Want Credit?

[Canadiandggal 49]

Could you please tell us what accounts your were added to? the companies?

[Gypsyangel 11]

Also, as soon as you can, get U.S. credit cards using your Canadian SIN. You can do this before you move. The bank cards like Visa or American Express probably won't do this, but try department stores or other retail cards like Best Buy or Victoria's Secret. These are usually easier to get. Target's Visa card also a good one (because you can use it anywhere), though I understand that'####### or miss.

The way I got my cards was just by buying something and then they ask if you have one of their cards and I said, "no, I'm Canadian", and they replied, "you can still get one". They took my SIN and I waited while they got it approved right in the store.

I did this and then when I moved to the U.S. I transferred the cards from my Canadian SIN to my U.S. SSN.

The reason to do this is that one of the factors that goes into your credit score is how long you've had U.S. credit. To my surprise, when I looked at my credit report recently, it gave me history right back to when I received those cards, even though I had them on my Canadian SIN for a couple of years.

So, now I've been in the U.S. for two years, but I have four years worth of credit history. It doesn't sound like much, but it helps your score in the short term.

Also, when I arrived in the U.S. I already had credit cards. It was nice to have my own Visa card (from Target) and not have to rely on my husband, use my Canadian credit card, or wait around until someone decided I could have one.

[Moosker 7]

Well be aware that Macy's will not report your credit unless you don't pay (hence why I had no credit score). My husband just asked to add me to his Discover Card as a fully authorized user/account holder, they didn't even ask for my SSN so that was a bit odd, but did get my birth date....obviously it worked!

[Inky 1,111]

Capital One asked my husband for my SSN when we added me to his card as an authorized user. Took a while but after a few months waiting I got 2 offers from them in the mail, 1 cash back master card and 1 platinum visa card offer with reward miles.

[Colleens 40]

We went the route of getting a secured credit card and within about 2 months I started recieving credit card applications in the mail. Most are for capital one...sometimes I get 3 a week from them!! But have got a couple others....can't recall what ones tho.

[OBX 51]

That hasn't worked for my wife so far. I've had her as an authorized user on my Chase credit card about a year ago and she still has no credit history. I don't see how it could have worked since Chase does not ask for a SSN or any id when adding an authorized user.

I've had the same experience with Chase so with no luck after a year and still no credit I've given up for now.

[nickbits 43]

I've had the same experience with Chase so with no luck after a year and still no credit I've given up for now.

She even got denied for $300 BOA secured card! #######?! That's the card I got when I had no credit history.

I'm guessing it's becuase she has no job right now but it did ask for household income on the app and I figured it would be fine with just that, but no luck.

I'm going to add her to our utility bill which I know will show up on her credit report, and try again with a secured card after she has a job.

Also, I just checked and my BOA CC does ask for SSN/DOB when adding an AU, so I'm gonna look into adding her to that.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Like I said in another post above, it really matters on how they---the person on the phone at the CC company puts you on the account---As I recall, we had to talk with several people before they got the drift on what we wanted,lol And ya, each CC company is different, just another frustration to deal with! As well see if you can take over the phone bill or some sort of utility. Some will do it with no deposit.

[Canadiandggal 49]

I have the electric bill in my name, has been in my name since he moved to a different area and wanted me to do it for him, instead i ended up having it put in my name but they never asked for SSN just my passport.

[lgg 2]

Yeah, that's what we did too -- my husband put me on his Chase card and as soon as i got here I got my own credit card and had a really great credit score based only on that card he'd put me on as secondary card holder. It's pretty great, actually to have a good credit score already -- that's the main thing.

Good luck, Moosker -- hope the house-hunting goes well.

[Moosker 7]

My last ditch effort was going to do a secured card, we also took out a "mini" loan from the bank, just to float their money for two payments, pay it off, and keep on doing that for a bit. That establishes credit. It was definitely tougher than I realized, but obviously it worked out. Definitely will keep you all posted about the house hunting! I'm sure I'll have home ownership questions for all the VJ members eventually!

[nickbits 43]

Update:

I emailed Chase and Bank of America about adding my wife such that it gets reported to he credit agencies. Adding them as an authorized user DOES NOT, but adding them as a co applicant (or something) does.

Both banks are mailing me the required forms.

[brightskte 18]

Mathew got a secured credit card when he first moved down here, and he added me as an authorized user(they asked for SSN and DOB on the webform). It made MY credit score jump 10 points the first month. He's had his card for 2 months now and his score is in the 700s. I had heard on here that sometimes banks look at secured cards a little wary, but when I look at Mathew's credit report all it shows it Capital One, nothing about the type of card. But I guess we'll see when he decides to apply for something new.

Edited October 1, 2010 by Kayla*Mathew