What happens to my credit if I get a new SSN?

Asked by: Shanel Gaylord  |  Last update: January 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (68 votes)

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts for repairing bad credit, and changing your SSN won't change your credit history. Getting out of debt and building better credit habits can improve your score over time.

What are the consequences of changing Social Security number?

Changing your SSN can also make your life more complicated. It can be harder to get a passport, receive financial aid, and build your credit history. Some lenders may not want to grant you credit or loans due to an absence of credit history.

What are the cons of getting a new Social Security number?

In fact, there are drawbacks to changing your number. It could result in losing your credit history, your academic records, and your professional degrees.

What does getting a new Social Security number do?

Acceptable reasons for obtaining a new number include ongoing identity theft or threat of personal harm, such as from domestic violence. Receiving a new number doesn't erase the old one, which will remain on file at government agencies and some businesses.

How to build credit with a new Social Security number?

5 Tips for Immigrants that Want to Build Credit
  1. Apply for a Social Security Number. ...
  2. Open a Secured Credit Card. ...
  3. Apply for a Credit-Builder Loan. ...
  4. Use Your Accounts Responsibly. ...
  5. Monitor Your Credit Score and Credit Report.

STOLEN Social Security Number? | This is What REALLY Happens

24 related questions found

What happens to my credit when I get a new Social Security number?

When issuing a new SSN, the Social Security Administration (SSA) links your old number to your new one so you'll still be associated with all wages earned. As long as you let lenders know that you've changed your number, credit bureaus will be able to connect your credit history to your new SSN.

How do I lock my Social Security number and credit?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

What happens after you change your SSN?

Changing your SSN may cause inaccuracies in your credit report, as your information may not transfer completely to your new SSN. As a result, your credit report may reflect an incomplete credit history, which can result in a lower credit score. This may cause lenders to deny applications for new credit.

What is my credit score if I just got my Social Security number?

You simply won't have a score at all. That's because your credit scores aren't calculated until a lender or another entity requests them to determine your creditworthiness.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

Order your Social Security Statement.

You can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your statement online. Alternatively, you can print, complete, and send Form SSA-7004 to submit your request by mail. However, be aware that receiving your information this way can take 4–6 weeks.

How can I reset my Social Security account?

If you forgot username and/or password, you may click "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" in the login screen here: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ If you still have trouble, or if your account has been locked, you may call 800_772_1213 between 8am and 7pm local time and say "Help Desk" at the voice prompt.

How many times can you get your SSN replaced?

You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime. We may allow for reasonable exceptions to these limits on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances.

How do I transfer my credit score to my new Social Security number?

Notify the IRS: Inform the IRS of your new SSN so they can link your previous tax records with the new number. Contact credit bureaus: Reach out to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to update your information and request a transfer of credit history from your ITIN to your SSN.

Is it illegal to have two social security numbers?

No. You are only allowed by law to have one social security number. The question is… why would you even want 2 SS numbers? The only reason that the government will assume is that you have 2 of them for fraud purposes and that there was likely fraud involved to even get 2 of them since they require a birth certificate.

Can I legally change my SSN?

To change your Social Security number, you'll need to: Contact your local Social Security office. Schedule an in-person appointment to apply for a new number. Gather all the necessary documents, which must be original or certified copies.

What happens when you get a new social security card?

Once you've followed all the steps to get your replacement Social Security card, it's wise to take action to protect yourself. You may have received a new physical card, but your Social Security number will remain unchanged, and anyone who comes into possession of your old card can use it to commit fraud.

Is 650 a good credit score?

A FICO® Score of 650 places you within a population of consumers whose credit may be seen as Fair. Your 650 FICO® Score is lower than the average U.S. credit score. Statistically speaking, 28% of consumers with credit scores in the Fair range are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

Does Social Security affect your credit score?

No. When we verify your identity through an Identity Services Provider's "soft inquiry," it will not change your credit score. Your report will show that Social Security made a soft inquiry. Lenders cannot view soft inquiries and they are generally removed from your credit report after 12 months.

Can I lock my Social Security number?

You may not be aware of it, but you can lock your Social Security number to prevent unauthorized access if your SSN has been compromised. To block electronic access to your SSN, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.

How much does it cost to change your SSN?

Changing your name or updating an incorrect birthdate, your sex identification, or your citizenship or legal status is always free. To make changes, you'll need to request a replacement Social Security card. Depending on the change, your application may be completed either online or in person.

Is it hard to replace SSN?

Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for a replacement card online. If not, you'll need to make an appointment at a local office. If you cannot complete the application online using my Social Security, you will need to provide the required documents in person.

How do I check if my SSN is being used?

Check your credit reports

Examine your credit reports to see if there are any new accounts created, unfamiliar charges or unauthorized payments. Since your SSN is required to open new lines of credit or file for a loan, it's important to keep a close eye on your credit reports for any unusual activity.

How much does it cost to lock your Social Security number?

There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below. 5. Review your credit reports carefully.

Can your credit be affected without your Social Security number?

You can have a credit history and credit scores in the U.S. regardless of whether you have an SSN or are a U.S. citizen because the major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — don't require an SSN to create and build a U.S. credit history.