Cuba-ready credit card

The first US-based credit card able to be used in Cuba was released on June 14 by Stonegate Bank (Pompano Beach, FL; 954/315-5500, www.stonegate bank.com). The Stonegate Platinum, World and World Elite MasterCards are the chip-and-PIN type and can be used at any point-of-sale (POS) terminal in Cuba. 

To apply for a card online, visit www.stonegatebank.com/credit_cards.htm and, from the red “Online Applications” menu, select “Consumer credit card.” 

Anyone wishing to use his card in Cuba also must sign a document certifying that he falls under one of 12 categories of people whose purpose for travel is approved by the US DOT.