Sign On 
Remember, building a strong credit history takes time, but with patience and good habits, you'll be on your way to achieving your financial goals in the US.
If you recently moved to the US, it's important to establish good credit. Your credit report may be used by landlords, lenders, employers, and others to evaluate your creditworthiness or how likely you are to pay your bills on time. It can influence your access to borrowing, renting, and even employment.
Unfortunately, your credit history from your home country does not transfer to the US: you must build credit history here. That may sound overwhelming, but there are simple steps you can take to establish and maintain good credit.
Apply for a Social Security or Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN)
In the US, a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) is required to open bank accounts and apply for credit. Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to learn more about obtaining an ITIN or learn about applying for a SSN for Non-Citizens.
Once you have your SSN or ITIN, never share it with others. Your number can be used to open fraudulent accounts in your name and incur bills for which you may be responsible.
Start building a US credit history
Building credit can be tricky when you don’t already have an established credit history. However, there are a few options to help you get started.
- Have a credit card from home reissued in the US: If you have a credit card in your home country that is issued by a company that also operates in the US, they may be able to reissue the card in the US.
- Apply for a secured credit card or secured loan: Lenders may be more willing to offer secured credit because it requires collateral. Keep in mind, however, that if you fail to repay your debt, you risk losing that collateral.
- Get a cosigner: If you have a family member with established good credit in the US, you may ask them to become a cosigner on a loan. Doing so may help you qualify for a loan with better terms. As a cosigner, your family member will be responsible for repayment if you fail to make payments, and the credit history for this loan will be reflected on both of your credit reports.
Go slowly
Multiple applications for credit in a short period can have a negative impact on your credit score. Consider spreading applications over a longer period.
Make on time payments
Timely repayment of debt is the largest factor in your credit score. Always pay your bills on time, and if you're late, make a payment as soon as possible, as the later you are, the greater the negative impact on your score. Account alerts provide payment reminders that may help you spot unusual activity and help make sure monthly bills are paid on time.
Avoid maxing out your credit
Credit scores are based, in part, on how much of your available credit you are using. Lenders call this your credit utilization. Aim to use less than 30% of available credit if possible.
Monitor your credit
The three credit reporting agencies — Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion®, update your credit history monthly, and credit scores are constantly being updated. Stay informed about your credit by regularly checking your credit report and score. One way to do this is by receiving weekly updates, often via email, from participating credit score providers to help you keep track of your progress.
Improve your credit opportunities
As you build your credit, you may have more opportunities to apply for various types of credit, such as personal loans or credit cards with better terms. Seek better rates, rewards, and payment schedules.
