CREDIT CARDS & SCORES: Navigating the U.S. Credit System as a New Immigrant
By Ernest Boniface Makulilo

Navigating the financial system in the United States can be overwhelming-especially for immigrants arriving from countries where credit cards, credit scores, and formal lending institutions are unfamiliar concepts. In this practical and eye-opening guide, Fulbright Scholar and international financial educator Ernest Boniface Makulilo breaks down the complex American credit system into clear, relatable language that speaks directly to the immigrant experience.

This book is more than just a guide to building credit-it is a financial survival manual for newcomers striving to establish themselves in a society where trust is measured by numbers, not relationships.

From understanding how credit cards work to decoding the mysterious three-digit credit score, Ernest empowers readers to:

• Establish credit from scratch

• Use credit responsibly to open doors to housing, employment, and entrepreneurship

• Avoid common traps like high-interest debt, overutilization, and predatory lending

• Learn the difference between informal trust-based lending systems and the U.S. data-driven model of creditworthiness

With real-life examples, immigrant-focused strategies, and financial wisdom earned through experience, CREDIT CARDS & SCORES is the go-to resource for anyone looking to build a strong financial foundation in America.

Whether you're applying for your first credit card, renting your first apartment, or dreaming of launching your own business, this book offers the tools, language, and confidence you need to succeed.

"Understanding credit in America isn't optional-it's essential. If you don't learn the rules, the system will work against you. But if you do, it will unlock opportunity after opportunity. Let me show you how." - Ernest B. Makulilo

Ernest Boniface Makulilo is a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Tanzania. For over 16 years, he has lived in the United States and has established himself as a leading voice in the field of immigration and financial education for newcomers. A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Ernest has combined his personal journey and professional experience to help thousands of immigrants not only understand how to come to America-but how to thrive once they arrive.

As an immigration advisor and financial literacy advocate, Ernest has dedicated his career to helping others navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence. He is also the founder of EBM SCHOLARS and a prominent YouTuber with over 18 million views and hundreds of thousands of subscribers across his social media platforms. His mission is simple but powerful: to equip immigrants with the tools they need to build a stable, prosperous life in the United States.

"Understanding credit in America isn't optional-it's essential. If you don't learn the rules, the system will work against you. But if you do, it will unlock opportunity after opportunity. Let me show you how." - Ernest B. Makulilo