Credit card requirements
A credit card is the bank lending you money, so there is a review. If you are not in a hurry, start with a check card.
What is assessed
- Income — employment certificate, income statement, salary transfers
- Remaining period of stay — a short remaining period makes issuance hard
- Transaction history — whether your salary is paid into that bank
- Arrears — unpaid phone or insurance bills also count
Steps
- Build a history with that bank first — salary transfers, check card use.
- Prepare the documents.
- Apply at the counter or in the app.
- Wait for the review.
- If issued, check the limit and billing date.
What you need
- Passport and Alien Registration Card
- Employment certificate or proof of income
- A bank account
- A Korean address and phone number
Where to go
- Your bank or card company
- 1332 Financial Supervisory Service
- fine.fss.or.kr (check your own cards and loans)
Questions people ask
I was refused. Usually the remaining stay is short or income proof is thin. Build up salary transfer history and reapply in a few months.
What is a credit score? A score based on your financial record. It rises if you pay phone and card bills on time.
What is 할부 (instalments)? Splitting a large amount over several months. Unless it is interest-free, interest applies. Always check.
What about cash advances and revolving? The interest is very high. Even in an emergency, look at other options first.
Take care
Missing card payments leaves an arrears record that makes future financial services difficult. Only spend what you can repay. "We'll pay you to open a card" is fraud, and lending your identity is a crime.
Related
debit-card · bank-choice · mobile-banking
Source
Financial Supervisory Service fine.fss.or.kr / As of 2026-08