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Getting a Credit/Debit Card

A debit (check) card can usually be issued right away if you have a bank account. Credit cards require conditions like remaining stay, income, and credit, so foreigners may be declined. Start with a debit card and build a track record. The below is general information. ⚠️ Card terms, limits, and fees vary by issuer, personal situation, and timing — we do not quote fixed figures. Hangukin does not issue cards.

Based on official sources · verify before deciding· as of 2026-06-09

What you need

  • ARC
  • A bank account in your name
  • A phone in your own name (verification)
  • (Credit card) proof of income/employment

How to

  1. 1Open an account in your own name and get a debit card first.
  2. 2Pay card bills, utilities, and phone in your own name on time, consistently.
  3. 3Apply for a credit card once you meet stay/income conditions.
  4. 4After issuance, check the terms (annual fee, charges, limit).
  5. 5If declined, build a record and retry after some time.

Tips

  • A short remaining stay can make credit-card approval hard.
  • Paying utilities/phone by auto-transfer in your name helps your credit.
  • 🚨 Never lend or sell your card (especially debit/credit) — it violates the Electronic Financial Transactions Act (up to 5 years or KRW 30 million fine), and foreigners also risk deportation.
  • 🚨 “I’ll pay you to open a card” or “just lend me your card and PIN” is criminal recruiting (burner accounts/voice phishing) — never agree.
  • 🚨 Never enter your full card number, CVC, PIN, or OTP by phone, text, or on unfamiliar sites. Card companies don’t ask that way.
  • 🚨 Offers of “easy money via card loan/cash advance” can wreck your credit with high interest and delinquency — decide carefully.
  • ⚠️ Card terms, limits, and fees vary by issuer and situation — check directly with each issuer.

Key contacts

  • FSS ☎1332 — card-related financial counseling/disputes
  • Lost/stolen/fraudulent use: report immediately to your card issuer’s call center (on the card back/app)
  • Card identity theft/voice phishing: Police ☎112

Related guides

Managing Your Credit ScoreIdentity Verification

This is general information, not an ad or referral. Rates, fees, and conditions change often — always verify with each service or financial institution before use. ⚠️ Never use illegal high-interest lenders.
Last updated: 2026-06-09