Foreigners living in Korea can apply for both debit (check) cards and credit cards. This guide covers everything you need to know.
1. Korean Card Types Compared
| Type | How It Works | Requirements | Foreigners? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit (Check) Card | Linked to your bank account | ARC + bank account | Easy |
| Credit Card | Post-payment, requires credit | Income proof + credit history | Possible with conditions |
| Prepaid Card | Load and spend | ID only | Anyone |
2. Requirements for Foreigners
Debit Card
- Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Bank account at the issuing bank
- Passport
Credit Card
- ARC
- Employment certificate or income verification
- 6+ months stay history
- Credit history (some banks require)
3. Major Card Issuers
| Issuer | Foreigners | Card Example | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinhan Card | Yes | Deep Dream | Points, foreign customer desk |
| KB Kookmin Card | Yes | KB Family Card | Discounts, English service |
| Hana Card | Yes | 1Q Card | FX fee discount |
| Samsung Card | Yes | iD ON | Online shopping benefits |
| Kakao Pay | Yes | Kakao Pay Card | 100% mobile, ARC required |
4. Application Process
- Visit a branch (foreign customer desk at major branches)
- Fill out application + submit documents
- Review (debit: same day, credit: 3–5 business days)
- Receive card (mail or on-the-spot)
- Register on mobile app (Korean phone number recommended)
Official reference: Financial Supervisory Service (fss.or.kr)
5. Card Benefits and Points
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback | 0.5–1.5% of spending returned |
| Points | Earn points redeemable for gift cards or air miles |
| Discounts | Select merchants (convenience stores, supermarkets, online) |
| FX Discount | Some cards waive overseas transaction fees |
6. Foreign Card vs Korean Card
| Item | Foreign Card | Korean Card |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | 1.5–3.5% | ~1.5–2.0% |
| Exchange Rate | Daily rate | Bank posted rate |
| Points | Not earned | Earned |
| Cash Advance | Available (high fee) | Limited |
7. Lost Card and Precautions
- Report lost cards immediately to the card issuer's 24-hour hotline
- Overseas transaction blocking can be toggled in the app
- Annual fees are auto-charged — check before renewal
- Missed payments affect Korean credit scores
8. FAQ
Q. Can I get a card without an ARC?
A. Generally no. Short-term visa holders can use prepaid cards (e.g., Hana Card prepaid).
Q. Will my credit limit be low as a foreigner?
A. Initial limits are often low. As you build a payment history, you can request a limit increase.
Q. What if my application is rejected?
A. Start with a debit card to build history, or try IBK Enterprise Bank or Woori Bank, which are more foreigner-friendly.
Q. Can foreigners apply for Kakao Pay credit card?
A. Yes. ARC holders can apply in-app without visiting a branch.
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