What’s a good way to establish a credit history as an international student?
I’m a legal, but not permanent resident of the US currently on a student VISA. I was wondering, if there are any ways that I can establish a credit history and get a credit score. What is a good way to get started?
Is a non-permanent resident, are you allowed to open your own account with a bank?
Thanks in advance!
I started building my credit right in the same situation you are in now.
Let me write you a check list. This is going to help.
1) Apply for a Social Security Card (Ask for help in your School’s office)
2) Open a bank account (I suggest smaller Credit Unions, they are helpful and charge you nothing)
3) Apply for a Secured Credit Card at your bank.(this is going to look something like this: you give them for example $500 and then they give you a $500 credit card. You use your card for 6 months and here we go you have a credit history.)
4) Now you can apply for different credit cards.
Hey one more thing, when you received your Secured Card be very careful the way you use it, for example: always pay on time, don’t spend more than 40% of your credit line, and don’t apply for other cards in the first 6 month!
My best wishes,
Chris
January, 24th 2010 at 4:33 am
I started building my credit right in the same situation you are in now.
Let me write you a check list. This is going to help.
1) Apply for a Social Security Card (Ask for help in your School’s office)
2) Open a bank account (I suggest smaller Credit Unions, they are helpful and charge you nothing)
3) Apply for a Secured Credit Card at your bank.(this is going to look something like this: you give them for example $500 and then they give you a $500 credit card. You use your card for 6 months and here we go you have a credit history.)
4) Now you can apply for different credit cards.
Hey one more thing, when you received your Secured Card be very careful the way you use it, for example: always pay on time, don’t spend more than 40% of your credit line, and don’t apply for other cards in the first 6 month!
My best wishes,
Chris
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