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How to Build Credit as an Immigrant
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As an immigrant, you come to this country with no credit history. Without a credit history, it may be challenging to make big purchase such as a car or a house. The following are tips that will help you build your credit history as an immigrant in the United States.
- Open a credit card account. You may be unable to get a regular credit card. If that is the case, get a secured credit card and work your way up to a regular credit card.
- Use the credit card for small purchases every month and completely pay off the balance at the end of each month. Setting up automatic payments may help you make payments on time every month and not fall behind.
- If you have a current credit card that was issued in your home country, you may be able to talk to the credit institution and have them issue a United States credit card.
- If you have a spouse that has an established credit history in the United States, you can have them add you as an authorized user to their credit card(s). Also, you can jointly apply for loans with your spouse, which will boost your credit score.
- Find institutions that are willing to lend to immigrants. Some financial institutions will be more favorable towards immigrants. You might be able to purchase a car or something similar using a loan from such institutions. Even if you have the necessary funds to fully pay for the purchase, choose to make a down payment and take out a loan for the remaining amount and pay it off over a period of months. While interest rates may be higher than usual for such a loan, it is a great way to build your credit history.
- Rent out an apartment with a landlord that reports rent payments. If your landlord does not report rent payments, you may be able to set up electronic payments that are automatically reported, if your landlord agrees to the arrangement.
- Monitor your credit score closely. Monitoring your score will give you insight into what else you need to do to boost your score. There are credit reporting agencies such as Equifax or Transunion that you can pay a monthly fee to so that you can have access to updated credit reports every month.
- Diversify the types of credit you have. Make sure to have a combination of credit cards, loans and mortgages.
- Make timely payments every month. A late payment, if reported, will negatively affect your credit score and be on credit history for a number of years.
Being an immigrant is a challenge. You are in a new country starting afresh. We, at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC understand the challenges and are ready to help you with any immigration issues you face.
Lo que dicen nuestras clientas
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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