Why do I feel 2 inches tall

[J&K 0]

Thanks J&K for some of the tips! I had considered doing the secured CC at Bank of America, but I figured it couldn't go wrong at Target since I've been here for a year and a half.

If you are still looking at the secured card from Band of America (and anyone else who might be in the same boat of trying to establish and build credit), their 99/500 Card would be a great option. With $99 as your secured deposit, they give you a $500 limit. Then, after a year, and good history with it, you can request to have it unsecured (they will give your $99 back) and possibly raise your limit.

This way you don't have to shell out $500 (that you may not have at the moment) and you can begin your way to building new credit down here

[thetreble 19]

So if you are just starting out, yes these limits are ok, because you are a risk to begin with. But, if you can get Credit Limit Increases, or higher Credit Limits, go for it. I'm not saying you have to use them, that's where good debt management comes in handy, and that's a WHOLE other dimension

I have a mortgage and two car loans...I think I'm doing okay in the credit limit department.

[JillA 2]

This discussion makes me think I better start doing something to build my US credit. In Canada I had excellent credit, I had an auto loan and several CC's that were always paid on time. In a few years, we would like to buy a home so I know we'll run into trouble without any credit on my name. I got a joint CC when arriving here with my husband's bank but I better get one in my own name.

[Teacher Mark 53]

You should thank them and pay cash.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

You should thank them and pay cash.

Dude - the point of this is that you can't live and do certain things without a good credit rating - it's a fact. Any of those big ticket items like a house or car or college tuition (gasp) require you to get a loan and that requires credit!

I agree though, paying cash should always be the option for everyday stuff

[Teacher Mark 53]

I'm busting your chops. There are a lot of people getting denied right now. Retail type credit cards have always been tough. It's too hard for them to repo the items purchased.

Having a big down payment on the "big ticket" items usually gets the job done.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I'm busting your chops. There are a lot of people getting denied right now. Retail type credit cards have always been tough. It's too hard for them to repo the items purchased.

Having a big down payment on the "big ticket" items usually gets the job done.

now that I'm having lunch, I can be calmer....you sillykins

[J&K 0]

So if you are just starting out, yes these limits are ok, because you are a risk to begin with. But, if you can get Credit Limit Increases, or higher Credit Limits, go for it. I'm not saying you have to use them, that's where good debt management comes in handy, and that's a WHOLE other dimension

I have a mortgage and two car loans...I think I'm doing okay in the credit limit department.

Sheesh, As I said in my original post, it was just for information's sake.

Great, you have a home and two car loans.

Not everyone can say that.

What I have been posting are things that I have learned and used for about 3 years now, and I just like to help others. You can choose to take the information for yourself or not I'm not forcing anyone to.

Here's another tid bit to add to my original post about higher limits...It will help with Utilization which if you keep your Balances low (which can be hard for some) will help your fico score.

If you have a $500 limit card, and put a balance of $250 on it, bam, there goes your utilization...its at 50%.

If you have a $10,000 card, and spend $250, you have practically no utilization.

Again, It's All Just Information, I'm not forcing you out there to get a high limit card. Plus, in today;s market, if you have already started establishing credit, great, start building age on those tradelines and worry about gaining more tradelines later. You won't have to worry about inquries, or about being denied.

Edited February 18, 2009 by J&K

[Gypsyangel 11]

I just got my first credit card offer in the mail (from Amex). I started establishing credit in September, but I haven't checked my FICO score or anything yet. I didn't think I'd have a score yet. I'm nervous about applying and being denied and it affecting my score. Anyone know about chances of being approved if they send something to you?

After reading these posts, I was thinking of going to my bank and getting a bank credit card when I get my green card (any day now I hope!) and driver's licence.

Thanks for all the advice! It's a great help.

[J&K 0]

I just got my first credit card offer in the mail (from Amex). I started establishing credit in September, but I haven't checked my FICO score or anything yet. I didn't think I'd have a score yet. I'm nervous about applying and being denied and it affecting my score. Anyone know about chances of being approved if they send something to you?

After reading these posts, I was thinking of going to my bank and getting a bank credit card when I get my green card (any day now I hope!) and driver's licence.

Thanks for all the advice! It's a great help.

I would Not apply for the card.

Reasons? This is most likely a Pre-SELECTED offer. If you read the fine print, it probably states that IF you are approved, blah blah blah.

Or, it says Pre-Approved* and the asterisk will explain it's a pre-selection.

Go with your gut and apply for a bank credit card. They are more likely to approve you.

[trailmix 77]

This discussion makes me think I better start doing something to build my US credit. In Canada I had excellent credit, I had an auto loan and several CC's that were always paid on time. In a few years, we would like to buy a home so I know we'll run into trouble without any credit on my name. I got a joint CC when arriving here with my husband's bank but I better get one in my own name.

Jill do you have a Canadian Am Express card? If so you might want to do a global transfer. You mention your cards were always paid on time so they will probably be happy to offer you a U.S. Am Express card.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

J&K - your comments were very helpful. A progress report on my end. I went to the Annual credit report site a to order the 3 reports. Thus far have heard back from Transunion by mail and I need to send some additional info - they say (and I quote) that the address they have for me does not match the current address they have for me on record'...the plot thickens! I can provide a recent bill, paystub etc...to confirm my current address.

Me thinks that - when we moved last Oct and I changed my address at USCIS, this DID NOT translate into my address being changed st the SSN office - that's all I can come up with. UCIS confirmed that my address change was fine already. Anyone one know how to contact the SSN folks without having to physically make a trip to that office?

This is a good thing, I am also going to write back to the Target folks and offer some eprsonal explanation for my situation and offer up my CDN SIN #, perhaps they will take pity on me and review my Cdn credit score - can only hope. At least their letter suggested that I write back with any question or with any further information.

Edited February 23, 2009 by Udella&Wiz

[J&K 0]

J&K - your comments were very helpful.

This is a good thing, I am also going to write back to the Target folks and offer some eprsonal explanation for my situation and offer up my CDN SIN #, perhaps they will take pity on me and review my Cdn credit score - can only hope. At least their letter suggested that I write back with any question or with any further information.

I'm glad that I'm able to help out

Go ahead and call Target. I'll see if I can dig up a backdoor number for you. Tell them your situation. They may well go ahead and pull your Canadian report.

When I applied, I found out through the supervisor I spoke to that there was some inconsistencies on my Canadian Equifax report, so I had to send proof of my identity to them. Which took me longer to get the card, but I did get it!

[J&K 0]

Target Number: 1-888-755-5856

It will ask you for your Target Card number, just put in all zeros and it should eventually transfer you to a human being.

There you can ask for a recon by using your SIN Number...make sure you explain it's the Canadian one you may not get someone who knows what it is.

Also, if they refuse to do it, ask to speak to a supervisor. Don't give up until you've exhausted all resources!

Good Luck!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Target Number: 1-888-755-5856

It will ask you for your Target Card number, just put in all zeros and it should eventually transfer you to a human being.

There you can ask for a recon by using your SIN Number...make sure you explain it's the Canadian one you may not get someone who knows what it is.

Also, if they refuse to do it, ask to speak to a supervisor. Don't give up until you've exhausted all resources!

Good Luck!

Thanks Girl!