Canadian credit history transfer

[BatmanFlow 481]

Hi guys.

I'll be moving to America soon. I was wondering if my Canadian history would transfer over? My American spouse doesn't have the best credit history (law school loans). So I was wondering if I could transfer my history over? Or can american companies check my credit history?

Also I also have student loans, was wondering how someone in similar situation was going about it. I don't know when I'll find a job in America, so could I still apply for repayment while in America?

Would they believe me when I say I have no job in America? I'm assuming they have no way to check my American files/history.

Thank you.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Some banks and credit card companies that do business in both Canada and the US, like RBC and TD Bank will transfer your info over to the US if you have a account with them., but your actual credit history with the major credit bureaus like TRW or Experian can not be transferred.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Teddy B

[BatmanFlow 481]

Oh ok thanks. So pretty much I'll be scratching from start? The good or the bad won't get transferred over?

I should start ASAP then lol

Thank you.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Oh ok thanks. So pretty much I'll be scratching from start? The good or the bad won't get transferred over?

I should start ASAP then lol

Thank you.

Yes, you'll be starting from scratch. In your case where your spouse does not have good credit, a secured credit card would be the best way for you to start.

[BatmanFlow 481]

Yes, you'll be starting from scratch. In your case where your spouse does not have good credit, a secured credit card would be the best way for you to start.

Oh ok.

I was reading that I could transfer my Amex over? I'll also look into that.

[gwenstar 66]

Yes - exactly everything Teddy B said.

[NikLR 13,227]

I started a bank account with RBC in both Canada and the USA. You can do this in Canada. They will ask you to sign a W8Ben form which basically tells the US to not consider you a resident for tax purposes due a tax treaty with Canada. After I moved to the USA and had my SSN I informed RBC USA that I was in the USA and sent them a W9 form which allows them to treat me as a resident for taxes. They also looked into my Canadian credit history, found it to be rather pleasing, and gave me an unsecured credit card with them. I found this all very easy to do. The credit card was approved over the phone and mailed to me within a week or so. Got a pretty good interest rate. They also sent me a letter that informed me of my Canadian credit score.

[BatmanFlow 481]

I started a bank account with RBC in both Canada and the USA. You can do this in Canada. They will ask you to sign a W8Ben form which basically tells the US to not consider you a resident for tax purposes due a tax treaty with Canada. After I moved to the USA and had my SSN I informed RBC USA that I was in the USA and sent them a W9 form which allows them to treat me as a resident for taxes. They also looked into my Canadian credit history, found it to be rather pleasing, and gave me an unsecured credit card with them. I found this all very easy to do. The credit card was approved over the phone and mailed to me within a week or so. Got a pretty good interest rate. They also sent me a letter that informed me of my Canadian credit score.

Thanks for the advice! I will see if TD has similar offer. I do know they have banks in USA, will see if they have any where I will be settling

[NikLR 13,227]

RBC doesn't actually have any "banks" like I can't just walk into a bank. It's all online which doesn't bother me at all. The US allows you to scan a check and deposit it that way. Canada is faster with transfers because of email money transfers, but I have to meet a Canadian bank or service centre that allows for cheques to be scanned and deposited.

TD should do the same but after reading some reviews on here before I moved, I chose RBC because it seemed like the easier bank to deal with.