How to Start a Credit History in the U.S.

Reviewed by:

Beatriz Hartman Community and Business Engagement Manager

Whether you’re new to the country or just new to credit, these are the steps you should take to build credit quickly.

In the financial world of the United States, establishing credit is almost a “necessary evil.” It’s necessary because a credit card is convenient when you are renting a car, making reservations for a hotel or even getting your telephone or electricity turned on in your house – otherwise you’ll be paying a large deposit to the phone or electric company. It’s evil because debt problems and fraud are highly associated with credit cards.

In order to help you establish a healthy credit history in the U.S., Consolidated Credit created this guide for those of you who are new to managing your money in the U.S. If you ever get into trouble or just have questions about how to avoid problems, we can help. Call Consolidated Credit today at (844) 276-1544 to speak confidentially with a certified credit counselor for free.

Understanding credit reporting in the U.S.

One of the reasons credit is so widely available in the United States is because we have a strong credit reporting system. Credit reporting agencies (also known as “credit bureaus”) are companies that collect information about how consumers pay their bills and then they sell that information in the form of a credit report to businesses that may use them for credit, insurance, or employment purposes. The top three bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

We offer a complete section on Credit Reports to help you understand what information appears in your reports and what it means. For this overview, it’s just important to note that if you don’t pay your credit card bill or car loan on time, the lender will report it and negative information will appear in your credit report. Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years and can make your financial life miserable. Lenders can refuse to extend other lines of credit and increase your interest rates.

Getting to know your U.S. credit score

In the U.S., every consumer has a credit score – a 3-digit number that assesses each person’s “creditworthiness.” Credit scores vary from 350, which is poor, to 850, which is excellent. When you have a high score, you can qualify for loans and credit cards at low interest rates. On the other hand, if you have bad credit then you will be charged higher interest rates if you can get approved at all.

We explain exactly how credit scores are calculated and what you can do to change your credit score in our full Credit Scores section. What’s important to note here is that until you take out a loan or get a U.S. credit card, you won’t have any credit history. This means your credit score will be really low. You need to take steps to start using credit so you can establish a good credit history. We explain how in the next section.

Getting started

Building a credit history can be difficult but there are methods to help. First, the Fair Isaac and Company has developed a new credit score called the FICO Expansion Score. “Based on non-traditional credit data, it can effectively predict risk for the growing number of US consumers that don’t receive a traditional FICO score due to non-existent or “thin” credit histories.”

Another option is a company called Pay Rent Build Credit (PRBC). They state that “Using your utilities, cable, rent, mobile phone, and other everyday bills, we can help you establish a PRBC Alternative Credit Score. Then we’ll help you find businesses ready to accept this score, and offer you credit.”

If you’re trying to build credit, you can also use many of the same tips we offer to consumers who want to Rebuild Their Credit.

What types of credit can you apply for?

You can apply for a traditional credit card, but you may need the following items:

Valid Social Security number or Tax Identification Number (TIN) — apply for a TIN through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit www.IRS.gov
Proof of your address, such as a copy of a utility bill in your name
Proof of income such as a copy of recent pay stubs or W-2s
A checking and/or savings account in your name

Every creditor has different requirements, so be sure to ask about the lender’s minimum requirements before you apply for their credit card.

Other types of credit to apply for include:

Installment loans: A loan that is repaid over time with a set number of scheduled monthly payments. An example is a car loan that you pay off in two to five years.

Secured credit cards: This could be your first step into the world of credit. You need to make a deposit and borrow against that amount, while you make monthly payments to build credit.

Tips for smart credit card use

Once you establish credit, use these tips to avoid payment penalties and debt.

Don’t be an impulse buyer. Only purchase items you need and make sure you have the money saved to pay off the item in full when your credit card bill is due.
Read the fine print on your credit card statements and any correspondence you receive. There may be important information in them such as interest rate changes.
If you’re mailing your payments, always mail at least five business days before the due date. Most companies have steep late payment penalties.
Call the creditor if you can’t make a payment on time. Ask about alternative payment arrangements that won’t damage your credit or raise your interest rate.
Notify the issuer 30 days before you move if you relocate, and don’t assume that just because you didn’t get a bill you don’t have to pay it.
Pay off your total balance each month. Just paying the minimum is a trap.
Aim to keep your debt payments at less than 10% of your income after taxes.

Once you establish credit, do not abuse it. Continue to make timely payments and only charge items on your card that you need because debt quietly builds up and can bury you.

Avoid credit card fraud

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission gives these tips to avoid fraud:

Don’t give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you’ve made the call to a reputable company. If you’ve never done business with them, do an online search first for scams.
Carry your cards separately from your wallet. It can minimize your losses if someone steals your wallet or purse. Only carry the card you need for that outing.
During a transaction, keep your eye on your card. Make sure you get it back before you walk away.
Never sign a blank receipt. Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
Save your receipts to compare with your statement.
Open your bills promptly – or check them online often – and reconcile them with the purchases you’ve made.
Report any questionable charges to the card issuer.
Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be traveling.
Don’t write your account number on the outside of an envelope.

We Can Help You Get Ahead Now that You’re Here

If you’re concerned about taking credit card debt in the U.S. or just have questions regarding money management in general, call Consolidated Credit today. A certified credit counselor can evaluate your debts and help you better understand your finances.