Update: Chase Approving New Credit Card Applicants With Non-Immigrant Visas (DHS Authorization SSN)
Chase made a change about 2 weeks ago where they stopped approving card applications those with non-immigrants visas. On their social security cards it states “Valid for work only with DHS Authorization”, and these are not being approved by Chase.
The issue happens when Chase asks for additional verification, and they see the Social Security card with the DHS Authorization note, and won’t approve the applications. Presumably this won’t affect those who have a history with Chase; they should be able to apply for new cards without issues. It’s only when Chase asks for a social security card upload that causes the problems.
Previously all banks would approve anyone with a social security card, even those who are not citizens or green card holders. Chase now does not allow that; apparently Wells Fargo already had a similar policy not to approve such credit cards as well.
These was one data point of someone who was able to get later approved after submitting an SSA-89 form through a Chase banker, so hopefully there are still options, but it definitely got more difficult.
I’m not an expert on these topic, but it’s something that will certain to affect a lot of people, so thought it worth posting.
Hat tip to reader Vic and to r/creditcards
I just got approved for the chase sapphire preferred credit card being under H1B visa and DHS Authorization SSN.
What credit limit they gave you?
$5000
They have revoked this policy. I called the recon and they approved the card immediately just now.
Happened to me as well. First got rejection letter, called them they said that they are not providing card to “DHS authorization” SSN. Today got letter that card is approved and an apology for the denying it earlier.
Same here. I just got approved out of nowhere.
This is totally stupid. They are using the social security card as proof of immigration status. But they refuse to look at my naturalization certificate or passport, which actually prove immigration status.
I’ve applied for a Chase Freedom Card 2 weeks ago and after SSN verification I got rejected today. Is there any way to request chase to reconsider this decision? I called their application department, seems like nothing they can do about it. If I visit a chase bank and communicate through a banker, would that help?
Any suggestion will be appreciated.
I’m in a similar situation and have recently applied for a BOA card (premium rewards). My application was approved after a few days but I did not get any new credit – they just took most of the credit from another account I have with them. Before applying I had 3 cards with BOA since 2015 and platinum honors status.
Not exactly related to Chase, but this seems to be most relevant place to post this.
Chuck
Just happened with me – Have a Chase card for 3 years already. Applied for new one, they asked for SSN Card upload. And then denied stating the text mentioned on SSN, mentioning a new policy.
But they do not close existing cards in that case, I hope?
Yes, nothing of that sort.
yes this happends to me as well which is not right, they don’t want business with F1/H1B?
Can confirm, applied: 10 August, got 2 weeks wait notice and got an email to upload social security card, uploaded and then called reconsideration. They said cards with Work only with DHS authorization labeled ssn cards do not work. They gave me a 30 day window to submit the new card. I mailed in application for new ssn today. Hopefully will get approved after, I am 3/24
How to get a new SSN card?
ssa.gov has the most up to date info. Best of my knowledge: SSA offices don’t accept in person visitors now, if you’re a US citizen, you can submit request online. If green card holder, you need to mail your original GC and an application form to an SSA office assigned to your ZIP code.
Personally I hate to use mail to send original documents (especially identity and SSN together!). Plus there’s little chance SSA will send me a new SSC within 30 days. Thinking about abandoning my application…
Applied for CFU on 7/28 and was finally declined today:
We carefully reviewed the documents you sent us about the application listed above. Unfortunately, they did not provide the information required and we are unable to process your application
Perhaps Chase expects many immigrants to leave the country in the coming months, or not being able to return to the US, and is afraid some might want to max out a credit card before going for good.
With the current visa suspensions, borders closed for people with only a work visa, many USCIS fees doubled, unclear perspective if the US will continue to issue Green Cards, extend H1B visa etc at all, I can somehow understand this fear.
Things have changed … so Chase might reevaluate risks. And perhaps go the way Wells Fargo and Barclays have been going for quite some time: unsecured credit cards for Citizens and Green Card holders only.
This is true I applied for chase shappire freedom last week and they said they can’t validate my SSN due to its only valid for my work authorization. They ask me the SSN without having DHS authorization syntax, which is funny because you don’t get a new one till you get greencard. Btw, I had my friend got approved few month back but I guess they are no longer accepting this. Currently my application is pending review and its nothing I can do about it.