A stolen Social Security Number (SSN) has far-reaching consequences. Financially, it could be used to in-debt one to new lines of credit, wreck credit scores, as well as impact future ability to secure credit. To prevent said financial disaster from happening, you should freeze your credit score with the credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

A credit score is relevant anytime you try to get a loan (auto loan, residential loan), apply for a credit card, or even rent an apartment. This article touches on the basics of a credit score, how to build credit, habits that help or hurt a score and implications of Good vs Excellent credit.

Building a US credit history - and having a score to reflect your credibility - is the first step to accessing any type of locally financed purchases from cars to homes. So unless you envision paying everything in cash, here’s how you get your first credit card.