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washsaint Aug 25th 2010 1:37 am

Credit History
 
Hi all - having been in the country for just a short period of time, I did a free credit check (credit karma) and, whilst I appreciate it is not a FICO score, the score was in the high 700s (I'm assuming because I was able to secure a mortgage and have made 2 payments on time).

Despite only having a credit history for 2 months, with this sort of score (if FICO is anywhere near close) is it worth applying for a credit card and, if so, what limit am I likely to get if successful?

I had been turned down for credit cards by 2 organizations a few weeks ago for having no credit history but now, apparently, do.

kimilseung Aug 25th 2010 1:58 am

Re: Credit History
 

Originally Posted by washsaint (Post 8801144)
Hi all - having been in the country for just a short period of time, I did a free credit check (credit karma) and, whilst I appreciate it is not a FICO score, the score was in the high 700s (I'm assuming because I was able to secure a mortgage and have made 2 payments on time).

Despite only having a credit history for 2 months, with this sort of score (if FICO is anywhere near close) is it worth applying for a credit card and, if so, what limit am I likely to get if successful?

I had been turned down for credit cards by 2 organizations a few weeks ago for having no credit history but now, apparently, do.

Not a direct answer to your question, but it is my belief that you are entitled to a free report on your credit from each of the three leading players once a year.
edit:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/cons...dit/cre34.shtm
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

cranston Aug 25th 2010 2:05 pm

Re: Credit History
 
I suggest trying a credit union or there is always the secured credit card route with BOA.

sir_eccles Aug 25th 2010 4:16 pm

Re: Credit History
 
Credit score (a vague made up number) is not the same as credit history (time - in a simplified sense though there are other factors).

Depending on what you are doing and who you are talking to may influence which one is more important.

In short, the odds are that without supplying any extra information to the card issuer, you will be declined a credit card.

lansbury Aug 25th 2010 5:36 pm

Re: Credit History
 
Your credit history isn't long enough to get a credit card. You might get lucky with a 6 month history but nearer 12 months I think is more what they look for.

Bob Aug 25th 2010 6:32 pm

Re: Credit History
 
Have a read of the million of threads and the wiki...

You've got a score, but the score alone is not all that important, it's credit history and varied lines of credit that are important and you won't have a history till you've had 6 months worth of payments.

Having a couple of credit applications already would have dinged your score too.


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