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Today I wanted to share my own story to help my French people find out how to get their first credit card in the US, especially when they don’t have a credit score
When I arrived in the U.S. as a Frenchman, I quickly discovered that the American credit system is very different from the one I was used to. Here, everything revolves around your credit history, which is key to renting an apartment, buying a car, or even taking out a mortgage.
Getting your first credit card can seem like a real headache, especially when you start out with no history at all.
But don’t worry, I’m going to share with you my practical tips and steps for getting your first credit card in the U.S., even if you’ve just arrived.
1. Using the American Express Global Transfer program
When I arrived in the United States, one of the first solutions I explored for obtaining a credit card was the American Express Global Transfer program. This service allows American Express cardholders in their home country (from France for exemple) to apply for a card in the U.S., without a local credit history. Please visit this link for more information.
How does it work?
- If you are already an American Express customer in another country, the program allows you to transfer your credit relationship to the United States.
- You’ll need to provide documents such as your existing card, identification and current proof of address in the new country.
Program benefits
- You get a card quickly, without having to build a U.S. credit history.
- You start directly with a quality product, often with benefits such as rewards, miles or loyalty points.
- Your history with American Express in your home country is taken into account, boosting your chances of approval but it will not be added to your US Credit Score.
A few points to note
- Eligibility requirements vary from country to country, so check the details carefully before applying by contacting Amex USA.
- You may have to pay an annual fee, depending on the card you choose.
In my case, this program enabled me to get my first card in the U.S. and start building my credit history quickly. If you’re already an American Express customer, I strongly recommend you look into this option before exploring other alternatives. It’s how I got my first US Credit Card guys !
2. Getting a secured credit card
When I first came to the U.S., another solution that helped me establish my credit history was a secured credit card. It’s an ideal option for those just starting out or who don’t yet have a credit history – in other words, all new immigrants!
What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card works like a traditional credit card, but with one major difference: you must pay a security deposit. This deposit, often equal to your credit limit, serves as security for the card issuer.
Steps to obtaining a secured card :
- Look for the best offers: Some banks, such as Capital One, Discover or Bank of America, offer secured cards with little or no annual fee – that’s a good start!
- Make a deposit: Deposits usually range from $200 to $500, but can be more, depending on your ability and the issuer.
- Use it responsibly: Make small monthly purchases and pay the full balance on time and every month to show you’re a reliable borrower.
Secured card benefits:
- Easy approval, even if you have no credit history.
- A great way to start building a positive credit history quickly.
- After a period of responsible use (usually 6 to 12 months), some banks automatically convert your secured card into a conventional credit card and refund your deposit.
My experience with a secured card :
I used a secured card for my first purchases in the US, such as shopping and online payments where I couldn’t use Amex (which is very very rare). I asked Discover for a $500 secured card. It was an excellent solution for proving my reliability to credit issuers while keeping control of my spending.
If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient solution, I highly recommend this option. It can be your springboard to a conventional credit card with more attractive benefits.
3. Install Credit Karma or an application dedicated to tracking your credit
When I started building my credit history in the United States, I quickly realized that it was essential to regularly monitor my credit score. Apps like Credit Karma or Experian are dedicated tools for monitoring your credit and understanding what influences your score.
Why use a credit monitoring application?
- Free access to your score and credit report: For example, Credit Karma offers you a regular view of your scores based on TransUnion and Equifax.
- Tips to improve your score: These apps analyze your history and give you personalized recommendations, such as reducing your debt or avoiding frequent credit applications.
- Alerts and notifications: You’ll be notified quickly if any significant or unusual changes appear on your report.
- Comparison of offers: These apps also offer suggestions on credit cards or loans suited to your situation.
Focus on Credit Karma:
Using Credit Karma, I’ve been able to monitor my progress month after month. It’s a user-friendly app that helped me better understand the factors that influence my score, such as the length of my credit history or my utilization rate.
Other applications to consider :
- Experian: Provides free access to your FICO score, one of the most widely used by lenders.
- myFICO: A paying solution for those who want even more detailed monitoring of their score and credit report.
Installing an application dedicated to monitoring your credit is a key step towards staying informed and making the right financial decisions.
Conclusion
You’ll start building your credit history quickly (in less than 6 months). Just be patient, keep making your payments on time, and then consider applying for an unsecured credit card with your bank to take the next step. (Just my advice!)
