{"id":96091,"date":"2025-11-19T10:58:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T15:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/?post_type=rbc_my_money_matter&#038;p=96091"},"modified":"2025-11-19T10:58:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T15:58:28","slug":"how-to-build-credit-in-the-u-s-as-a-canadian-student","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/goals-aspirations\/travel-and-cross-border\/studying-in-the-us\/how-to-build-credit-in-the-u-s-as-a-canadian-student\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build Credit in the U.S. as a Canadian Student"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block drop-shadow pos-rel top-line-blue block-wpr\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block-inner-block block-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tldr\">TLDR<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Your credit history, or credit score, is a record of how responsibly you pay back money you borrow<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Building a U.S. credit history as a student is valuable for Canadians studying in the U.S.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>A strong U.S. credit score can help you rent an apartment, qualify for a cell phone plan, get better rates on loans and insurance and more<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>The key to building good student credit is to start early and use credit responsibly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heading to the U.S. to study? This is an incredibly exciting time for you \u2013 you\u2019ll make unforgettable memories, meet new friends and learn new things! In the midst of all the excitement, one smart move can help make your student life smoother and set you up for life after graduation: building a U.S. credit history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While building credit may not be as exciting as campus life, it can help you access better financial products, rent a place to live and even land a job, while in school or after you graduate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-building-student-credit-in-the-u-s-matters\">Why building student credit in the U.S. matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your credit history \u2013 or credit score \u2013 is a record of how reliably you pay back any money you borrow. It shows lenders, landlords and even employers that you are financially responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you plan to return to Canada after your studies, having a U.S. credit history gives you added flexibility and options. And if you plan to stay in the U.S.? It\u2019s a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong U.S. credit score can help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Rent a place to live<\/strong>:&nbsp;Landlords will often check students\u2019 credit score to determine if you\u2019re likely to pay rent on time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Get approved for loans<\/strong>:&nbsp;Whether you\u2019re applying for a credit card, a car loan, a line of credit or even a mortgage in the future, having a good credit score will make it more likely that your application will be approved.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Save on your cell phone plan<\/strong>: A U.S. cell phone plan often makes sense for students. Providers may reduce or waive deposits and offer better plan options if you have a credit history.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Get hired<\/strong>: Some employers will perform credit checks as part of the hiring process.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Pay less for insurance<\/strong>:&nbsp;With a good U.S. credit history, it may be easier to get insurance to protect your car and belongings \u2013 and pay less for your coverage while you\u2019re at it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-ways-to-start-building-credit-in-the-u-s\">7 ways to start building credit in the U.S.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Building credit is a process, but it doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. The key is to show consistent, responsible financial behaviour. Here\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/credit-and-borrowing\/understanding-credit-cards\/how-to-build-credit-in-the-u-s\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-96091-02f96ca3\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"how to build credit in the U.S.\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">how to build credit in the U.S.<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-apply-for-a-social-security-number-ssn\">1. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you can apply for credit without an SSN, having one helps ensure your credit activity is recorded accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Canadians studying in the U.S., you can qualify for an SSN as long as you\u2019re authorized to work and have a job, even a part-time or on-campus one. It\u2019s best to contact your school\u2019s office for international students, as they\u2019ll be able to tell you if you\u2019re eligible to work on and\/or off campus. For more information about getting an SSN as an international student, visit this&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/pubs\/EN-05-10181.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-96091-97a6c034\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Social Security Administration page\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Social Security Administration page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-open-a-bank-account-in-the-u-s\">2. Open a bank account in the U.S.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a U.S. bank account may not directly affect your credit score, but having a relationship with a U.S. bank is a strong signal of financial responsibility and can often be a first step toward getting a U.S. credit card.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re an RBC Royal Bank customer, this is easy to do, as you don\u2019t need to be a resident of the U.S. or have a U.S. address or Social Security number to open an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcbank.com\/cross-border\/us-bank-accounts.html?_gl=1*p2xqeb*_ga*MTU4NTM2NDI5OS4xNjc3NTA2ODY4*_ga_89NPCTDXQR*czE3NjM0Nzg4OTEkbzEyMSRnMSR0MTc2MzQ3ODkzMSRqMjAkbDAkaDA.\" data-dig-id=\"LP-96091-8037d464\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"RBC Bank U.S. account\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">RBC Bank U.S. account<\/a>&nbsp;as a Canadian. To sign up for an account, you simply need to be 18 years or older, live in Canada or the U.S. and have a Social Insurance Number and government ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-nbsp-apply-for-a-u-s-credit-card\">3.&nbsp;Apply for a U.S. credit card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a credit card responsibly is one of the fastest ways to build credit. You have options, even without a U.S. credit history:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>As a Canadian, you can apply for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcbank.com\/cross-border\/us-credit-cards.html?_gl=1*onepjj*_ga*MTU4NTM2NDI5OS4xNjc3NTA2ODY4*_ga_89NPCTDXQR*czE3NjM0Nzg4OTEkbzEyMSRnMSR0MTc2MzQ3ODk0NCRqNyRsMCRoMA..\" data-dig-id=\"LP-96091-02e79224\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"some U.S. credit cards\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">some U.S. credit cards<\/a>&nbsp;without a U.S. credit history, as your Canadian credit history can be used to qualify you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Secured credit cards \u2013 where your credit limit equals your deposit \u2013 are an easy way to start. Over time and after a pattern of solid repayment history, many students upgrade to an unsecured card.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-pay-your-balance-on-time-every-time\">4. Pay your balance on time, every time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a huge factor in building good credit. Even if you can\u2019t pay your full balance each month, remember to at least pay the minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-keep-your-balance-low\">5. Keep your balance low<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How much credit you use in comparison to the amount of credit available to you is called your \u201ccredit utilization.\u201d Experts recommend keeping your credit use below 30% of all your available credit sources for a higher credit score. That means if your monthly credit card limit is $3,000, try to keep your balance under $1,000 every month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-pay-your-other-bills-on-time\">6. Pay your other bills on time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Paying your other bills \u2013 such as your rent, utilities, internet and phone \u2013 also contributes to your credit history.&nbsp; Consider setting up automatic payments, so you never miss a due date!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-nbsp-keep-an-eye-on-your-credit-score\">7.&nbsp;Keep an eye on your credit score<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When your credit rating is established, you can request a free copy of your credit report from all three major credit reporting agencies in the U.S.: Equifax,\u00ae&nbsp;Experian\u00ae&nbsp;and TransUnion.\u00ae&nbsp;You can also easily request your report online at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.annualcreditreport.com\/index.action\" data-dig-id=\"LP-96091-61300b68\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"AnnualCreditReport.com\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">AnnualCreditReport.com<\/a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-877-322-8228.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-rundown-on-student-credit\">The rundown on student credit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Building a U.S. credit history as a student is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. It can help you save money, access better services and prepare for life after graduation \u2013 whether or not you stay in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By starting early and using credit wisely, you\u2019re not just managing your student life, you\u2019re investing in your financial future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group  mar-b-hlf has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-studying-in-the-u-s\">Studying in the U.S.?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Sign up for our cross-border bundle to set yourself up before you head south!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons pad-b-hlf is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button  is-style-primary primary btn before\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcbank.com\/dms\/cross-border\/canadian-students-in-the-us-s-or.html?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=MMM\" data-dig-id=\"LP-96091-d98bff85\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"button click\" data-dig-label=\"Learn more-https:\/\/www.rbcbank.com\/dms\/cross-border\/canadian-students-in-the-us-s-or.html?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=MMM \">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-default-collapsible\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapse834a1009\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse834a1009\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57738-834a1009\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"accordion closed\" action-closed=\"accordion closed\" action-opened=\"accordion open\" data-dig-label=\"Things our lawyers want you to know\"><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapse834a1009\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-collapsible-inner-block collapse-inner\">\n<p>This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re studying in the U.S., building a student credit history might not be the first thing on your mind. But it can make everyday life easier now \u2013 and open important doors after graduation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":319,"featured_media":96092,"parent":57293,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-mmm-sticky-nav","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[517,510,528,81,103,77,525],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[49],"rbc_lob_group":[122],"rbc_difficulty_level":[70],"rbc_mmm_category":[303,347,346,311],"class_list":["post-96091","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-budgeting","tag-credit-and-debt","tag-cross-border","tag-education","tag-healthcare-professionals","tag-personal-finance","tag-students","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_audience-students","rbc_lob_group-cross-border","rbc_difficulty_level-intermediate","rbc_mmm_category-goals-aspirations","rbc_mmm_category-living-in-the-us","rbc_mmm_category-studying-in-the-us","rbc_mmm_category-travel-and-cross-border"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"","custom_author":"Royal Bank of Canada","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":null,"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":"Generate Table Of Contents"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Building student credit as a Canadian student doesn&#039;t have to be difficult. 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