Can I Apply & Be Approved For A Barclays Credit Card If I Am Not A Permanent Resident?

In the comments section of my Sallie Mae Mastercard Review. I’d originally posted that you wouldn’t be approved for this card unless you were a permanent resident in the United States.  I did this because a number of people were denied for this card and the official reason they were given is that they are not a permanent resident of the United States.

A number of people let me know that they were approved for the card even though they were not permanent residents. I thought this deserved a bit more exploration and research. The fine print on all Barclayscard applications states (emphasis mine):

By pressing APPLY I certify that:

1. I am at least 18 years old and a permanent resident of the United States;
2. I understand that Barclays may call me in connection with this application and for other matters relating to this account;
3. I have reviewed and accept the Terms and Conditions that were provided before I applied for each account; and
4. I have truthfully and completely provided the information on this application.

So technically you’re not even supposed to apply for any Barclayscard cards unless your a permanent resident of the United States. In some cases you’ll be approved even if you’re not a permanent resident and in other cases you’ll be denied.

I wouldn’t advocate lying on your credit card applications, I’m not a lawyer so I can’t give you any advice on how illegal or legal this is but it doesn’t strike me as a great idea.