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The Daily Insight Hub

Does Debt follow you to other countries?

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on February 16, 2026

Most debts won’t follow you to another country, but staying one step ahead of your creditors might be a lot harder than you think. Debt can feel like a massive weight hanging around your neck.

Does my credit score travel internationally?

Credit Scores Vary from Country to Country Your credit scores apply to your credit history in the United States and indicate your creditworthiness as a U.S. citizen. If you choose to move abroad, your current credit score will have little to no influence on your ability to borrow money in your new home country.

What happens to credit when you move countries?

You still have an obligation to clear your debts If the creditors are unable to collect the money because you’ve moved out of the country, they can still put a marker on your account or obtain a judgement, making it harder to open up new accounts locally or maintain the credit line you had achieved on existing ones.

Can debt collectors chase you overseas?

Can creditors chase me for debts abroad? Overseas creditors can still take action to collect a debt, including: Using a debt collection agency in your home country to contact you. Taking action in their country, for example against assets or bank accounts you hold in that country.

Does my UK credit score transfer to us?

The major bureaus in the United Kingdom are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. However, your UK credit history does not translate to the US, and vice versa. In both countries, these credit bureaus collect information about your credit history and credit behaviors, as well as personal information.

Can you transfer credit information from one country to another?

Unfortunately you cannot transfer your credit information from one country to another. Not every country offers credit or has credit reporting companies. Some countries even have credit reporting companies owned by the government.

What happens to your credit score when you move to another country?

“This is the case even if you’re moving somewhere governed by similar, or common, data protection directives to your home country, such as between EU member states”. As a result, your credit score must be built and maintained in each country you live in.

Can a credit card help you move to a new country?

A low-balance credit card can help you build your profile. If you and your other half are in the process of moving to another country, you’ll probably be wondering how you’ll get credit when you arrive in your new homeland. If you’ve got a good credit history at home, chances are you’d like to take it with you.

What happens if I move back to my country of origin?

If you plan on moving back to the original country, those debts will still apply and might also lead to County Court Judgements while you were away. If you have assets in your country of origin, a debt collector may try to secure a debt against them on behalf of the lender.