Foreign National Loans and the US Credit Score: A Guide for Buyers from Turkey

Nisa Esmer, Florida licensed REALTOR® · October 2026

Short answer: For buyers with no US credit history or Social Security number (SSN), there are special "foreign national" loans, though not every lender offers them. A larger down payment and different terms are typical. A credit score is a number used in the US for loans, rentals, and many services, and newcomers usually start from zero.

When you buy in Florida you have two paths: cash or a loan. If you are considering a loan, it helps to know the US credit system works differently from Turkey's.

What is a foreign national loan?

These are mortgage products designed for foreigners without a US credit history or SSN. Not every lender offers them, and terms vary by lender. Common features include:

A larger down payment than a conventional loan, typically.
Interest rates and fees may differ, so always compare offers.
Income and assets are documented from abroad, and some lenders accept a different credit reference.
For investment purchases, products such as DSCR loans, which base approval on the home's rental income, may also be used.

Which documents may be requested?

Documents depend on the lender and product. Commonly requested items:

Passport and identification.
Income and employment documents, bank statements.
Documents showing the source of the down payment and reserves.
A credit reference or credit history from abroad (depending on the lender).
Translations and certifications of documents where needed.

Gathering documents early speeds up pre-approval, and a pre-approval strengthens your offer.

What is a US credit score?

A credit score summarizes your payment history and use of debt. On common scales (such as FICO) it ranges from 300 to 850. It is influenced by:

Whether you pay on time.
How much of your available credit you use.
How long your credit history is.
New credit applications and the mix of credit types.

The score affects mortgage approval and interest rates. It can also come up in rental applications and in deposits for utilities such as power and internet.

For newcomers: building credit from scratch

Your credit history in Turkey generally does not transfer to the US automatically. Once you settle here, you can begin building credit depending on your identification and SSN status. In general, these things help, but talk to a credit professional about your own situation:

Starting with a secured credit card and paying on time.
Using only a small part of your card limit.
Not applying for too many credit lines unnecessarily.

For renting, also see our guide to renting in Florida.

Cash or loan?

A cash purchase shortens the process and does not wait for loan approval. A loan lets you keep part of your cash for other uses, but adds interest and fees. You can try the calculators to see which fits you in numbers. The decision is made with your loan officer and accountant.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get a mortgage without an SSN?

Some lenders lend to buyers without an SSN through ITIN or foreign national programs. Terms vary by lender, so it is worth speaking with several.

Can I buy a home without a credit score?

You can buy with cash. If you want a loan, it depends on which alternative documents the lender accepts instead of a score.

Do I have to pick a lender through you?

No. I can introduce you to loan officers I trust, but you can work with any lender you like. Compare offers side by side using the Loan Estimate documents.

Related guides

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This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax, lending, or insurance advice. Rules, rates, and timelines can change. Before you decide, speak with a loan officer, title company, attorney, or CPA. Nisa Esmer, Florida-licensed REALTOR® (License No. SL3665986), Elite Choice Home Group, Future Home Realty Inc.