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

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.

How can I check my current credits?

You can request a free copy of your credit report from each of three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion® – once each year at AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll-free 1-877-322-8228.

Do credit scores apply internationally?

Although your credit history may not follow you when you move abroad, any debts you owe will remain active. It will be difficult for lenders to take legal action against you if you’re living in a new country, but it is not impossible for them to try and recoup the debt.

How can I complete my credit card payment if I leaving the country?

If you are leaving the country but do intend to pay off your credit card debt, contact your issuer(s) and work out a payment plan. Generally, you should be able to continue paying your bills online with no problems, but you’ll at least need to update the issuer with your new residency information.

Can I keep my credit card if I move abroad?

Just as if you were taking a vacation, call your credit card issuers and let them know that you’ll be moving abroad. Most issuers will not have a problem with a U.S. cardholder living in a foreign country and will allow you to keep your cards, Feddis says.

How can I get my 3 credit scores for free?

You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228.

Can you apply for a US credit card while living abroad?

Even while living abroad, you can apply for new US credit cards if you keep a US mailing address and banking account. You may want to use a VPN to see specific offers and avoid questioning that might arise if you apply while on a foreign IP address.

How can I check my credit score from abroad?

Fill out the form as if you were still living at your last U.S. address; they are simply using the address to verify your identity with the credit report. You will get the credit reports online; they won’t be sending anything to you by mail.

What should I know before opening an international credit card?

Before moving abroad, look up the foreign transaction fees on any credit or debit cards that you plan on using. We suggest that all expatriates open an account with a bank or credit card company that offer minimal foreign transaction fees, but as outlined above, some companies are worse than others.

How much does it cost to use a credit card overseas?

First off, there are foreign transaction fees, which your card may or may not have. This fee is usually 1 to 3 percent, and it is accrued every time you make a purchase overseas (or on any purchase that uses a foreign bank to process the transaction).