India USA Travel

Recommended Travel Plans

1. Atlas America
2. Safe Travels
3. Patriot America
  • Visit USA
  • US Travel Tips
  • Visiting Parents
  • Students in USA
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy policy
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Vision & Mission
  • Visa Application
Categories
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • FAQ
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • NRI FAQs
  • Spouse Visa
  • Students in USA
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel News
  • US Immigration
  • US Immigration News
  • US Travel Tips
  • USA to India Travel
  • Visa
  • Visit USA
  • Visiting Parents
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Vision & Mission
  • Visa Application
India USA Travel
  • H1B Visa
  • Student Visa
  • Tourist Visa
  • Green Card
  • US Immigration
  • Travel Insurance
Newcomers_USA_Credit_Score
  • Life in USA

How to Start Building Credit History for Newcomers to USA

  • November 5, 2018
  • Mani Karthik

This article was last updated and fact checked on June 9, 2022 by Mani Karthik.

Did you know, about 1.4 million foreign-born persons moved to the US in 2015 alone? And, this number is rapidly increasing. This is majorly because America is known as “The Land of Opportunities.” However, one of the biggest hurdles once you do move to the US is building a strong credit history.

Someone with a good salary and job in a reputed company might get a credit card easily, while a student might face a lot of problems in establishing a good credit history, even before getting a credit card. Here are some ways how newcomers can start building their credit history in America.

In this article...

  • Get a Credit Card
  • Get a Co-signer
  • Share Rental History
  • Buy Store Cards
  • Get Small Loans

Get a Credit Card

Credit reports consist of both positive and negative data of how a user handles their credit card. The first official step in building your credit history is when you get yourself a credit card. You can start with getting a secured credit card from a local or union bank. In a secured credit card, the credit line is equal to the amount you have deposited. Make sure that the issuer of the credit card reports to the credit bureaus.

Helpful Tip

When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.

Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.

However there are other choices like these, as well.

Get a Co-signer

If you have a friend or relative with a good credit history and is willing to help you, you can ask them to be your cosigner. This means that if you default on a payment, your cosigner will have to pay for your bills. Make sure to have a clean payment history, since if neither of you pay, both your credit histories will be ruined.

Share Rental History

If you have found accommodation on rent, ask your owner to report your payment history to Experian. Experian adds rental payment data reported to the Experian Rent Bureau to it credit reports, says an article by Experian. So, by paying your rent on time, you will create a positive credit history.

Buy Store Cards

You can try applying for cards at the local stores or gas station. These cards are easier to get than credit cards. Once you receive the local store card, make sure you pay the entire balance on time and that the store reports this to a credit bureau, says an article on immihelp. This will help you build a good credit history. Once you have achieved that, you can cancel these store cards, since they generally charge high interest rates.

Get Small Loans

It is often advised that newcomers take on small loans in order to start off their credit history. Some newcomers might get small personal loans, based on documents like their salary slip, rent agreement, etc. The important thing here is to make payments on time to make a good impression on the credit bureaus.

You can talk to others who had moved to the US before you and learn about their experiences of creating a credit history. Also, when you access your credit report, it is important to lookout for any mistakes and monitor your progress, since you never know what could affect your credit history.

Join Our Facebook Group
Be2c34b9f8d5710f56ad8bcdadecfeb4f98d8809eba603af834a20aa9fb44916
Mani Karthik

Having lived in 3+ countries, worked for companies small and big in the USA, Middle East & India, I have a lot of experience to share about international travel, immigration and living as an NRI in the US.

Related Topics
  • Newcomers
Previous Article
Visit_Visa_USA_Process
  • Visit USA

Giving birth in USA on Tourist Visa – Is it Possible/Allowed?

  • October 31, 2018
  • Mani Karthik
View Post
Next Article
Places to Visit in USA for Thanksgiving
  • Visit USA

10 Best Places to Visit in USA during Thanksgiving

  • November 12, 2018
  • Mani Karthik
View Post
  • Trump’s New Travel Ban: What Travelers Need to Know
  • Priority Dates for EB2 Visa: Complete Guide for Indians
  • What is the EB1 Visa: Complete Guide
  • EB1 vs EB2 Visa: Complete Comparison Guide
  • What is the EB2 Visa: Complete Guide
  • US Green Card Renewal Process: Complete Guide for 2025
  • Dual Citizenship India and USA: Complete Guide
  • 100 US Citizenship Test Questions and Answers: Complete Guide
  • US Naturalization vs Citizenship: What’s the Difference?
  • Marriage Based Green Card: Complete Guide for Indians
Compare Insurance Plans
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • FAQ
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • NRI FAQs
  • Spouse Visa
  • Students in USA
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel News
  • US Immigration
  • US Immigration News
  • US Travel Tips
  • USA to India Travel
  • Visa
  • Visit USA
  • Visiting Parents

Recommended Travel Plans

1. Atlas America
2. Safe Travels
3. Patriot America
IndiaUSAtravel_Logo

IndiaUSAtravel.com provides general information on U.S. immigration, not legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of information, and using this Website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

We respect your privacy and use any collected data solely to improve our services. However, we cannot guarantee the security of internet-transmitted information. For details, see our Privacy Policy.

We do not guarantee the outcome of immigration processes, as success depends on individual circumstances and legal compliance. External links on the site are for convenience, and we are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

Some links may be affiliate links, from which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All content on IndiaUSAtravel.com is our intellectual property. Unauthorized use is prohibited; contact us for usage inquiries.

Email: info@indiausatravel.com
Phone: +1 (628) 201-9173
Address: Blogitivity Media LLC, 30 N Gould St Ste N, Sheridan Wyoming, USA, 82801

  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook Page
Recent Articles
  • Trump’s New Travel Ban: What Travelers Need to Know
  • Priority Dates for EB2 Visa: Complete Guide for Indians
  • What is the EB1 Visa: Complete Guide
  • EB1 vs EB2 Visa: Complete Comparison Guide
  • What is the EB2 Visa: Complete Guide
  • US Green Card Renewal Process: Complete Guide for 2025
  • Dual Citizenship India and USA: Complete Guide
  • 100 US Citizenship Test Questions and Answers: Complete Guide
  • US Naturalization vs Citizenship: What’s the Difference?
  • Marriage Based Green Card: Complete Guide for Indians
  • Alien Registration Number: Guide for Indian Travelers
  • Green Card Number: What is it & Why You Need It (2025)
  • I-485 Filing Fee: Complete Guide
  • How to Expedite a US Visa Appointment from India
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • FAQ
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • NRI FAQs
  • Spouse Visa
  • Students in USA
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel News
  • US Immigration
  • US Immigration News
  • US Travel Tips
  • USA to India Travel
  • Visa
  • Visit USA
  • Visiting Parents

Input your search keywords and press Enter.