You start from zero — and that's normal
U.S. credit doesn't import from other countries. Even if you had excellent credit abroad, lenders here can't see it, so you begin with a 'thin' or empty file. Millions of newcomers are in the same place; it's a starting point, not a problem.
Credit matters here for more than loans: landlords, phone carriers, insurers, and sometimes employers look at it. Building it early opens doors.
What a credit file is made of
Your file is a record of how you borrow and repay: credit cards, loans, and sometimes rent. Lenders report your activity to three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and that activity becomes your score.
The biggest factors are paying on time and keeping balances low. Those two habits do most of the work, in any language.
You don't always need an SSN
Many banks and credit unions open accounts with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and a passport or consular ID. A secured credit card or a small credit-builder loan is the usual first step, and both report to the bureaus.
Use the same name and ID the same way on every application so your accounts land on one file.
A simple first-90-days plan
Open one starter account you can get approved for, use it for a small recurring bill, and set up autopay for the full balance. Add rent reporting if your landlord or a service allows it. Check your reports after a few months to confirm everything is reporting correctly.
Building U.S. credit is slower to start but follows clear rules. Subefy works entirely in your language, supports ITIN sign-up, and shows you the next step at every stage. Results vary and approval depends on each lender.