Originally Posted by Pulaski

1. seems to have been well covered already, but by far the the easiest way to get a credit card in the US is to get a British credit card from an issuer that also issues in the US - namely, Amex, MBNA, Bank One (or at a pinch HSBC - but they are substantially a New York based bank in the US). Then once you are over here, apply for a US card from the same issuer. When you are rejected, and you will be rejected, write back and explain that you already have a British card (send them your account number) and ask them to issue you a US card on the basis of your established UK history with that card issuer.
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Originally Posted by Pulaski

(or at a pinch HSBC - but they are substantially a New York based bank in the US).

Originally Posted by fatbrit

OP states FL destination in other thread. HSBC does have a presence in FL, though rather sparse compared with the big boys.

Originally Posted by Pulaski

1. seems to have been well covered already, but by far the the easiest way to get a credit card in the US is to get a British credit card from an issuer that also issues in the US - namely, Amex, MBNA, Bank One (or at a pinch HSBC - but they are substantially a New York based bank in the US). Then once you are over here, apply for a US card from the same issuer. When you are rejected, and you will be rejected, write back and explain that you already have a British card (send them your account number) and ask them to issue you a US card on the basis of your established UK history with that card issuer.

I'm not sure if there is a minimum time that you need to ahev held the British card, but I'd go ahead and apply now unless you already have one of the above mentioned cards.

Originally Posted by Bob

MBNA europe is a seperate business, they wouldn't give any special favour when coming over to the US, you would be treated just like any other new phleb...Amex seems' to be the best to try that though..

Originally Posted by Pulaski

They are commonly owned, but the UK business is a separate corporation, which is why they reject you in the US even though you are already a customer in the UK. .... The you have to get back to them, "complain" if you like, then they'll get in touch with their UK affiliate and find out your MBNA history in the UK.

Originally Posted by Bob

probably won't make much difference, looks like mbna USA is going to the tubes, talks of a possible couple of buy outs...there only afloat because of MBNA canada and uk.

Originally Posted by Pulaski

Garbage! MBNA had a major restructuring within the past year, which basically illiminated their 2004 profis, and since then their business hasn't grown as much/ rapidly as the stock market expected. So they are "technically" in trouble, but the business is basically sound - which will be reflected in the price that any buyer of the business has to pay for it; we are no doubt talking a number of $Bns.

Originally Posted by Conway7

That's useful to know, as I have been with HSBC (formerly the Midland Bank) man and boy for the past thirty-four years, and managed to be financially responsible thro' the good and bad times, although I guess that might not carry much clout, when it comes to the US arm of HSBC in Florida.

Thanks!

Vince

Originally Posted by CEO DMF

My husband and I had been with HSBC in UK for years, before we came out here we informed them we were coming to the US and they helped us before we came out and opened a bank account over here before we got our Socail Security number which was really helpful. I know they are based a lot in NY - but we have lived in Alabama, Indiana and now Ohio and have never had any problems - it basically works as an internet bank - we do everything online and through the mail. Also, we contacted them regarding a mortgage and they would be willing to give us an international mortgage with no US credit history based on UK history - so if you have banked with them for a while I would definitley recommend them.