Why are credit cards so hard to get?

Probably something to do with the large number of threads here with people asking how to skip the country without paying their debts.
These thieves make life harder for honest expats.

Emilio Largo wrote:

I applied for a Saudi Investment Bank credit card. It has been 5 months (which was extended by the usual teacher vacation).
I submitted the application, salary certificate and copy of my iqama.
Months go by and they asked me for another copy of my iqama. I turned that in. Then they wanted to know why I did not have salary in July and Aug. My certificate clearly states that I work for an education company. They wanted me to turn in a letter that explained why I ws not paid during those months.

Believe it or not, their process is slightly better than Riyad Bank. Be prepared for foot dragging when you apply for a credit card.

Belive me i got my credit card within 5 minutes from NCB Bank as my salary is credited in NCB account

Believe me i even not applied and bank sent me credit card because my salary is crediting in the same bank ( SABB bank)

NCB? is that in Saudi?  I have a "travel card" which is what SIB gave me to spend money in UK, UAE, Europe and USA. It's actually a debit card denominated in pounds, dirhams, euros and dollars.

Riayd Bank offered me another debit card in SAR, which is better then nothing.

An American credit union offered me acredit card with a $2500 limit, so things aren't so bad.