Short answer
You can rent without US credit by giving landlords something else to trust: offer 2–3 months' rent upfront, show your signed offer letter and recent pay, and bring home-country bank statements. Larger buildings may accept a higher deposit, a co-signer, or a paid guarantor service. Apply with a complete packet and explain you're a new arrival — landlords in tech cities accept this routinely.
Why you get rejected — and it's not personal
Most US rental applications run an automated credit check. With no US history, it returns "no file," which the software treats as a fail by default. The fix isn't to argue with the algorithm — it's to give a human landlord a reason to say yes.
What to offer instead of a credit score
- 2–3 months' rent upfront — the single most effective move.
- A larger security deposit where state law allows.
- Your signed offer letter and first pay stubs as proof of income.
- Home-country bank statements showing reserves.
Co-signers and guarantor services
If you have a friend or relative with strong US credit, they can co-sign the lease. No co-signer? Paid guarantor services (such as TheGuarantors or Insurent) will vouch for you to the landlord for a fee — common and accepted in big-city buildings.
Build a rental packet
Hand landlords a complete packet up front so you look low-risk: passport and visa, offer letter, recent pay or bank statements, references from a previous landlord if you have them, and proof of funds for the deposit. Being organized often matters more than the credit gap.
Start credit in parallel
Get a secured credit card in your first week. By your next lease you'll have a US score and won't need to over-prepay — the no-credit scramble is a one-time problem.
Where it's easiest
Large, corporate-managed apartment complexes in tech hubs deal with international renters constantly and usually have a defined "no US credit" process. Small independent landlords are more variable — lead with the upfront-rent offer.
Frequently asked
Can I rent an apartment in the US without a credit score?
Yes. Offer 2–3 months' rent upfront along with your signed offer letter and home-country bank statements. Most tech-hub landlords accept this in place of a credit check.
What is a guarantor service?
A paid service (e.g. TheGuarantors, Insurent) that vouches for your rent to the landlord for a fee, standing in for a US co-signer or credit history.
How much deposit will I need with no credit?
It varies, but offering 2–3 months upfront (or a larger deposit where allowed) is the most common way to get approved without US credit.
Will a co-signer help me rent?
Yes. A US co-signer with good credit who agrees to be responsible for the lease significantly improves your chances.