Having read "Fatbrits Guide to Credit" I have decided to get an American Express Card here in the UK in advance of moving over to Richmond VA (Sept/Oct next year).

Has anyone any experience of doing this - will it help with my future credit score in the States ?

Also, does it matter if I get a Credit or Charge card ?

Thanks.

Carl.

PS - I notice Capitol One are based in the Richmond area... Does anyone know if going with them would help ?

We got our Amex card in Feb 08 and used it once before moving to the US in June 08, once we were here we called them and did a 'Global Transfer' of our UK card and received a US card with $5000 credit. It did not give us an instant credit rating but did give us a credit card to use as our chosen bank (Chase) would not give us any more than a $500 credit limit. Since then we have increased out Amex limit to $10,000 and our Chase Visa to $1,500.

I had a UK Amex for 3 years before moving to the US. Amex US backdated my start date to match the UK card opening under their Global Transfer system.

I have no doubt that has helped build my credit history and rating.

Definitely do it.

When you get here check out some credit unions. More details can be found on the creditboards.com forums.

Thanks for the quick replies...

Applying now !

Carl.

It'll help you get some credit history and a start to a score, which will make your life easier.

You still have to go through the ball ache of getting a varied credit history in the US, but this will be a big boost. The actual score is also pretty meaningless, so don't worry about it.

I second that. DO IT.

if you have a secondary card holder, be aware the card and credit history will only show up in the main card holders name, my Hubby has had an Amex card for 16yrs and it shows on his US credit score, I've been on the account for 2yrs and I don't show up at all so have no headstart on the credit rating!.

Thanks correct. Hence the name ‘secondary / additional / supplementary’ card. It’s not a joint account…

What's the difference?

Rene

Charge card does not have a pre set spending limit. The authorization system (American express) will approve transactions based on one’s monthly pattern of spending. Credit card has a set limit.

I don’t think so it makes any difference. What American express wants to see is a 12 month (good) overseas payment history.

Have you checked the regulations? The website states you must be a cardholder for 12 months before being eligibile to participate in the global transfer scheme:

To be eligible for a Card transfer, your Consumer Card must be issued by American Express. You must be the Basic Cardholder, and have held the Card for at least 12 months.

https://www.americanexpress.com/glob...er_us_en.shtml

IIRC the charge cards will have to be paid off every month, whereas you can carry a balance on the credit card.

Correct. Standard Amex charge card must be paid in full by the due date.

This is all good to know as I have an American Express card. My question, however, is that presumably you need a US-based account first? Otherwise my amex bill will still be cleared by the account I use to pay it?

It does sound much better than starting from scratch in any case.

When I called Amex (US) earlier this year, they basically looked at my UK-based account and opened a new account for my US Amex so I currently have two Amex accounts with the one in the UK not being used at the moment.

Actually I probably should get in gear and close the UK one...