LouisB

Great, thanks.

Was thinking to apply for capital one. Hopefully that an Amex will be useful credit to build up history. Could put everything through it.

LouisB

I have got my SSN now for the record took 6 business days in the end, no problems with it.

Now with US address, SSN and US number think I can apply for credit / the Amex credit x-fer.

Any suggestion what of the vast array of US Amex cards I should pick?

A no-fee would be food, ideally allowing 2 card holders on same account.

Currently have Uk platinum cash back.

jkeller

Amex blue cash everyday card is a no-fee cash back card. Blue preferred has a $95 annual fee, but higher % of cash back on purchases. Look and compare the two on Amex's site to see if either meet your needs. If you end up unsure, just take the no fee version. If you are going to be using your cards outside the US, look for a card that has no foreign transaction fees. Those kind of cards are fairly common now, and very handy if you travel outside the US. I don't think Amex has any no-fee, no foreign transaction fee cards though. Amex does give you a free FICO score with each statement with all of their cards.

Olly_

If you had the Platinum cashback card in the UK I'd go for Blue Cash Everyday as it's pretty similar - it has no fee and gives you 3% cashback at grocery stores, 2% at gas stations and department stores and 1% everywhere else.

LouisB

Hey, thanks, I'll check out the blue cards, sound ideal. If I can get two cards and no fee that'll be perfect.

No sure if Amex is best for foreign travels. I have the UK Halifax clarity and have to say it is amazing, no fees, excellent market rates, no hassle and more credit as I ever wanted.

Problem is it is denominated in £ of course... once I get a credit rating I'll shop around to see who else can offer similar in the US.

Guess it's gonna take some time before I have a decent credit in US, shame as in the UK I've maintained max 999 for years, yet it counts for zip :/

Still, all good, if I can get Amex x-fer done, that's a great step forward 😀

I spoke to my first US bank, TD and they said they'd only give a charge card (pre-paid 'credit') to start with since zero credit rating, is there any benefit to doing that as well to further build credit history is is that not much additional benefit if the real Amex card transfer works out first?

jkeller

Is that TD card the kind where you make a deposit into a savings account and that amount is your credit limit? That's a real credit card and will be reported to the 3 credit bureaus. If it's some kind of prepaid card like a gift card, then I don't think that will count towards credit building.

tom169

I think you're referring to a secured credit card. They can help you build credit.