Building US Credit 2026: A Guide for Germans

If you're a German entrepreneur looking into US credit cards, you'll quickly run into two claims: "You need a US address" and "You need a Social Security Number." Neither is true.

Building a US credit history as a non-resident is possible, and for entrepreneurs with international business interests, it often makes a lot of sense. The US credit system works fundamentally differently from the German one: banks compete to give you credit, rather than turning you away.

The Problem with the European System

In Germany, banks check your Schufa score, your latest balance sheet, and your personal liability. Then they give you a limit of 5,000 or 10,000 euros and call it a day.

In the US, things work differently. Banks want to lend. They compete for borrowers. Limits are higher, terms are more flexible, and the points system rewards spending far more generously than in Europe.

The Path: ITIN + LLC

There's no secret trick. It's a structured, legal process:

1. Set up a US LLC. A company in the US, typically in Wyoming, Delaware, or Florida. This gives you a legal presence in the country.
2. Apply for an EIN. The tax ID for your business. Free, directly from the IRS, and in most cases available immediately.
3. Apply for an ITIN. This is the crucial step. Without a Social Security Number, you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply for credit cards personally.

Why Personal Credit Matters

Most US business credit cards, including the Chase Ink, Amex Business Gold, and Capital One Spark, require a personal guarantee. That means the bank checks your personal credit history before approving you for a business card.

Without an ITIN and a personal credit score, there's no access to business cards.

The Typical Timeline

1. Month 0: Apply for an ITIN. This usually takes 4-8 weeks through a Certified Acceptance Agent.
2. Month 2-3: Receive your ITIN. Apply for your first US credit card, typically a secured card or Capital One.
3. Month 6: Your first FICO score is generated, usually in the 680-700 range.
4. Month 6-10: You can apply for premium cards like the Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, or business cards. Alternatively, you can use the Amex Global Transfer if you're already an Amex customer in Germany.

It takes patience. But access to a credit system built for growth is well worth the effort for many entrepreneurs. More on this in the detailed comparison between US and German credit cards.

A Note

This article is an overview, not a substitute for tax or legal advice. Anyone setting up a US LLC should understand the tax implications in their country of residence, especially the CFC rules (controlled foreign corporation taxation) for German tax residents.