What should I do if I am denied a credit card due to a lack of credit history?

If you are denied a credit card because you do not have a credit history, you can:Apply for a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit.Consider student credit cards, which often have lower credit requirements.Become an authorized user on someone else's credit card to help build your history.

Do I need a credit score to rent an apartment in the U.S.?

Not always, but many landlords or property managers may check your credit history as part of the rental application process. If you do not have credit, you might need to provide other proof of financial stability, such as proof of income, or you may need a co-signer.

Will applying for multiple credit cards or loans harm my credit score?

Yes, applying for several credit products within a short time frame can have a negative impact on your credit score. This is because each application typically results in a “hard inquiry” on your credit report, which can lower your score temporarily. It is best to space out credit applications and only apply when necessary.

Can I transfer my credit history from my home country to the U.S.?

No, credit histories are typically country specific. If you move to the U.S., you will need to build a new credit history from scratch, even if you had a good credit history in your home country.

What happens to my credit history if I leave the U.S.?

If you leave the U.S., your credit history will remain on file with the credit bureaus. Should you return to the U.S. in the future, your credit history will still be relevant. However, most other countries do not transfer credit history from the U.S., meaning you would need to build a new credit history in the country you move to.

Can I get a student loan with no credit history?

If you are applying for a federal student loan, credit history is not required. However, for private loans, many lenders will check your credit. If you do not have a credit history, you may need a co-signer who has a good credit score to apply for private student loans.

Will applying for an SSN affect my credit score?

No, simply applying for an SSN does not affect your credit score. Your SSN is used to track your credit activity, but it has no direct impact on your score. Your credit score is affected by your credit usage, payments, and debt management over time.

How can I check my credit history if I have an SSN?

You can check your credit history through the three main credit reporting agencies in the U.S.: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free credit report from each agency every 12 months, which you can request through AnnualCreditReport.com.if you are new to the U.S. and have not used any credit products yet, you may not have any credit history available.

How can I build credit as an international student with an SSN?

To build credit, you can:Apply for a student credit card.Get a secured credit card (backed by a cash deposit).Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card (such as a family member).Apply for a credit-builder loan or any small loan if available to students.By using credit responsibly—such as paying of

Can I apply for a credit card without an SSN?

Yes, some financial institutions allow students to apply for a credit card without an SSN. Many credit card companies will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN, especially for international students. However, having an SSN can make the application process easier and help you build credit in the U.S.