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.

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.

Does having an SSN automatically give me a credit history?

No, having an SSN alone does not automatically establish a credit history. Your credit history is built over time as you use financial products such as credit cards, loans, or other forms of credit that are reported to credit bureaus.

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.

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.

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.