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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.

🌎 11 min read • Updated September 2026
ITIN accepted by many issuers
700+ a goal to aim for
Nova transfers foreign credit

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:

  1. Apply for a credit card through a Nova Credit partner (American Express is the main one)
  2. Nova Credit pulls your foreign credit report
  3. Your international history is used for the US credit decision
  4. If approved, you get a US credit card immediately

Partner cards: American Express (multiple cards) 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

  1. Complete Form W-7 (available at irs.gov)
  2. Attach required documentation (passport, visa, etc.)
  3. Mail to IRS or apply through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent
  4. 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

Option 3: Secured Cards (No SSN Needed)

Some secured cards accept ITIN or alternative identification:

  • OpenSky Secured Visa — No credit check, ITIN accepted
  • Credit union secured cards — Many credit unions are immigrant-friendly

Option 4: Fintech and Alternative Options

International Students

Deserve EDU, once built for international students, has closed. Try issuers that accept an ITIN or passport, a secured card, or a campus credit union.

Credit Builder Apps

  • Kikoff — $5/month, accepts SSN or ITIN
  • Self — Credit builder loan, requires an SSN

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
  • • Aim for steady gains (results vary)

Months 13-18: Establish

  • • Ask about upgrading your secured card to unsecured
  • • Consider rewards cards
  • • Aim for the 700s

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 once you have authorized work (on-campus job, CPT or OPT)
  • Best options: Issuers that accept an ITIN or passport, or a campus credit union (Deserve EDU has closed)
  • 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
  • Goal: Aim for the 700s — results vary
  • 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.