Credit in 6 Months: Build It From Scratch in the United States

You came to the United States with years of handling money well, and here it doesn't count: as far as the system is concerned, you don't exist yet. This guide explains what credit history is and walks you month by month, for 6 months, from your first bank account to your first line of credit used well.

When you finish it, you'll be able to:

- Understand why starting at zero isn't the same as bad credit

- Open your first bank account with the right documents

- Choose your first card with 5 questions

- Use credit to build history, not to spend

It's for you if:

- You recently arrived in the U.S.

- You have no credit history

- You're asked for credit to rent an apartment or finance a car

A 10-page practical guide in PDF.

This guide is educational and isn't financial advice. Requirements, rates, and terms change depending on the bank and your situation: check them with each institution before you apply.