How can you increase your Credit score as an international student? Credit scores can seem tricky, especially if you’re an international student. But don’t worry! Understanding how they work is super helpful.

Think of your credit score like a school report card, but for your money. It shows how good you are at paying back the money you borrow. It is important when you want to get a loan, a credit card, or even rent an apartment​.

You might be thinking, “How do I make my credit score better?” That’s a great question! A better score can make it easier to get a loan and might even get you a better deal on interest rates. Credit scores usually range from 300 to 850, and higher is better​.

In this article, we’re going to talk about how you can increase your credit score as an international student. We’ll look at everything from building credit to understanding what makes your score go up or down. So, buckle up, and let’s learn how to take charge of your money!

Contents

How is my credit score as an international student calculated?

In the world of finance, your credit score is akin to a delicate mosaic, painstakingly crafted from varied shards of information originating from your credit report. It isn’t merely a singular, static number but a dynamic testament to your financial history and behavior. To truly comprehend its construction, let’s delve into the many factors contributing to its makeup, each with its unique role in the credit score calculation process.

At the heart of your credit score lies your bill-paying history, a testament to your reliability. Like a steadfast metronome, a pattern of timely payments infuses your score with a positive rhythm. Conversely, the discordance caused by late payments, debt collections, and the severe blow of bankruptcies, can pull down the tempo, tarnishing your score.

Your current unpaid debt forms another cornerstone of your credit score. Picture it as a reflection in a financial mirror, an indicator of your monetary commitments. A multitude of accounts laden with debt may cast a looming shadow, signaling your overextension and igniting caution in potential lenders.

Moving on, we encounter the variety and number of loan accounts in your financial portfolio. Credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, mortgage loans, finance company accounts – they all play their part in the grand symphony of your credit score. A harmonious blend of different types of credit creates a pleasing melody, potentially lifting your score.

The length of your credit history also has its say in the final score. Ordinarily, a more extensive chronicle of credit usage adds weight to your score, like an old, trusted friend. Yet, newcomers to the credit scene needn’t despair. Even a fledgling history, if it paints an overall positive picture, can yield a high score.

Your recent applications for credit also contribute to your credit score as an international student, although not always in the manner you’d expect. Too many new applications can cause a stir, akin to the sudden, alarming ripples in a serene pond. This flurry of activity might suggest an incoming debt storm, impacting your score negatively, regardless of whether you’ve opened any new accounts.

Another critical player in this financial drama is your credit utilization rate, the percentage of your available credit in use. Picture it as a seesaw: a high utilization rate suggests overextension, tipping your score towards the negative end.

Last, but certainly not least, we must consider the heavy hitters: debts sent to collection, foreclosures, and bankruptcies. These significant events are like scars on your credit history, causing significant harm to your credit score. Fresh wounds, so to speak, impact your score more heavily.

It’s important to bear in mind, however, that the precise influence of these factors can shift across different credit scoring models. FICO and VantageScore, two prevalent models, employ distinct formulas for score calculation. At the core, though, nurturing a healthy credit score revolves around a few guiding principles: punctual bill payments, debt management, a low credit utilization rate, and prudent credit applications. These principles hold true universally, even if you’re an international student striving to enhance your credit score.

Building credit from scratch

Embarking on your credit journey may feel akin to entering a novel, unfamiliar realm, a sensation amplified for an international student stepping onto this path. However, recall the universal truth – every journey begins with a single step. Let’s then unfurl this map to credit, guiding you in constructing your financial reputation from the ground up.

The Initial Stride: Comprehending the Essence of Credit

Our first stop demands a keen understanding of the landscape – what is credit, after all? Envision your credit score as a financial dossier, a numeric testimony to your dependability in monetary matters. This figure whispers in the ears of potential lenders, hinting at your reliability when borrowing funds. As the score ascends, so do your prospects of securing loans, credit cards, and even residential leases. Moreover, an admirable score may unlock the door to more favorable interest rates, paving the path to substantial long-term savings.

The Second Milestone: Securing a Credit Card or a Secured Card

The next question that beckons is how to lay the foundation for this crucial score. A popular method involves the acquisition of a credit card. However, a conundrum arises – how does one procure a credit card absent a credit history? Fear not, for the financial world has crafted a solution precisely for such circumstances: secured credit cards. These require an initial deposit, which then defines your credit limit, serving as a financial safety net. Deploy it akin to a conventional credit card, and regular, timely balance payments will slowly but surely etch a positive trace in your credit history.

If you are planning to relocate to the United States, you may encounter the difficulty of obtaining a credit card. This is primarily due to the fact that numerous credit card issuers demand a credit history in the U.S., which poses a challenge for non-U.S. citizens who have recently arrived.

However, there is good news. Nova Credit has collaborated with American Express to offer a solution for individuals from supported countries. They now have the opportunity to utilize their foreign credit history when applying for any American Express Personal Card, without the need for a U.S. credit history. Find out more here!

The Third Marker: Timely Bill Payments

Moving forward, we encounter the golden edict of credit: Never falter in paying your bills on time. Though it might sound obvious, its importance cannot be overstated. Each punctual payment is a feather in your credit cap, contributing significantly to your credit score, analogous to scoring an A+ in your financial academia.

The Fourth Beacon: Maintaining Low Credit Utilization

Another important piece of advice – resist the urge to exhaust your credit card limit. Strive to utilize merely a fraction of your available credit, a concept known as “credit utilization”, a key influencer of your credit score. A practical guideline suggests restraining your spending to less than 30% of your credit limit. For instance, with a $1,000 credit limit, exercise restraint to limit your expenditure to no more than $300.

The Final Stop: Cultivating Patience

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, cultivate patience. Crafting a solid credit history is reminiscent of nurturing a sapling, requiring time and diligent care. Each on-time payment and judicious expenditure enriches your credit history, fostering your credit score’s growth. Persist in your efforts, and gradually, you’ll witness your diligence bearing fruit.

Recall, building credit is a marathon, not a sprint. Approach it with the mindset of a patient traveler, progressing one step at a time. Before long, you’ll find yourself standing tall on the platform of a robust credit history. Best wishes as you commence your credit journey!

Checking Your Credit Report Often, Paying Your Loans, and Getting a Job

Envision your credit report as a finely woven tapestry, detailing the intricacies of your fiscal habits. It’s a financial anthology of sorts, akin to a report card, laying bare your monetary dealings. The silver lining, you may ask? You’re entitled to a complimentary copy of this financial chronicle annually from each of the three titans of the credit reporting world: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can opt for the convenience of receiving all three simultaneously or stagger them throughout the year — the choice is entirely in your hands.

You might wonder about the significance of regularly perusing your credit report. Well, it’s not uncommon for this financial manuscript to contain errors that could potentially tarnish your credit score. Visualize stumbling upon an unfamiliar credit card listed in your report, or a timely payment erroneously labeled as late. Such inaccuracies can cause your score to falter. However, there’s a silver bullet — you have the power to rectify these blemishes through the process of dispute. You simply need to alert the credit report company about the discrepancy, prompting them to investigate and rectify if validated.

Disputing a mistake is as straightforward as penning a letter to the credit report company. Your letter should articulate your concerns regarding the error and substantiate why you deem it to be a mistake. You should have any evidence — such as a payment receipt — appending a copy to your letter would be beneficial.

Remember, vigilance is your ally when it comes to maintaining an accurate credit report and, consequently, a robust credit score. Thus, cultivate the habit of regular credit report checks — it’s a cornerstone of prudent credit score stewardship.

Moving on to another facet of credit score management — part-time employment or internships. Earning an income, however modest, sends a positive signal to banks and credit card companies, demonstrating your capability to repay borrowed funds. This financial responsibility can grease the wheels for credit card or loan approval, and judicious usage can lead to a healthy credit score.

However, it’s vital to strike a balance between work and academics; your educational pursuits shouldn’t be compromised by employment demands. Remember, your income needn’t be grandiose to reflect your credit responsibility — even a modest, steady income can make a significant impact.

Paying student loans punctually is another crucial element, particularly for international students studying in the U.S. Each repayment you make is a brushstroke on the canvas of your credit report. Timely payments add vibrant hues, bolstering your credit score, while missed payments introduce unsightly smudges, potentially tarnishing your score.

It’s not merely about monetary transactions, though. Consistent, timely repayments cast you in the light of reliability, a trait highly valued by banks and lenders. This reliability can pave the way to greater financial opportunities, like obtaining a credit card, purchasing a vehicle, or even homeownership.

A useful strategy to ensure timely payments is setting up automatic payments for your student loan. This approach eliminates the risk of forgetfulness, and some lenders may even reward you with a reduced interest rate. Just ensure your bank account is adequately funded to cover the payments.

Think of your student loan as an investment in your future. Each timely payment is a step towards not only enhancing your credit score, but also showcasing your monetary responsibility. This financial discipline can bear fruit in myriad ways, both in the present and the future. So, persist with your payments. Your future self will indeed be grateful!

Conclusion

Wrapping up, remember that building a good credit score as an international student takes time. It’s a journey that needs patience and smart money habits. But don’t worry! You, as an international student, can do it! Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Start early. The sooner you start working on your credit, the better. Opening a bank account, getting a credit card, or using someone else’s card can help you start building your credit history. Always pay your bills on time. This includes your credit card bills, rent, utilities, and student loans. This good habit will show lenders that you’re good with money. And that’s a big plus for your credit score!

Also, watch how you use your credit card. It’s not just about paying on time, but also about how much of your credit limit you’re using. Try to keep your credit use – that’s the percentage of your total credit limit that you’re using – under 30%. If you’re using too much of your credit, it can look like you can’t handle your debts. And that can hurt your credit score.

Remember, it’s okay to say no to new credit. Just because you’re offered more credit doesn’t mean you have to take it. In fact, applying for too many new credit accounts can actually hurt your score. So, think carefully before you say yes to that new credit card or loan.

Finally, make it a habit to check your credit reports often. This will help you spot any mistakes that could be hurting your score. If you find a mistake, don’t worry. You can dispute it, and getting it fixed can help improve your score.

In the end, remember this: Your credit score is like a report card for your money. And just like with school, the key to a good report card is regular, consistent effort. So, keep up the good work, stay patient, and you’ll be on your way to a great credit score in no time!