Offer your thoughts or opinion on the input financial query or topic using your financial background.

What's a reliable way for a non-permanent resident alien in the USA to get an auto loan?
I took @littleadv 's recommendation that online apps only ask for citizenship due to post-9/11 legislation.  I applied to 2 banks in person (one big, one small), and at the dealership. None of my in-person applications ever touched on the issue of citizenship.  I even applied in person at the same bank that insta-rejected me online, and told them up front, "I applied online but you rejected me because I'm not a permanent resident."  The banker nodded, said "that shouldn't matter here", and continued processing my application. I did find it very hard to get a loan.  I have a credit score in the "excellent" range, but have only 1 open credit card (for 5 years).  Apparently, most lenders want to see more open credit before writing an auto loan.  The big bank said outright "We want to see 3-5 credit cards open".  However, the dealership did find a bank willing to extend me a loan. So: The most reliable way for a non-permanent resident alien to get an auto loan in the US is to avoid online applications.  Also, if possible, establish a wide credit history before you try.