 TITLE: 8 Ways to Build Credit If You’re New to the U.S. CONTENT: 8 Ways to Start Building Credit in the U.S.\n-------------------------------------------\nHere are actions that you may be able to take to establish and build credit once you arrive in the U.S.\n### 1\\. Become an Authorized User on Someone Else's Credit Card\nIf you have a friend or relative in the U.S. who has a credit card, they may be able to add you as an authorized user on their account. Once you're an authorized user, the credit card issuer might report the account to the credit bureaus under your name. Ask before getting added because some issuers might not report authorized users.\nYou may also receive a card that's tied to the account that you can use to make purchases (if the primary cardholder agrees), but you don't have to use it to build credit. Your credit report will reflect how the primary cardholder manages the account, so make sure they always pay their bill on time and maintain a low balance.\n### 2\\. Open a Secured Credit Card\nAnother option is to open a credit card on your own. Certain cards may be difficult to qualify for if you don't yet have a credit history, but you may still have options. With a secured credit card, for example, you'll send the card issuer a refundable security deposit. You may send them $200 to get a card with a $200 credit limit, for instance. You still need to make monthly payments on time to avoid hurting your credit, but the deposit limits the card issuer's risk, which is why it's easier to get approved for secured cards.\n### 3\\. Get a Credit-Builder Loan\nLenders offer credit-builder loans specifically to help people build credit. Once you're approved for the loan, the money may be set aside in a locked savings account. You then repay the loan with interest, and the lender reports your payments to the credit bureaus. When you're done repaying the loan, the savings account gets unlocked, and you'll have access to the funds.\n### 4\\. Use a Lending Circle\nAnother option is to get a no-interest loan through a community organization's lending circle. Each month, all the members make a loan payment, one member receives the full loan amount and the organization reports the loan activity to the credit bureaus. Mission Asset Fund, a nonprofit organization, facilitates lending circles and has a database you can use to search for additional options in your area.\n### 5\\. Look for Accounts That Use Alternative Underwriting Methods\nSome lenders and credit card issuers approve new accounts based on information that doesn't come from the credit bureaus. For example, with certain cards, you may be able to connect your checking account and get approved based on your banking history. (You will need to be a legal permanent U.S. resident and have a U.S. phone number and email address.) These may be good options once you establish bank accounts in the U.S.\n### 6\\. Try to Use Credit From Your Home Country\nIn some cases, you can use credit from your home country to quickly get credit in the U.S. International banks and credit card issuers, including American Express, BNP Paribas and HSBC have programs for customers moving to the U.S. If you have an established relationship with an international financial institution, see if it has any recommendations or options. Also look into Nova Credit, a U.S. company that helps people use their established credit from select countries to qualify for U.S. credit cards, loans and housing.\n### 7\\. Ask Your Employer and Local Community Banks and Credit Unions\nLarge employers may partner with financial institutions to help their foreign workers get access to banking and credit services. Ask your human resources department if any such resources exist. Also, ask local community organizations and fellow immigrants about community banks or credit unions that may have special programs.\n### 8\\. Add More Accounts to Your Credit Reports\nSome types of payments don't commonly get reported to the credit bureaus, including rent. However, you may be able to sign up for a rent reporting service and use your rent payments to establish or build your credit. You can also use the free Experian Boost™† tool to connect your bank account and add your utility, telephone and popular streaming service bill payments to your Experian credit report. END