How to establish credit while AOS

[cleverodra 1]

Good evening all,

My wife is AOS and has not received her EAD yet. She has a SS# but lacks a California driver's license.

What are the best way for her to establish credit?

Is she able to apply for a credit card?

Thanks

[Hypnos 6,578]

She can apply but she won't be accepted.

You could have her added as an authorised user of your own account; I believe over time this will contribute to her credit score.

The best way, though, for new immigrants to establish credit is to open either a secured credit card account or take out a secured loan (or both). Secured means you give them a deposit, up front, that they will reclaim if you fail to make payments. Usually it's equal to the credit limit, so you pay $500 for a secured credit card account, for example, and it will have a limit of $500. Use it for your minor monthly purchases, pay off the bill every month, and over time this will build credit.

Most banks or credit unions offer secured credit cards or loans, and are usually happy to do so because they aren't taking on any risk at all.

[canusa920 11]

My husband put me on his credit card through chase, and also put me on our cell bill and gas/water bill!

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

Capital One did have a credit card for newly immigrant customers, not sure if they still have it. Another way to establish credit is with a secured credit card.