If there is one credit card that every cloud resident should try first, the Capital One secured card is definitely at the top of the list.
The advantages of C1 are:
- Low entry threshold, with no credit history required.
- You can apply with an ITIN, making it essential for cloud residents.
- It reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it one of the best choices for building U.S. credit.
If you already have an ITIN, have purchased a U.S. private address, and have your own U.S. physical mobile number, follow my detailed guide and start applying for the C1 secured card.
If You Do Not Have Them Yet:
1. Click here to apply for an ITIN
2. Click here to apply for a private address
3. Click here to apply for a U.S. phone number
1. Credit Card Application
1.1 Pre-Application, Optional
C1 lets you use your ITIN and private address for a pre-application. In practice, this process is optional.
If your ITIN was just issued, there is a high chance even a secured card will not be approved, but this does not affect your final card application.
1.2 Actual Application
You can apply through my invitation link to improve the chance of approval: click here for my application link.
The following steps do not require a VPN. U.S. banks are sensitive to VPN usage, so just use a regular home broadband connection from China.
Open the link above.
1. Click See if You're Pre-Approved
2. Click Get started
3. Select the Two Options Shown, Then Click NEXT
4. Enter Your Real Name in Pinyin, Then Click NEXT
5. If the Address System Cannot Recognize It, Manually Enter Your Private Address, Then Click NEXT
6. Enter Your Email and U.S. Mobile Number, Then Click NEXT
7. Choose Based on Your Actual Situation, Then Click NEXT
8. Choose Your Education Level Based on Your Actual Situation, Then Click NEXT
9. Income and Rent Can Be Filled In by Reference. Do Not Enter Too Much. Then Click NEXT
10. Choose at Least checking Here
This indicates that you have the ability to repay and fund the account. Then click NEXT.
11. Enter Your Personal Information, Then Click NEXT
12. Check the Terms Above, Then Click See if Im pre-approved
13. Verification in Progress…
14. After the Credit Check, It Will Show the Cards You Can Apply For
Even if it does not show approved, you can still apply directly.
15. For Cloud Residents, Select as Shown Above and Choose China Later
16. For cash advances, Select no
17. Continue
18. Check the Boxes as Shown and Click Continue
19. Click Submit Application to Submit the Application
2. Identity Verification
After the application is approved, it may either pass directly and issue the card, or it may require identity verification.
2.1 Direct Card Approval
You can fund the credit card using Wise. Do not use Wise for a checking account. After filling in the account information, the payment will be deducted automatically, usually in 3 to 5 business days. Make sure there is enough balance in the bank account.
2.2 Document Upload Required
If it is not approved directly, you need to upload documents for verification:
- Government-issued document: the ITIN letter is enough. Reviewers usually do not pay attention to the address on it.
- Passport.
- Proof of address, not always required.
Utility bill, communication bill, or bank statement.
If the address on your ITIN letter is the same as the address you rented, it can also be used as proof of address.
3. Risk Control
3.1 Register the App
- You can log in using a domestic Chinese IP address.
- If adding to Apple Pay fails, do not repeatedly try too frequently.
- CreditWise cannot be registered with an ITIN, so do not keep trying.
- If the app frequently asks you to enter verification codes when logging in, you should check your usage environment.
3.2 Credit Card Usage
- The secured card has a low credit limit. Do not use it for large payments. Keep monthly spending under 30% of the total limit.
- Use the card every month and pay it back on time. That helps your score grow.
