Getting a Credit Rating, Unable to do Joint Finances

[rhirhi 35]

I thought it worth mentioning that to get a credit score you have to use the credit card, not just get it. If you pay off the balance each month then you won't have to pay extra to interest. Use up to 25% of the available credit you have per month.

That's a good point. I think I read somewhere that 35% of your credit score is based on your repayments and 30% is based on how much balance you have...so if I only use up to 25% of my balance and pay it off each month I should end up with a good score.

Oh how I wish I could just bring my UK score with me

[slvrfx576 15]

So I've researched this, both on these boards and on other sites, but I can't seem to find anything similar to my situation. Most people seem to have their alien husband/wife set up as joint on their credit cards etc, but we will be unable to do this so I'm worried about building credit.

Our problem is my fiancé's student loan issues. Due to family issues and no fault of his own, he has defaulted on payment of his student loan and is at the stage where they take money from his wages and take his tax returns for repayments. Because of this he's mentioned that it might not be a good idea to file joint tax returns or have a joint bank account in case they go after my money too. I'm assuming that this also means that if I were to be put on his credit card or be linked in any other way to his credit, then that would negatively affect my credit score from the get-go. Correct?

Will being a named tenant on the rental agreement build credit? Will having a regular bank account? Will having a mobile phone? Will being named on utility bills? I've read conflicting views on all of these. I've read about the Capital One cards so that is also another option.

When I get to the US, obviously I'll be trying to build up a credit rating as fast as possible. We will be renting for the first year at the very least, probably 2-3 before looking into getting a mortgage. Is that even realistic, seeing as we will probably only be able to go off my credit rating?

The easiest way to have the IRS not confiscate your refund is to....not have a refund due ! Just adjust your withholding through your employer so that you have not overpaid your tax liability.

[Tintin and Mike 127]

Although Mike is an authorized user to at least 2 of our credit cards already. He finally got his 1st solo secured credit card through his own credit union. He opened savings and checking accounts first then few months later he opened the credit card (only $500 limit).

Good luck!

[AllYouCanEat 3]

rhirhi, this article gives some good ideas if you're starting to build a credit history from scratch:

http://liveworktravelusa.com/build-an-outstanding-credit-history-from_scratch/

[rhirhi 35]

Thanks guys