Easy way to build credit

[jynxNdragnfly 0]

Ok I just wanted to share this as I know there's lots of Canadians who worry about vanishing credit or credit that doesn't transfer once they move over to the US.

I got a Target Visa quite some time ago. I used my canadian SIN, driver's licence and my cdn credit card. I applied at a Target store and had the temporary card (looks like a receipt) within 5 minutes. I got the actual card in the mail at my cdn address a few weeks later and have been using the card ever since in the US when I visit my husband.

I just got off the phone with the nice lady at the 1 800 number. I told her that within a year I would be immigrating to the US and thus getting a social security number. I asked if when I get the new SS if I could just notify them and they could replace my cdn SIN with the US SS and if my credit that I've been building with them thus far would follow onto my SS and she said YES! All I have to do is call and notify them of my new US address and new US SS and voila! I already have some credit established.

So that's a nice easy way to do it I highly recommend their card as the interest rates aren't through the roof and they've been great when I had 2 cases of 'fraud' that happened with my card. Only catch is the maximum limit you'll get is $500 at least for the first year. Oh and you also earn Target points when you use it and for every 1000 you get 10% off of one item.

Happy shopping!

[L_n_O 3]

and since I'm feeling lazy, here's to copy-and-paste =)

I got a Macy's credit card last year... I gave them my SIN card, Citizenship card and Canadian credit card to make an application in a store where I was buying some clothes..

I even get my bills sent to my Canada address..

[trailmix 77]

and they've been great when I had 2 cases of 'fraud' that happened with my card.

That's a really good suggestion - my Mom has a Penney's card, same idea.

Anyhoo, 2 cases of fraud on your card, that seems excessive and horrible!?

Edited August 7, 2007 by trailmix

[jynxNdragnfly 0]

Nah. Basically I ordered something from a company and they never sent it nor responded to my phone calls. So that was one. Another one was some $10 charge that showed up for something and I think someone typed in the wrong credit card number and it just happened to be mine.

[G&A 1]

Thanks so much for that info...you just helped us ALL out

[trailmix 77]

Nah. Basically I ordered something from a company and they never sent it nor responded to my phone calls. So that was one. Another one was some $10 charge that showed up for something and I think someone typed in the wrong credit card number and it just happened to be mine.

Ah, ok, that's completely understandable

[Ecalos 0]

Darn I wish I'd thought of that when I was still in Canada lol.

[Tinker 0]

Just checked, there's a Target in Watertown! I'm going!

I tried online, but you have to have an American address to apply online.

would do it tomorrow, but I have a PHONE CALL to make

Edited August 8, 2007 by Tinker

[jynxNdragnfly 0]

Ya you definately can not apply online. You have to actually go into a store. Glad I was helpful

[misa 2]

Not credit related, but account related (didn't want to start a new post so hope this is okay?).

Anyway, when you do end up getting a U.S. "check card" and want to use it with your Paypal account... no can do. The Canadian accounts ONLY accept cards where the billing address is in Canada. You'll need to start a NEW U.S. account with them or close your Canadian account and start a new U.S. one.

[G&A 1]

Not credit related, but account related (didn't want to start a new post so hope this is okay?).

Anyway, when you do end up getting a U.S. "check card" and want to use it with your Paypal account... no can do. The Canadian accounts ONLY accept cards where the billing address is in Canada. You'll need to start a NEW U.S. account with them or close your Canadian account and start a new U.S. one.

Good to know! thanks

[bradcanuck 1]

I can confirm the Macy's situation - I have done this. They will take CDN, UK etc no problem. So just have your SIN and passporte/DL available in store and you're set. It works!

[Tinker 0]

I'm wandering over to Watertown today. I thought I'd see about the Target and the JC Penny credit cards, I will let you know how it went.

[Jeremy + Kristy 0]

I hope Kristy doesn't see this thread. She'll want to go on a Macy's and Target shopping spree. We have both in our mall. Once upon a time I worked at Target, and we could sign up Canadians for the credit card.

I worked in the electronics area, and I also had a way for Canadians to get DirecTV before it was available over in Canada. They just needed to open a PO Box, first, and register that "address" with DirecTV.

[~Nini~ 2]

Target? Oh hell, you just opened a can of worms...

...but luckily there isn't one near Vancouver, or that would've been messy.