No US Credit Score? No Problem. The 2026 Guide to Foreign National Loans
"Nadia, I have the money, I have a great job, but I just moved to the US and my credit score doesn't exist yet. Can I still buy a home?" I hear this at least once a week. My answer is always a confident YES. As an Associate Broker in one of the most international cities in the world, I specialize in helping clients bridge the gap between their global wealth and the New York real estate market.
The Rise of the DSCR Loan in 2026 In 2026, the DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loan has become the go-to for international buyers.
How it works: The bank doesn't care about your US paystubs or your FICO score. Instead, they look at the investment value of the property. If the estimated rent covers the mortgage payment (the "Debt Service"), the loan is approved.
Why it’s great: It bypasses the traditional red tape that usually stops new immigrants from buying for 2-3 years.
The "Portfolio Lender" Advantage Standard banks (like the ones you see on every corner) often have "cookie-cutter" rules. To get a loan without a US credit score, we go to Portfolio Lenders. These are banks that keep the loans on their own books. They are more flexible and can look at:
Foreign Assets: Your bank accounts in Korea, Europe, or China.
International Credit Reports: Some lenders can now pull credit data from your home country.
Asset-Based Lending: If you have high liquid assets, they will lend against that value.
What to Expect (The "Fine Print") Because you represent a slightly higher risk to the bank without a US history, you should expect:
Down Payment: Usually 30% to 40%.
Interest Rates: Typically 0.5% to 1% higher than a standard 30-year fixed loan.
The Strategy: Buy now to lock in the home you love. In 2-3 years, once you’ve built your US credit score, we can Refinance you into a lower-rate "Standard" loan.
