Topic
Building Credit
Building credit is a confusing process for many newcomers to the U.S. Learn the ins and outs of how to build your credit and reap the benefits.
Moving to Houston? Here’s what you need to know
Houston combines Southern hospitality with big-city energy. As the fourth largest city in the U.S., it’s also the most diverse. More than 140 languages are spoken here, and more than one-fifth of the people in the metro region are foreign-born.
How to combine credit cards
Keeping track of the balances and payments on several cards can be daunting, but there is a way to cut down on the number of cards or payments you make: balance transfer.
How to dispute credit report errors
One in five consumers has an error that a credit bureau corrected after the consumer disputed the mistake. Learn about who you can correct inaccuracies on your credit report.
How to get a credit score after moving to the U.S.
We showcase real stories of people who newly arrived in the U.S. and how they built their credit scores, and give advice on how you can skip these steps all together if you only want a credit card.
How to start building credit at age 18
Establishing credit takes time, but starting early also teaches you valuable lifelong lessons such as managing debt and finances.
Is no credit better than bad credit?
Are you more likely to get approved if your credit history doesn’t exist or if your credit score is poor? We discuss which is worse: bad credit or no credit.
Credit age: How the length of credit history affects your credit score
The length of your credit history is one of the biggest factors that affect your credit score. Find out why in this article, as well as how to improve your credit score despite having a younger credit history.
No U.S. credit history? No problem if you want to apply for a credit card
Building a U.S. credit history is important for anyone who’s recently moved to the U.S. because a good credit score is required to do basic tasks like rent an apartment, lease a car and get a cell phone plan.
When should I ask for a credit limit increase?
A recent poll revealed that 85 percent of cardholders who asked for a higher credit limit received one. A credit increase can not only improve your credit score, but it can also you access to more funds.
The benefits of having good credit
Credit scores can have a big impact on quality of life. In the United States, a good credit history has numerous benefits.
What is a thin credit file?
When you have a thin credit file, lenders won’t have enough information on your personal finance history to make an informed decision on your application. However, there are strategies you can use to thicken your credit file quickly.
What is a credit reference? Definitions and examples
Credit references are documents that show the credit history of loan applicants and are also often used to support rental applications.
What is an average credit score?
The two primary credit scoring modes in the U.S., FICO and Vantage Score, consider similar factors and use a similar range of scores
What is an unsecured credit card?
In the U.S., there are two types of credit cards available: secured and unsecured cards. Both cards serve a different purpose, but there is a remarkable difference between the two. In this article, we'll look at the benefits of unsecured cards.
What’s the difference? Principal vs. interest
Two common terms often used in the world of banking and personal finance are principal and interest. We explain the difference between the two and apply these concepts.
What is a good credit score?
Getting a good credit score can take time, especially if you just moved to the U.S. — but it’s not impossible
What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card is a popular choice for people that are new to U.S. credit, or working to rebuild their credit. Read our complete guide to see what's right for you.
How you can use credit cards to build credit history
Why the craze for credit cards? They often offer rewards, have stronger fraud liability protections than debit cards and allow you to pay off large balances over time. Credit cards can also play an important role when establishing and building your credit.
How to build credit in the U.S.
Building credit history is crucial when you're moving to the US. Good options are to transfer your credit score from your home country, applying for secured credit cards and others.
How to apply for an American Express card with your international credit history
Crossing the border used to mean losing the credit history you built at home, but you can now apply for a card with your international credit card through our partnership with American Express
The best credit cards for people with no credit history [2020]
Getting a credit card can be difficult when you’ve recently moved to the U.S. and don’t have a local credit history. So we made a list of great credit cards that you can get without a U.S. credit history.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Review: No credit or bank account required
Navigating the U.S. credit system can be tricky for Americans and newcomers alike. A secured credit card can be a helpful stepping stone—applicants can get approved even if they have “bad” credit or no credit at all.
How to use your international credit report to get credit in the U.S.
Newcomers to the United States used to have to build credit from scratch — now they can transfer their international credit report to the U.S. to apply for credit cards, loans, housing and more.
The best credit cards for international students [2020]
Looking to build credit as an international student in America? A credit card designed for students might just be the answer.
Best credit cards for non-U.S. citizens [2020]
Whether you’re temporarily moving to the U.S. for school or work, or making a long-term transition, you may be looking to open a new credit card
How to get a credit score without a Social Security number
While a social security number is an identifier that credit bureaus use to locate and collect your information, it’s only one of several identifiers.
How to apply for a credit card without a Social Security number [2020]
Don't have an SSN yet? Several card issuers allow you to apply for a credit card with no Social Security Number. This is a complete guide on how to get credit cards without an SSN.
How to apply for U.S. credit cards with your Canadian credit history
If you're a Canadian moving to the U.S, you can now use your Canadian credit history to apply for a credit card, rent an apartment or take out a loan in the States—and build a U.S. credit score in the process. Learn more in this article.
The best secured credit cards in 2020
A secured credit card is a tool that you can use to establish and build your credit in the United States. Credit card companies create these cards specifically for people who are new to credit or who currently have poor credit
Petal Visa credit card review: Build credit without paying fees
The Petal Visa Credit Card might not be the best fit for everyone, but it could be a good option if you’re new to the U.S. and want to build credit. In this article, we’ll share some highlights of the card and share some alternatives
Who should (and who shouldn’t) get the Amex Platinum Card?
American Express is one of the most popular card issuers due to the considerable rewards offered by its wide variety of cards. Below, we provide a guide to one of the most popular cards the Amex Platinum card.
How do credit card rewards work in the U.S.?
n the U.S., there are three main types of credit card reward programs: cash back, issuer rewards programs and co-branded rewards programs. Before signing up for a new card, learn about the differences to determine which card might be right for you.
How Brits can use their international credit history in the United States
In the past, different credit reporting systems and laws made it difficult to share credit information across borders, even when the credit reporting agencies operate in both countries. Today, it’s possible to transfer your UK credit history to the U.S.