Jump to content
jenart

No Credit History!

 Share

18 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

Filed: Other Country: United Kingdom
Timeline

We are retired and do not wish to get credit. We have been through all that in our 'younger days' - as most people do in order to get a good standard of living. As you get older you work hard to save enough money to be able to afford to buy whatever you need and pay off your mortgage - you don't want to reach retirement still owing any money to anyone. OK the majority here haven't reached this point yet - but I'm sure thats the point you are all heading for.

We are building our home and want to take advantage of store offers in order to equip our home and in particular our kitchen. So we choose all the appliances at this particular store and in order to get the best deal we need to take out a Store Credit Card - which will give us 20% off the total of 3 or more appliances (range - dishwasher & microwave). So we complete all the forms - the assistant taps it into the computer - and we are refused!!!!!!! The reason being we have no credit history - for heavens sake we want to pay cash - whats the problem??????????? We sold our home back in the UK we have enough to pay........ Yes we can buy the items - but because we don't have a store credit card we miss out on the 20% discount - HOW LUDICROUS IS THAT??????????

We can't get a credit card therefore even if we wanted to we can't get anything on credit - so if we can't get anything on credit HOW CAN WE GET A CREDIT HISTORY?????????????? :crying::unsure::(

Edited by jenart

For detailed timeline - click on my name - then read our story

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline

I know - it sucks. One of the easiest ways to start your credit history is to take out a small loan through your bank. If you don't need it, even better! Then, pay it back in a timely way. You can also apply for one of the secured credit cards where you put aside a deposited amount - say $500 - and then use it to buy on credit against that amount. See if you can get a store credit card for something like Sears or a gas credit card. Do you pay utilities for your home? Regular payment on such type of accounts eventually add up with a credit rating as well. These are some suggestions anyway. I am sure others will have more. Good luck.

“...Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?”

. Lucy Maude Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

5892822976_477b1a77f7_z.jpg

Another Member of the VJ Fluffy Kitty Posse!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Mexico
Timeline

Most people also start with department store credit cards as well as with utilities to build their credit as Kathryn41 stated.

Since college students with zero credit get credit card offers, I can't imagine it would be all that difficult if you applied for one. Your experience in the store seems very unusual to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: India
Timeline

I had no credit history when I arrived in USA 18 months ago. B of A refused me for their bank credit card but instead let me get a secured card for $99 and limit of $500. I used that on small purchases (like gas) which I pay in full every month. Now I have several cards (paid in full each month) and offers of many more! It only takes one card to get a credit history – but it takes time. It’s a pain but you need a credit history here, unfortunately. It won't hurt and it’s good for emergencies (like 20% off appliances!).

***Nagaraju & Eileen***
K1 (Fiance Visa)
Oct 18, 2006: NOA1
Feb 8, 2007: NOA2
April 13, 2007: INTERVIEW in Chennai -Approved
May 25, 2007: USA Arrival! EAD at JFK
June 15, 2007: Married
AOS (Adjustment of Status)
June 21, 2007: AOS/EAD Submitted
Sept 18, 2007: AOS Interview - APPROVED!!
ROC (Removing of Conditions)
June 23, 2009: Sent in I-751 packet
Sept 11, 2009: APPROVED!!
Sept 18, 2009: Received 10-year Green Card!

Naturalization
July 15, 2010: Sent N-400 packet
July 23, 2010: NOA Notice date
Oct 15, 2010: Citizenship Interview - Passed!
Nov 15, 2010: Oath Ceremony in Fresno, CA
Nov 24, 2010: Did SSN and Applied for Passport
Dec 6, 2010: Passport Arrives
Dec 7, 2010: Sent for Indian Passport Surrender Certificate
Dec 27, 2010: Surrender Certificate Arrives
Jan 3, 2011: Sent for Overseas Citizenship of India Card
March 1, 2011: Received OCI card!

Divorce

Feb 2015:​ Found out he was cheating (prostitutes / escorts)

​May 2015: Divorce Final

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I work in a store and have only one piece of advice - Ask to see the manager. If you have $$$ to spend here more than anywhere they want your $$$ and if you explain your predicament and state clearly and politely that if they dont want your money at their best deals i.e with the max credit card discount then your happy to do business elsewhere where they would like you business I believe you will find him/her happy to negotiate. Here the customer truly is king and they have plenty of room to negotiate s hold you rground don't be fobbed off and you will get the best of both worlds cash deal bottom price I see it every day just be insistent and make sure you go to the top.

LifeacrossthePond

Removing Conditions (here we go again)

July 27th I-751 sent to Nebraska

July 30th USPS delivered

Aug 22nd check cashed

Aug 23rd I797C received - case been transferred to California

Aug 29th Biometrics Appt Letter arrived

Sept 12th Biometrics Appt Pittsburgh

Sept 24th email notice of Approval - card ordered !!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I work in a store and have only one piece of advice - Ask to see the manager. If you have $$$ to spend here more than anywhere they want your $$$ and if you explain your predicament and state clearly and politely that if they dont want your money at their best deals i.e with the max credit card discount then your happy to do business elsewhere where they would like you business I believe you will find him/her happy to negotiate. Here the customer truly is king and they have plenty of room to negotiate s hold you rground don't be fobbed off and you will get the best of both worlds cash deal bottom price I see it every day just be insistent and make sure you go to the top.

Hi Jenny, I think that is sound advice from widge, I know when I had a business if some one wanted to pay cash, I was more than happy to take it, after all by doing that I did not have to pay charges from the credit company. I would do what Widge suggests and get a grip of the manager, bet you get them, with the discount, use your English charm :yes:

On a side note jenny ........12 days to go :lol:

Val

[The reason god put spaces in between your fingers was so another person's hands could fill it up.

CHERISH YESTERDAY, LIVE TODAY AND DREAM TOMORROW

Life is like a song... Sing it.

Life is like a challenge... Pursue it.

Life is like a sacrifice... Offer it.

Life is love... Enjoy it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Brazil
Timeline

If everything is in my husband's name, how do we (the foreign spouse) build credit in this country?

(Puerto Rico) Luis & Laura (Brazil) K1 JOURNEY
04/11/2006 - Filed I-129F.
09/29/2006 - Visa in hand!

10/15/2006 - POE San Juan
11/15/2006 - MARRIAGE

AOS JOURNEY
01/05/2007 - AOS sent to Chicago.
03/26/2007 - Green Card in hand!

REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS JOURNEY
01/26/2009 - Filed I-751.
06/22/2009 - Green Card in hand!

NATURALIZATION JOURNEY
06/26/2014 - N-400 sent to Nebraska
07/02/2014 - NOA
07/24/2014 - Biometrics
10/24/2014 - Interview (approved)

01/16/2015 - Oath Ceremony


*View Complete Timeline

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi -

I agree with the other postings - its a big pain in the ### - but its the American way - and you just have to play the game! :help:

I got myself a secured Visa card from the bank (I have to leave $1000 security on the account) - and i use that card all the time to build credit.

I was then able to use my SS number to get a Phone line (utility bill) in my name.

I didnt want or need either of these things - its just what you have to do :wacko:

Best of luck with the house :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Peru
Timeline

Working in a major dept store, I totally disagree. They're giving you the 20% off because the card makes them more money in the long run. Ask for a manager. I doubt it will get you anywhere, because I've dealt with the same thing and a manager (at a store that does anything for the customers) just tells them, that's how the promotion is, basically not our problem you have no credit.

I work in a store and have only one piece of advice - Ask to see the manager. If you have $$$ to spend here more than anywhere they want your $$$ and if you explain your predicament and state clearly and politely that if they dont want your money at their best deals i.e with the max credit card discount then your happy to do business elsewhere where they would like you business I believe you will find him/her happy to negotiate. Here the customer truly is king and they have plenty of room to negotiate s hold you rground don't be fobbed off and you will get the best of both worlds cash deal bottom price I see it every day just be insistent and make sure you go to the top.

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

this is the way the world ends

not with a bang but a whimper

[ts eliot]

aos timeline:

married: jan 5, 2007

noa 1: march 2nd, 2007

interview @ tampa, fl office: april 26, 2007

green card received: may 5, 2007

removal of conditions timeline:

03/26/2009 - received in VSC

07/20/2009 - card production ordered!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Other Country: United Kingdom
Timeline

Thanks all for your input. Advice taken - we went to see the Store Manager and she was very understanding and apparently had given it thought over the weekend realising that we would make GOOD customers - so even tho she couldn't give us a store credit card said they would be happy to honour the 20% in our case.

She said this situation also happens with Canadian and Mexican customers who had good credit ratings and even the same store cards but in their own countries - the credit company didn't recognise them in the US and were unable by law to trace the credit history.

So I will get the kitchen I really want after all - thank goodness as I didn't want to start over looking for something else. BTW the appliances were the stores homebrand so I wouldn't have been able to get them anywhere else! I had already checked out other brands and the range in particular was one without an element on the bottom which most other brands have unless you want to pay much more. Having an element on the bottom makes it very awkward to clean - I know my daughter has one....

So at least thats a happy ending.....

Edited by jenart

For detailed timeline - click on my name - then read our story

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks all for your input. Advice taken - we went to see the Store Manager and she was very understanding and apparently had given it thought over the weekend realising that we would make GOOD customers - so even tho she couldn't give us a store credit card said they would be happy to honour the 20% in our case.

She said this situation also happens with Canadian and Mexican customers who had good credit ratings and even the same store cards but in their own countries - the credit company didn't recognise them in the US and were unable by law to trace the credit history.

So I will get the kitchen I really want after all - thank goodness as I didn't want to start over looking for something else. BTW the appliances were the stores homebrand so I wouldn't have been able to get them anywhere else! I had already checked out other brands and the range in particular was one without an element on the bottom which most other brands have unless you want to pay much more. Having an element on the bottom makes it very awkward to clean - I know my daughter has one....

So at least thats a happy ending.....

:dance::thumbs::dance::thumbs: :thumbs: :dance:

So glad it all worked out ......... knew that $$$$ walking out the door is an inspirational factor to managers Enjoy the new kitchen :dance: :dance:

LifeacrossthePond

Removing Conditions (here we go again)

July 27th I-751 sent to Nebraska

July 30th USPS delivered

Aug 22nd check cashed

Aug 23rd I797C received - case been transferred to California

Aug 29th Biometrics Appt Letter arrived

Sept 12th Biometrics Appt Pittsburgh

Sept 24th email notice of Approval - card ordered !!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Canada
Timeline
http://www.appliance411.com/ Good info on appliances, one can find out who actually made the product, as many may have the stores brand on them, but in actuality made by someone else. Sears does this all the time with their Kenmore products. Glad it all worked out.

Canadians Visiting the USA while undergoing the visa process, my free advice:

1) Always tell the TRUTH. never lie to the POE officer

2) Be confident in ur replies

3) keep ur response short and to the point, don't tell ur life story!!

4) look the POE officer in the eye when speaking to them. They are looking for people lieing and have been trained to find them!

5) Pack light! No job resumes with you

6) Bring ties to Canada (letter from employer when ur expected back at work, lease, etc etc)

7) Always be polite, being rude isn't going to get ya anywhere, and could make things worse!!

8) Have a plan in case u do get denied (be polite) It wont harm ur visa application if ur denied,that is if ur polite and didn't lie! Refer to #1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Other Country: Canada
Timeline
Yes we can buy the items - but because we don't have a store credit card we miss out on the 20% discount - HOW LUDICROUS IS THAT??????????We can't get a credit card therefore even if we wanted to we can't get anything on credit - so if we can't get anything on credit HOW CAN WE GET A CREDIT HISTORY?????????????? :crying::unsure::(

It is basic economics. They offer the discount if you use their credit card because MOST people who do this will not pay the balance in full right away, and they will more than make their money back on the interest. If you pay cash, then they will not make the money back from you, so why should they give you the discount? It's just asking them to give money away.

Get with the modern world, and get yourself some credit. Having credit does NOT mean you have to be in debt.

Cheers!

AKDiver

PEOPLE: READ THE APPLICATION FORM INSTRUCTIONS!!!! They have a lot of good information in them! Most of the questions I see on VJ are clearly addressed by the form instructions. Give them a read!! If you are unable to understand the form instructions, I highly recommend hiring someone who does to help you with the process. Our process, from K-1 to Citizenship and U.S. Passport is completed. Good luck with your process.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Timeline
Having credit does NOT mean you have to be in debt.

Cheers!

AKDiver

Jen, glad you got your kitchen at the discounted price, but I have to say I think this is very sage advice that AK has given.

Edited by LisaD
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Mexico
Timeline

I just called one of my credit card companies to ask what my fiance could do to build credit once he moves here in a week or so and the answer I got was to add him to my credit card as an authorized user (not as a coapplicant). He only needs a social security number for this. He will receive a credit card identical to mine but with his name on it, and he will build a credit history as he uses it and I pay it off monthly (the account would remain in my name). The guy I spoke with also warned me that if I mess up my credit, that would automatically mess up my fiance's credit (which would never happen in my case). I hope this works to get him started and then he can open his own credit card.

08/09/06 - sent I-129F

08/11/06 - I-129F received at NSC (later transferred to CSC)

08/17/06 - I-129F returned because of expired form

08/24/06 - sent I-129F again

08/31/06 - NOA1

11/17/06 - NOA2

11/27/06 - NVC received file

11/29/06 - NVC sent file to CDJ :)

01/29/07 - CDJ "received" file and sent packet - wooohooo!!!

02/05/07 - I received the packet at last!!!

02/13/07 - Medical Exam

02/14/07 - INTERVIEW - VISA RECEIVED!!! :) :)

02/19/07 - US Entry

03/02/07 - Applied for SSN

03/09/07 - SSN card came in the mail

03/09/07 - Civil Wedding!!

08/11/07 - Big Religious Wedding!!! (we've been planning it since July '06!)

AOS/EAD

04/09/07 - sent I-485 & I-765 by FedEx

04/11/07 - I-485 & I-765 arrived in Chicago

04/17/07 - NOA1 date for both

04/20/07 - NOA1 received in mail for both; checks cashed

04/23/07 - touch

04/27/07 - received Biometrics letter

05/16/07 - AOS transferred to CSC

05/21/07 - Biometrics

05/22/07 - touch AOS & EAD

06/03/07 - received email that AOS is pending at CSC

06/05/07 - touch on AOS

06/14/07 - touch on AOS

06/25/07 - EAD card production ordered!

06/25/07 - touch on AOS

06/26/07 - Green card approved & welcome notice sent!! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...