American Express, with Nova Credit, Just Made It Easier for Newcomers to the U.S. to Apply for a Credit Card

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New to the U.S. or moving back after an extended time abroad? Through a partnership with Nova Credit, American Express can now access international credit history in select countries outside the U.S. The goal? To help those relocating to the U.S. get approved for a credit card and achieve their financial goals.

Who Qualifies  

Anyone with a current U.S. address who has international credit history in select countries is a potential candidate. Through a partnership with Nova Credit, American Express is the first credit card company to offer those candidates the ability to seamlessly and securely share their international credit history in order to apply for an American Express Card. Each candidate’s credit history is translated into a U.S. credit score, powered by Nova Credit’s Credit Passport®. With this service, a business executive can apply in order to help finance moving expenses, a graduate student can start building good U.S. credit and eventually refinance student loans, and a young family can make future plans to buy a home. 

So far, this service is available to those who have credit history (if you've had a credit card or done things like pay bills, own a home, or buy a car, you likely have credit history) in Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, or the United Kingdom. Nova Credit and American Express are looking into supporting more countries in the future.

Why It’s Long Overdue 

According to a 2018 Nova Credit Immigrant Market Overview study, it takes approximately five years to build home country-equivalent credit history for those new to the U.S. As a result, it is difficult to obtain a U.S. credit card and start building positive U.S. credit bureau history, which can impact the ability to apply for a job and make major purchases. This major financial hurdle is something former residents of the U.S. also face, with nine million U.S. expats living overseas, according to the study. If those U.S. expats return to the country after an extended period of time living abroad, they will face the same difficulty as those new to the country. American Express is the first major credit card company to work toward remedying this substantial issue.

How It Works

The online application process is easy, and it’s possible to get a decision in as little as 30 seconds. First, you’ll select the American Express Personal Card you’d like to apply for and fill out a credit card application. American Express can process an application without a Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number — just check the box indicating that you don’t have a U.S. credit history but have had a credit card or loan in one of the covered countries. Simply select the country where you used to live and fill out some basic information (think: name, most recent international address, and passport number). At that point, you’ll grant American Express and Nova Credit access to your international credit history. If you are approved and eligible, you'll be able to access an Instant Card Number, so you can immediately start shopping online or where digital wallets are accepted even before your card arrives in the mail.

American Express, in partnership with Nova Credit, has taken a pivotal step in helping to ensure financial inclusion for all.

To begin your credit card application and help hit your financial goals, visit americanexpress.com/newcomers.