DEE_UK

Hello People!

I am coming back to the USA! This time, CA! I was originally working on the East coast on a H1B. Left that, came back to the UK, got another great job in CA, have my Visa approved and am flying out on Wednesday!

Although I shall be staying with friends for a short while, I jsut wanted to know what else I can do to get good credit - because mine is zero right now! I'd like to be able to rent an apartment pretty quickly! But, it it means sharing, then thats okay too!

So, fellow friends, what ideas do you have?

~Dee

Longy

I think the best thing to do is get a secured credit card, I am getting one through Bank of America. You have to put down as much as you want the credit limit to be (minimum $300), and then you use it like a normal credit card. After a few months you should at least get a score.

As I understand it you shouldn't go over 50% of what you can borrow on it as that is considered maxing it out.

Alternatively if you have a lot of money lying around and want to buy a car then its probably worth getting a car loan, some dealers seem willing to do this if you put down a big enough deposit.

Elvira

If you are looking to share an apartment and there is a college/university where you want to live, try the noticeboards there for GRADUATE students looking for someone to share their apartments.

Bob

nice one

well check out the faq at the top with credit info....and craigslist is a great place to find flat shares

DEE_UK

Thank you Longy, Elvira and Bob!

Ozzidoc

Cool! Which city in CA?

DEE_UK

Initially Pleasant Hill, then San Mateo! I shall be working in the Financial District!

I've been trying to figure out the CalTrains and BART times! I've already done the journey into work from Pleasant Hill (when I interviewed), so the day after I arrive, I shall do the journey from San Mateo!

How long have you been in CA? I am sure there are other forum members in CA! Any of them here on this forum?

Bob

There are loads...Lionheart, Woodsey/Eskimo or whatever it is he changed it too, Boredsilly, Wintersong, Elivra, USABound....probably quite a few more than that.

Ray set up a frappr map, have a look here...

http://www.frappr.com/BEUSA

meauxna

Why do you think you have zero credit? If you've been in the US before, they know you!
You can order a truly free copy of your credit report and see where things stand.
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

All may not be what you think!

And, craiglist.org must be the best relocating tool since the U-Haul truck.

Sally

and me!

Bob

how could I forget

Ozzidoc

I'm only a CA part-timer....my Brit-bloke is now in San Diego, Im finishing off a medical degree in the UK.

I'm guessing that you are in San Fran?

DEE_UK

I ran a credit report through I did run a credit report through www.FreeCreditReport.com - and it came up with nothing! It actually says: "Unfortunately, Equifax did not return any data when we submitted the information you entered on your order form. This may be because they have no credit record for you or the information you supplied did not match the information in their database."

I tried the link you gave me, but it says that I need to be in the USA (it recognizes the ISP!)

Yes - I agree - craiglist.org is a great website!

Thank you all!

And Bob - thanks for the http://www.frappr.com/BEUSA link!