Can you have a credit score without a social security number

You're an international student who just got admitted to your dream school in the United States. You've found the perfect on-campus apartment. All you need to do is let the landlord run your credit score, and you'll be free to sign for it. There's just one problem. You don't have a credit score for them to run. What do you do?

Having a good credit score is essential because it affects almost every aspect of your life, from applying for jobs to paying rent. You may think you don't need a credit score because you don't have a social security number (SSN for short). And you'd be right. But that doesn't mean you should have a credit score.

Why is an SSN optional?

When putting together a credit report, credit bureaus collect information about your identity (date of birth, past and present addresses, employment history, etc.) and match it to the information in your account file. An SSN can ensure the results are more accurate, but it's not necessary. It all comes down to whether or not lenders are willing to help you open a credit account without an SSN. 

Building credit with Boro

What do you do when you need to build your credit history, but you don't have the necessary credit history? Use a platform that doesn't require it.

Boro was founded by a group of international students who lacked support from lending platforms during their time in the U.S. We understand how difficult the process can be, which is why we look beyond credit history and offer the best rates possible.
 

How do we do that?

Unlike traditional lenders, Boro offers auto and personal loans at low rates with flexible terms, none of which require an SSN. After you make your first payment, we will create a profile and make monthly reports to credit bureaus so you can start building your credit score now.

We believe everyone deserves access to affordable credit. And whether you're looking to purchase a car or a new computer, we're here to help. It takes ten minutes to apply and less than one business day for us to make a decision. Contact us now to start your financial journey.
 

Editorial Note: Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Whether you’re in the U.S. temporarily as a student or employee, or live in the country permanently but aren’t yet a citizen, it may be a good idea to establish a credit history so you can get a credit score.

Having a credit score becomes important when you’re looking for a loan, credit card, housing or, in some cases, even a job.

Your credit scores depend on the information in your credit reports, such as your history of repaying loans or credit card bills. If you want to build your credit, you need to get an account that will report your payments to at least one of the three major consumer credit bureaus — TransUnion®, Equifax® and Experian®.

It may take time, but by following these tips for getting started, you can begin to build your U.S. credit history:

Before you start: Consider getting an ITIN or SSN
1. Apply for a secured credit card or a loan
2. Become an authorized user
3. Ask for your bills to be reported

Before you start: Consider getting an ITIN or SSN

The credit bureaus can create credit reports using your personal identifying information, such as your name and address. Technically, you don’t need a Social Security number (or SSN) to build credit. Even so, getting an SSN can be a helpful first step because some financial institutions ask for it when you apply for a loan, credit card or try to open a bank account.

The U.S. Social Security Administration has eligibility guidelines for noncitizens. Generally, to get an SSN you’ll need to be authorized to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security. Applying for a number is free.

If you don’t qualify for an SSN, you might be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The credit bureaus don’t use your ITIN as an identifier, but you may be able to use it to apply for a line of credit.

Alternatively, some credit card issuers let you apply for a credit card with your passport or other government-issued ID.

1. Apply for a secured credit card or a loan

Some credit cards may be difficult to qualify for since you don’t already have credit. But one type of card that could help you establish a positive payment history is a secured card.

Secured credit cards are a type of credit card designed for people who are building or rebuilding their credit. They require an initial security deposit in case you default. But if you make on-time payments and pay off your balance in full each billing cycle, your secured card can help you build up your credit.

Another option is a credit-builder loan, also known as a secured loan. This also requires an initial security deposit that serves as collateral.

2. Become an authorized user

If you have a close friend or relative in the U.S., you may want to consider asking that person to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards.

Why? Being an authorized user can positively affect factors that go into your credit score like payment history, age of credit history and number of total accounts.

Credit card accounts you’re authorized on will usually show up on your credit reports. Ask the credit card issuer if it reports authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus, since not all do.

Becoming an authorized user is a relatively easy and effective way to build credit, but it’s important to know that if the account does show up on your credit reports, your credit can be negatively impacted if the main cardholder misses a payment or has a high credit utilization ratio.

3. Ask for your bills to be reported

If you’re paying bills — such as cellphone, cable TV or even your rent — you’re building up a payment history. This information is often not reported to the credit bureaus, but you can call your service providers and ask for it to be reported to the credit bureaus.

To get your rent payments reported, services such as RentTrack will report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus for a fee.

But remember: Make sure to pay all your bills on time. Your payment history is a major influencer when it comes to your credit scores.

Bottom line

You might have to jump through a few extra hoops if you’re an immigrant who wants to build credit in the U.S. However, even if it takes some time, it is possible.

About the author: Louis DeNicola is a personal finance writer and has written for American Express, Discover and Nova Credit. In addition to being a contributing writer at Credit Karma, you can find his work on Business Insider, Cheapi… Read more.