Applying For a Credit Card As a Non-Permanent Resident

Moving to another country can be an extremelycitizens, obviously subject to certain approval criteria.
exciting but often daunting time. Not only do you leaveThe ANZ Credit Card is just one of these credit cards
friends and family behind but you also have to makethat is available to both residents and non residents of
adjustments to the way in which you go aboutAustralia who are over 18yrs of age and have a good
achieving everyday tasks such as shopping andcredit rating. Generally speaking, a permanent
paying bills, which were previously carried out troubleAustralian resident requires a minimum annual salary of
free.$15,000 and non-Australians/temporary residents need
The first thing you may notice after investigating all thea typical minimum salary of $50,000+. That is the
beautiful Aussie beaches of course, is that Australiaunfortunate catch. You will be often best served to
does not seem to have caught onto buying online orsubmit your online application, and expect a referral
over the phone the simple way. As a new resident,note to be passed on if you don't often meet the
don't be surprised if you are somewhat confused andsalary requirement criteria. The bank/vendor will then
frustrated to discover that you can no longer use yourget in touch to discuss your circumstances and advise
debit card to make purchases, bookings and billyou if you can still apply.
payments. Instead you will need a credit card to doOther lenders who consider offering credit cards to
just about all of these things.non residents include:
When it comes to finding a new credit card, only to be- ANZ - min earn $50,000
turned away because you're a temporary/non-resident- Amex - 457 visa (current temp business long stay
category, the temperature certainly starts to rise andvisa)
not just the one displayed on the mercury.- Aussie - min earn $50,000
Taking a few steps back, it's important to look at the- CBA - Current Australian visitor's visa
history of Australian finance and why things are theAmerican Express currently accepts residents who
way they are. Australia's banking environment wasare on a 457 visa. This is a temporary business long
deregulated in 1980's which resulted in a much morestay visa, as usually sponsored by an employer to
competitive environment and a better deal for thegrant you the right to work and reside in Australia on a
borrower. This is great news for residents andtemporary basis.
non-residents alike as it means more variety ofIf you are on a 457 visa, then perhaps an American
products and lenders to choose from. Good news soExpress credit card may be suitable for your needs
far, we hear you say.and circumstances. As the Amex fine print displays
So how does a temporary or non-resident go aboutthat you can apply for any card out of their range if
applying for a credit card? If you shop around, thereyou meet the 457 visa requirements for non-residents
are actually a number of lenders who are willing toand further meet the general income earnings criteria.
issue credit cards to non residents and temporary