If you’re new to the U.S., you’ve probably heard the same frustrating advice: "Just get a credit card to build credit." It sounds simple, right? Except it’s a total "Catch-22." You need a credit history to get the card, but you need the card to get the history. And if you’re an immigrant, this cycle is even more punishing. Even if you were a high-flying financial pro in your home country, the U.S. credit bureaus essentially treat you as if you’ve just been born. You are "Credit Invisible."
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), nearly 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. are credit invisible, and Hispanic and Black communities are disproportionately impacted.
Traditional "secured" cards are the old-school fix for this. But let's be honest: they’re often a raw deal. Here’s why Ava is a smarter, more modern choice for anyone building a life from scratch.
1. No "Hard Pull" Heartbreak
When you apply for a standard credit card, the bank does a "hard inquiry" on your credit. If you have no history, they might reject you anyway. And, that rejection actually lowers your score further (sometimes by up to 5 points, per FICO data).
Ava doesn’t do a hard credit check. You can apply without that "Will they or won't they?" anxiety. It’s a clean start without the penalty of rejection.
2. Escape the 2026 Interest Trap
As of early 2026, the average interest rate (APR) on a secured credit card has climbed to over 26%, with some even hitting 29%. If you accidentally carry a balance, you’re building credit AND you’re paying a massive "interest tax."
Ava’s Credit Builder Mastercard is designed differently. There is 0% interest on our builder products. We aren't here to profit off your debt, we’re here to help you graduate to a better financial life.
3. Total Bureau Visibility
Building credit only works if the right people see it. Some starter cards only report to one or two credit bureaus.
The "Big Three": Ava reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This is crucial because you never know which bureau a future landlord or car dealership will check. Ava ensures your hard work is visible everywhere it matters.
The "Immigrant Premium": Why Ava Fits Your Life
Arriving in the U.S. means starting over. Research from SMU’s Finance Department shows that while immigrants are often more creditworthy and less likely to default than non-immigrants, they are consistently given lower credit limits for the first decade they are in the country.
Ava helps you close that gap faster with tools tailored for the newcomer experience:
- Instant Virtual Access: You don’t have to wait 10 business days for a piece of plastic to arrive in the mail. You get a virtual card immediately to start your history.
- Rent & Utility Reporting: Recent 2025/2026 data shows that rent reporting can increase the likelihood of a "near-prime" score by 12%. Ava lets you get credit for the bills you’re already paying.
- No Bureaucracy: No long lines at a branch office or confusing "banker-speak." It’s mobile-first and built for 2026.
The Bottom Line
You didn't move across the world to be held back by an outdated credit system. Building credit shouldn't feel like a second job or a financial punishment.
Whether you just received your SSN or you're finally ready to fix a "thin file," Ava provides a fair, transparent path that respects your budget.
FAQ: Common Questions for New Credit Builders
Does Ava work if I only have an ITIN? Currently, Ava requires a Social Security Number (SSN) to verify your identity and report your history to the bureaus. If you’re still waiting on your SSN, we’re ready for you as soon as it arrives.
Will using Ava really help my score? Yes. Your payment history makes up about 35% of your total score. By reporting your on-time habits to all three bureaus every month, you’re hitting the most important factor in the credit formula.
How is this different from a "Credit Builder Loan"? A loan usually requires you to make monthly payments into a locked account for a year before you get the money back. Ava is more flexible, allowing you to use a credit line for the digital bills you already have.
Is my data safe? We use bank-level encryption to keep your information private. We are here to help you build a future, and that starts with keeping your data secure.
Ready to stop being "invisible"? Download Ava Today and Build the Credit You Deserve.
