Moving to the United States is exciting — but building credit can feel confusing.
If you have no US credit history, here’s exactly what to do.
Step 1: Get an SSN or ITIN
Most lenders require:
- SSNor
- ITIN
Step 2: Open a Secured Credit Card
This is the fastest and safest way.
Read the full breakdown here:
👉 Secured Credit Cards Explained
Step 3: Use the Card Correctly
✔ Spend small amounts
✔ Pay in full
✔ Keep usage under 30%
Step 4: Consider a Beginner Credit Card
After 6 months of on-time payments, you may qualify for:
👉 Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
Common Mistakes Immigrants Make
❌ Applying for too many cards
❌ Missing payments
❌ Using full credit limit
❌ Ignoring credit reports
How Long Does It Take?
You can start seeing:
- 650+ score in 3–6 months
- 700+ in 9–12 months
Consistency is everything.
Final Thoughts
Credit is not built overnight.
But with:
- A secured card
- Smart habits
- Patience
You can build a strong financial foundation in the US.