how to establish credit

[milimelo 4,481]

Thanks to everyone for your responses! It's been helpful!

Meanwhile, my experience has indeed been that no-one wants to give me any money.

I tried credit unions (which are said to be nicer than the evil big banks) - nope.

I tried citibank (Have had a credit card, which I still use, with their Belgian branch for 10 years) - nope, "abroad" doesn't count, it's just some mythical place on the dark side of the moon.

I tried to apply for a credit card together with my spouse. They wouldn't do it; since I'm a foreigner, I can't apply jointly with a citizen ; would have to have her get the card first, and then add me. F*** them. (This was at Chase.)

So I've bought the motorcycle I wanted in cash. Too bad, I would've liked to use the opportunity to start some credit, but there was no way.

Guess I'll do the $500 secured card next month. (Spent all my cash on the bike this month .)

Thanks for offering advice or ranting with me a bit! We've got to help each other stay sane, eh

Well the new Credit Card Act that went into force in February certainly does not help new immigrants.

Don't know if you have a job yet or not but 2 months after I started working Chase offered me an unsecured credit card - I didn't even have to ask for it. Ever since I got it they were increasing my credit line limit.

[bowgirl 8]

I applied for a secured credit card at Orchard bank for $200.00 and I opened my own savings account at Capital One.

Edited May 14, 2010 by chris@beth