID number open a buisness account at BOA and got credit card and all

[canadian_wife 1,826]

Yup - they can do that. Pick another bank if the manager can't do anything for you. Cancel the cheques and your account and move on.

It's sad, but such as the life of an immigrant

PS - now that you have your green card you can get that "valid only with DHS authorization" or "for work purposes only" off your SSN number.

Good luck.

[Old Dominion 26]

The banks themselves don't issue anyone's credit cards. The decisions are made outside their corporations. I recommend contacting American Express directly -- they are the specialists in business credit cards. You can start the process online: www.americanexpress.com. Or, have it jointly with your husband.

After all the credit failures in the last year, the companies are a bit skitterish about providing credit to businesses without a banking history.

[kovu 0]

Just wanted to update what happened.

I went to the social security office today and they updated my card. I then went to the bank. The customer service lady phoned the credit card person and was told that it was because of the "work only" words on the ssn. I told her I went to the office today and got it taken off so when I get my new ssn card in a week or two I need to go back to the bank and they will fax the card over to the credit card people. Man, this has been a real big mess - going to take me 2 months to get this credit card, but at least it is going to be fixed. I don't know why this bank has such a hassle with that line on the ssn card, I never had trouble getting a card at my other bank where me and dh have a joint account. Luckily I have a green card now, and not on a TN anymore or else I would be up ship's creek.

[rheanick 42]

Just wanted to update what happened.

I went to the social security office today and they updated my card. I then went to the bank. The customer service lady phoned the credit card person and was told that it was because of the "work only" words on the ssn. I told her I went to the office today and got it taken off so when I get my new ssn card in a week or two I need to go back to the bank and they will fax the card over to the credit card people. Man, this has been a real big mess - going to take me 2 months to get this credit card, but at least it is going to be fixed. I don't know why this bank has such a hassle with that line on the ssn card, I never had trouble getting a card at my other bank where me and dh have a joint account. Luckily I have a green card now, and not on a TN anymore or else I would be up ship's creek.

With the restriction "work only" means you are only allowed to work. To work and to start business are two differnt things.

I guess the main problem is that you forgot to inform SS office to take out the restriction in your SSN. It is not the bank's fault that you are having this delay.