ECCT SME-Centre

Taiwanese laws and regulations put up very few objections to foreigners having a credit card from a Taiwanese bank. At the time of this writing, the rule says:

"Foreign natural persons may only be issued a card if they are at least 20 years of age and hold a Certificate of Residence in Taiwan or an Alien Resident Certificate. When renewing a card, the bank shall, by itself, ensure that such foreign natural person still lives in Taiwan, provided that, if the foreign natural person who has already changed his/her visa status generates enough income to secure the Bank’s rights within the territory of the Republic of China, a card may continue to be issued to such foreign natural person."

http://www.cbc.gov.tw/cbcext/cbcext_eng/ShowMaster.php?LawID=LA04C001

However, foreigners report that applying for a credit card can be frustrating since many bankers are unused to handling cases from foreigners and they may have their own internal regulations against issuing cards to foreigners. Often they will claim that Taiwanese law requires guarantors or safety deposits, but this is not the case.