# AI assumes a newcomer's foreign credit history counts toward a US credit score

- **ID:** `banking/credit-history-does-not-transfer`
- **Domain:** banking
- **Category:** financial_system
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

US credit scores are built only from US bureau records (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion); credit history from other countries does not transfer. Newcomers start 'credit invisible', which blocks apartments, car loans and some phone plans until a US file is established.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Build a US file deliberately: secured card or credit-builder loan, then 6+ months of on-time payments** (85% success)
   ```
   Open a bank account, get an SSN or ITIN where eligible, start with a secured credit card, credit-builder loan, or authorized-user status, and keep utilization low. Lenders may not reject you solely for immigration status under ECOA; complaints go to the CFPB (180+ languages).
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Apply for mainstream US credit cards or leases citing an excellent foreign credit record** — US lenders score from domestic bureau files; with no US history you are credit invisible and mainstream applications are declined regardless of your record abroad, and each hard inquiry can further delay approval. (70% fail)
- **Avoid all credit products to 'stay safe' during the first years** — A thin or empty file keeps you invisible: without tradelines reporting to the bureaus, no score forms, so future rentals, loans and even utility deposits stay expensive. (60% fail)