Why is credit so important for foreign students? Having a good credit score in the USA can go a long way. Without a credit history in the US, you’ll find it exceptionally difficult to rent an apartment, buy a car – and in some cases, even get the job you want. You need to build credit in the US to live a comfortable life.And because credit scoring and history are bound to geography, the progress you made in your home country means nothing once you cross international borders.