Obtaining credit in the US

[lgg 2]

Hey there... just opened up a new bank account this Saturday and while were doing so, the woman did a credit check on my SSN and name just to see -- I had a credit score of 794 or something like that -- shocking as I've only been in the US for 6 weeks or so.

It turns out that a year or so ago when we first started our Visa journey, my husband put me on one of his credit cards as a secondary holder. He only used it to travel and always paid it right off. Thus, my credit score. So, i applied for my own visa card and was approved for quite a high amount. I could NOT believe it.

So, for those of you early in the process or just starting, get your USC spouse to put you on their CC as a secondary holder, it could establish some US credit for you.

One of the easier things I had to do here.

Just thought I'd pass this on.

LGG

[besaangel 18]

Great advice

[Sam and Ben 2]

How did it accumulate credit for you if you didn't have an SSN at the time? Why does that work for some and not others?

Bleh to credit.

[Peachey 10]

Does your husband have the same credit score? Sounds to me like you piggy backed on his credit (which isn't a bad thing if your USC spouse has good credit!)

[zenaxe 22]

Hey there... just opened up a new bank account this Saturday and while were doing so, the woman did a credit check on my SSN and name just to see -- I had a credit score of 794 or something like that -- shocking as I've only been in the US for 6 weeks or so.

It turns out that a year or so ago when we first started our Visa journey, my husband put me on one of his credit cards as a secondary holder. He only used it to travel and always paid it right off. Thus, my credit score. So, i applied for my own visa card and was approved for quite a high amount. I could NOT believe it.

So, for those of you early in the process or just starting, get your USC spouse to put you on their CC as a secondary holder, it could establish some US credit for you.

One of the easier things I had to do here.

Just thought I'd pass this on.

LGG

Good stuff. A few weeks ago, my wife put me on two of the bills and she got me on her visa/mastercard - in fact it arrived (her place) a few days ago. Good tips for sure.

Hard to believe that we are completely starting over when credit checks can be done so easily. We are in a global economy; global business is conducted via the web and cyber world and trillions of dollars change hands electronically so I don't buy the 'well we are in a different country' etc. The fact is information can readily be shared and does daily. This should be no exception because it effects personal economy which affects your ability to spend and buy bigger ticket items.

My rant of the day - well my second rant of the day. The first was when a woman decided to back into my car while it was parked, despite my honking and making noise...Oooops she says. Riiiiiight.

Later...

Edited April 27, 2010 by zenaxe

[besaangel 18]

Cant really answer but I guess its the same thing as I dont have a SSN but have a credit card- of which I have no idea if I have a score or not... Guess we'll have to call the IRS or SSA to find out how this really works.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Few yrs now, maybe 4,lol that suzie orman financial guru chick stated Credit card companies were getting rid of that loop hole--gaining credit by piggybacking onto anothers credit card, but they haven't yet!! One has to use the proper WORDING when it comes to being on another persons credit card! I can't recall what it is. Sorry, not much of a help,lol

[Veronicali 0]

Hey there... just opened up a new bank account this Saturday and while were doing so, the woman did a credit check on my SSN and name just to see -- I had a credit score of 794 or something like that -- shocking as I've only been in the US for 6 weeks or so.

It turns out that a year or so ago when we first started our Visa journey, my husband put me on one of his credit cards as a secondary holder. He only used it to travel and always paid it right off. Thus, my credit score. So, i applied for my own visa card and was approved for quite a high amount. I could NOT believe it.

So, for those of you early in the process or just starting, get your USC spouse to put you on their CC as a secondary holder, it could establish some US credit for you.

One of the easier things I had to do here.

Just thought I'd pass this on.

LGG

If I may ask, what information was needed for your spouse to add you on as a secondary holder? I'll get my husband to do that ASAP while I'm still here in Canada

[lgg 2]

not sure how it works at all, Sam and Ben but my husband has a really good credit score and has for years. We were surprised at the bank too as I had not expected to get a score, never mind a 'good' one. But the lady working with us said that yes, in fact, it was a direct 'piggy pack' on my husband's good credit -- it bled over onto my name/score as well.

I would just suggest that if the USC spouse has a good credit rating, put the non-USC spouse as a secondary card holder, i was expecting to be rejected by Target and Khols and everywhere but now I'm establishing some good ole LGG USA credit.

[lgg 2]

I can see that. I also should state, that for the new card that I'm getting that's all in my own name, we had to show the bank our last two years of joint tax returns and such.

I know nothing about this and to the person that asked, it was as simple as adding me as a secondary card holder. Nothing more complicated than that so...

I think we hit a patch of good luck, good timing and a lucky loophole. I also agree, it's stupid that they can't get our canadian credit reports.

Few yrs now, maybe 4,lol that suzie orman financial guru chick stated Credit card companies were getting rid of that loop hole--gaining credit by piggybacking onto anothers credit card, but they haven't yet!! One has to use the proper WORDING when it comes to being on another persons credit card! I can't recall what it is. Sorry, not much of a help,lol

[Hugglebuggles 60]

That's awesome lgg! Now you don't have to start from the beginning like so many people do.

I'm going to assume that this plan will probably only work for CR-1's? Would a credit card company let you add your fiance(e) as an authorized user on your card? I'm not really sure.

[Sam and Ben 2]

That's awesome lgg! Now you don't have to start from the beginning like so many people do.

I'm going to assume that this plan will probably only work for CR-1's? Would a credit card company let you add your fiance(e) as an authorized user on your card? I'm not really sure.

I was added as a fiancee.

It's definitely not an issue of good credit on hubby's behalf, as we just had his checked when we bought me a car and it was excellent. Apparently it's just an issue of Chase not reporting AUs to the credit bureaus... Some do, some don't, so says the research I've come across.

[lgg 2]

Thanks huggles, I think it was just some good planning ahead and luck combined.

I don't think so, huggles as his CC company required nothing from me. He added me and I didn't even know until he gave me a card when I was visiting. they never asked for a SSN or anything BUT we were already married so... not sure if that is a necessity.

That's awesome lgg! Now you don't have to start from the beginning like so many people do.

I'm going to assume that this plan will probably only work for CR-1's? Would a credit card company let you add your fiance(e) as an authorized user on your card? I'm not really sure.

Sorry sam and ben but not reporting 'us'? as in sometimes they do report the secondary and sometimes they don't?

Just curious... and like i said, I think it's just pure, simple luck for sure.

I was added as a fiancee.

It's definitely not an issue of good credit on hubby's behalf, as we just had his checked when we bought me a car and it was excellent. Apparently it's just an issue of Chase not reporting AUs to the credit bureaus... Some do, some don't, so says the research I've come across.

[Amy and Michael 21]

Just curious - to the original OP - do you know the bank that was the holder of the credit card he added. Another poster said they don't believe Chase reports this info, but do you know what bank it was that your fiance had a credit card through and added you?

Thanks!

[Sam and Ben 2]

Thanks huggles, I think it was just some good planning ahead and luck combined.

I don't think so, huggles as his CC company required nothing from me. He added me and I didn't even know until he gave me a card when I was visiting. they never asked for a SSN or anything BUT we were already married so... not sure if that is a necessity.

Sorry sam and ben but not reporting 'us'? as in sometimes they do report the secondary and sometimes they don't?

Just curious... and like i said, I think it's just pure, simple luck for sure.

From what I've read online, it seems some companies do report AUs to the credit bureaus, some don't, some only report certain aspects, etc. It's bloody confusing. There are multiple user-compiled lists that post experiences as to which companies do and don't. Of course, everyone says Chase does, and yet during our multiple trips to the bank, reps have told us they most certainly do not.

It's supposed to say in the Cardholder agreement. Ours says the information "may" be shared with the various bureaus for authorized users. Heh. How helpful. Ah well.

I'm certainly glad that you found it easy to get a credit card, and kudos to hubby for thinking ahead.