How to build credit when just moved to USA

[Chloe1981 9]

I'm currently waiting on my AOS to be completed, last week I had my biometrics taken. I married in November last year and I don't have a SSN yet. How do I start to build my credit? I don't have a job yet (no SSN and can't work until AOS complete) my husband and I currently live in an apartment which we rent (he pays the bills). Once I have my SSN can I start to build my credit by opening a bank account and finding a job? We want to buy a house next year and I want to get a head start. Any info is greatly appreciated. This whole situation is very frustrating and I'm losing the will to live with not working haha! I know things will all come together eventually and that it's just a waiting game. I tried to open a joint bank account with my husband but I couldn't because I don't have my SSN. 

Thanks 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

1 minute ago, Chloe1981 said:

I'm currently waiting on my AOS to be completed, last week I had my biometrics taken. I married in November last year and I don't have a SSN yet. How do I start to build my credit? I don't have a job yet (no SSN and can't work until AOS complete) my husband and I currently live in an apartment which we rent (he pays the bills). Once I have my SSN can I start to build my credit by opening a bank account and finding a job? We want to buy a house next year and I want to get a head start. Any info is greatly appreciated. This whole situation is very frustrating and I'm losing the will to live with not working haha! I know things will all come together eventually and that it's just a waiting game. I tried to open a joint bank account with my husband but I couldn't because I don't have my SSN. 

Thanks 

 

One easy recommendation I always make to people is when you get your SSN, apply at your bank for a basic/small credit card, like $500-$1000 credit line. If they don't/won't approve that there are always "secure' credit card options. Basically you give them $500 and they give you a $500 credit card. Then after 6-12 months of good payments/no delinquencies they will reimburse the original $500 you gave and generally increase your credit limit.

 

Generally just get small credit card at first, use it to make like 2-3 purchases a month and always pay them off as soon as you can. this will help start building good credit. 

 

Also buying a car of some type and financing it, this will always help build credit. Hardest part is depending on how much you are going to have to finance, and interest rate. Anything beyond like 8% interest is a lot and if you aren't careful you may end up paying way more than you desired, unless you don't plan to make minimum required payments.. Say you owe $300 a month payment but you intend to pay $400. Then a slightly higher interest rate isn't a total killer; but still I wouldn't accept any financing over 8% myself.

[ddtenor2 80]

When we were married and my husband had his SSN, I added him as an authorized user to my existing credit card.  Capital One said his activity would be reported under his SSN.  Within 3 months of using the card, he started getting "pre-approved"  applications from other credit card companies.  I doubt those would have come along unless he had already started building is credit score.

[Crazy Cat 41,851]

4 minutes ago, ddtenor2 said:

When we were married and my husband had his SSN, I added him as an authorized user to my existing credit card.  Capital One said his activity would be reported under his SSN.  Within 3 months of using the card, he started getting "pre-approved"  applications from other credit card companies.  I doubt those would have come along unless he had already started building is credit score.

Exactly the same with us......except it was CitiBank......within 3 months, my wife had a great credit report...

[Cam54 84]

Joint bank accounts and credit card with my husband did the trick for me! My credit is now better than his after I'd been here for only 2 years 

[Derwood 203]

Do you have a UK issued American Express card? You can use their international card transfer service, which will give you a US American Express card (you get to retain your UK one) and your new account retains your original member since date. That helps your credit score a lot.

 

You probably will need an SSN to do that though.

Edited March 9, 2018 by Derwood

[Ausa 66]

3 hours ago, Derwood said:

Do you have a UK issued American Express card? You can use their international card transfer service, which will give you a US American Express card (you get to retain your UK one) and your new account retains your original member since date. That helps your credit score a lot.

 

You probably will need an SSN to do that though.

^This.

 

I had AMEX in Australia and it was a seamless process getting one when I moved here. 

[mrs thb 331]

Not all is true with all companies.  I got a Macy's card instantly when I moved here 2 years ago.  Pay it off every time.  Have a visa and mc, joint, with husband, which we also pay off each month.  Today I tried to get a Best Buy credit card as I wanted to take advantage of the 10% discount on my purchase and I was denied.  My husband and I both have an excellent credit rating but evidently this wasn't good enough for Best Buy.  Of course I was stunned but I just moved on.  I've never been denied a credit card and so this came as a big surprise.  Now I am wondering how credit really is developed here in the US, especially since I'm finding the majority live well beyond their means.

[JFH 12,190]

*~*~*moved from "US citizenship discussion" to "taxes and finances"*~*~*

[Plushiguana 0]

If you are married, the best option is to join to your spouse as an authorized user. I started my credit by myself. After 3 months of employment, I applied for a card at Capital One, they gave me a tiny amount ($250), but I was very happy. Within 6 months the credit limit was increased. Then I applied for store cards (VS, Trek, Samsung/Apple...etc.) and after a year or so I had excellent credit and the credit limit on these cards became way higher. Buying a car and having a clear payment history on it helps, as well.

(And if you are planning to buy a home - and you are a first timer - it is worth checking if there is any first time home buyer program where you live, it gives financial assistance for the down payment - there's in Florida.)

[little immigrant 801]

Everything everyone has said. I'd like to add something though. I added my husband as an authorized user under his passport number. This way he started creating a credit file. As soon as he got his EAD and SSN we updated our credit card with it. The next month he started showing a credit score under creditkarma

[Crazy Cat 41,851]

2 minutes ago, little immigrant said:

Everything everyone has said. I'd like to add something though. I added my husband as an authorized user under his passport number. This way he started creating a credit file. As soon as he got his EAD and SSN we updated our credit card with it. The next month he started showing a credit score under creditkarma

I love creditkarma.  They are an excellent, no cost, accurate  way to monitor credit scores and credit reports....

[Loren Y 2,755]

Even without a SS number you can get your fiancee added to one of your credit cards. I added her to a Citi Bank card of mine because there are no foreign transaction fees and she has it and uses it for small purchases and will use it for the medical exam, Visa fees ,etc. And it saves me a ton of fees transferring money. Well maybe not tons because international IIT are free for me, but don't have to wait the few days for it to transfer, and once she gets here and gets a SSN, I call and add it, then she will have 12 months payment history on her records instantly.

[kris&me 572]

Adding you to the rent agreement and other bills (if paid on time ) will establish your credit

credit cards are often  a good way to get into trouble

when you start to work,  put money in savings for the down payment of the house you want

[Crazy Cat 41,851]

41 minutes ago, Loren Y said:

Even without a SS number you can get your fiancee added to one of your credit cards. I added her to a Citi Bank card of mine because there are no foreign transaction fees and she has it and uses it for small purchases and will use it for the medical exam, Visa fees ,etc. And it saves me a ton of fees transferring money. Well maybe not tons because international IIT are free for me, but don't have to wait the few days for it to transfer, and once she gets here and gets a SSN, I call and add it, then she will have 12 months payment history on her records instantly.

I am not saying you are wrong, but I thought credit records (not the Credit card) were strictly tied to SSN.  How can she have a payment history with no SSN?