Here’s a great read on how to build credit as an international student 💸 If you’re sharing something of value to international students, tag roam and we’ll help you spread the word 🙌🏽
💳 How I Built an 800 Credit Score in 3 Years as an Immigrant 💳 When I first moved to the U.S. for college, I didn’t realize how important credit was. Back home, I paid for everything in cash or with a debit card. But in the U.S., I quickly learned that credit cards are more than just a way to pay—they’re a tool to build your financial future. 3 years later, I have an 800+ credit score, 7 credit cards, and have earned over $4,000 in points and cashback. It wasn’t always easy—understanding how to build credit responsibly was confusing at first, but I made it work through patience, learning, and some trial and error. 🛠 Step 1: Start Smart with the Right Cards I knew I needed to build credit, so I started with a secured card and worked my way up. Here's a list of beginner-friendly cards I recommend for anyone starting: 1️⃣ Discover It Student Cash Back – 5% cashback and they match your rewards at the end of the first year. 2️⃣ Capital One QuicksilverOne – 1.5% cashback on every purchase and helps build credit. 3️⃣ Chase Freedom Flex – Rotating categories for up to 5% cashback. 💡 Step 2: Educate Yourself and Use Credit Wisely Here’s the trick: I didn’t overspend. Instead, I charged regular expenses like groceries, gas, and utilities to my cards and paid off the balance in full every month. By doing this, I not only built my credit score but also earned thousands in cashback and points. 📈 Step 3: Keep Growing and Diversifying Once I had a good score, I started applying for more cards with better rewards. Most of these cards come with amazing signing bonuses. For example, the American Express Gold often offers 60-90k points—worth over $1,000! Here are my top picks: ✨ American Express Gold – 4x points on restaurants and supermarkets, 3x points on flights, plus a multitude of extra benefits. ✨ Capital One SavorOne – 3% cashback on dining/entertainment, 10% cashback on Uber, and free Uber One. ✨ Amazon Prime Rewards Visa – 5% cashback on Amazon/Whole Foods. ✨ Bilt Credit Card – Earn points on rent payments without fees, making it perfect for students or renters. 💡 Key Tips for Building Credit 1️⃣ Always pay your balance in full – Avoid interest charges. 2️⃣ Pay on time, every time – Timely payments are key. 3️⃣ Don’t overspend for rewards – Only charge what you can afford to pay off. 🎯 The Result? Fast forward 3 years, I’ve built an 800 credit score, and credit cards have become a powerful tool for managing my finances. Not only have they helped me build my credit, but they’ve also rewarded me for my spending! Interested in building your credit? Check out these cards: Capital One SavorOne: https://lnkd.in/dBBWX3bm American Express Gold: https://lnkd.in/dGywvRJx Discover It Student Cash Back: https://lnkd.in/d_BRvQhK #ImmigrantJourney #CreditBuilding #PersonalFinance #CreditCards #CollegeHacks