Credit Building for Immigrants
No SSN? No US credit history? Here's how to build credit from day one — including using your foreign credit history.
Moving to the US means starting your credit from zero — even if you had excellent credit in your home country.
US credit bureaus don't recognize foreign credit history. But there are now ways to leverage your international credit, plus multiple paths to build US credit without an SSN.
Option 1: Nova Credit — Use Your Foreign Credit History
Nova Credit is a game-changer for immigrants. It translates your credit history from your home country into a format US lenders understand.
🌍 Countries Supported by Nova Credit
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and more being added.
How it works:
- Apply for a credit card through a Nova Credit partner (American Express is the main one)
- Nova Credit pulls your foreign credit report
- Your international history is used for the US credit decision
- If approved, you get a US credit card immediately
Partner cards: American Express (multiple cards), HSBC, and others. Check novacredit.com for current partners.
Option 2: ITIN Credit Cards
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS. Many credit card issuers accept ITINs instead of SSNs.
How to Get an ITIN
- Complete Form W-7 (available at irs.gov)
- Attach required documentation (passport, visa, etc.)
- Mail to IRS or apply through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent
- Processing takes 7-11 weeks
Cards That Accept ITINs
| Issuer | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | Multiple cards | Best with Nova Credit |
| Bank of America | Secured + unsecured | Branch visit may help |
| Capital One | Secured cards | Good starter option |
| Chase | Various cards | May need existing relationship |
| Citi | Various cards | ITIN accepted |
| Discover | Secured cards | Good for building |
Option 3: Secured Cards (No SSN Needed)
Some secured cards accept ITIN or alternative identification:
- OpenSky Secured Visa — No credit check, ITIN accepted
- Chime Credit Builder — Requires Chime account, may work with ITIN
- Credit union secured cards — Many credit unions are immigrant-friendly
Option 4: Fintech and Alternative Options
Deserve EDU (International Students)
Specifically designed for international students. No SSN required, no credit history needed. Uses alternative data for approval decisions.
Credit Builder Apps
- Kikoff — $5/month, may work with ITIN
- Self — Credit builder loan, ITIN accepted
- TomoCredit — Uses bank account analysis instead of credit score
The Immigrant Credit Timeline
Month 1: Foundation
- • Apply for ITIN if you don't have SSN
- • Open US bank account (many accept passport + visa)
- • If from supported country, try Nova Credit + Amex
- • Otherwise, apply for secured card with ITIN
Months 2-6: Build
- • Make small purchases on credit card
- • Pay in full every month (set autopay)
- • Keep utilization under 10%
- • Sign up for Experian Boost
Months 7-12: Expand
- • Apply for second card if ready
- • Request credit limit increase
- • Expected score: 650-700
Months 13-18: Establish
- • Graduate secured card to unsecured
- • Consider rewards cards
- • Expected score: 700+
Credit Unions: The Hidden Gem
Credit unions are often more welcoming to immigrants than big banks:
- More flexible ID requirements
- May accept ITIN, passport, consular ID
- Often offer secured cards and credit builder loans
- Personal relationship with members
Look for credit unions that serve immigrant communities or have specific programs for new Americans.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: "No credit history" rejections
Solution: Start with secured cards or Nova Credit. These don't require existing US credit.
Challenge: No SSN yet
Solution: Get ITIN first, or use secured cards that accept alternative ID.
Challenge: Bank account requirements
Solution: Many banks accept passport + visa. Try Bank of America, Chase, or credit unions.
Challenge: Address verification
Solution: Use lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement to prove address.
⚠️ Avoid CPN Scams
Some scammers target immigrants with "Credit Privacy Numbers" (CPNs) as an alternative to SSN. CPNs are illegal — they're usually stolen Social Security Numbers. Using one is federal fraud. Learn about credit scams.
For International Students
F-1 visa holders face unique challenges:
- SSN: Only available if you have on-campus employment
- Best option: Deserve EDU card (designed for international students)
- Alternative: Secured cards with ITIN or passport
- Bank accounts: Most major banks accept F-1 visa + I-20 form
The Bottom Line
Building US credit as an immigrant is absolutely possible:
- Best case: Use Nova Credit to leverage foreign credit history
- Most common: Get ITIN, then secured card, build from there
- Timeline: 700+ score possible in 12-18 months
- Key: Perfect payment history from day one
Your foreign credit may not transfer, but your financial discipline does. Apply the same good habits that built your credit abroad, and you'll build strong US credit quickly.