Originally Posted by meauxna

An aged SS# is 'better' than a new one.
But if it has no activity on it.. go get your free credit report (the one from the gov't site) and see what it says about you first.

Originally Posted by JMOT

I realise this is an old thread...

However, any idea how aged your SSN needs to be combined with a good FICO to actually make applying for credit an easier task?

1 year?
2 years?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by EricK

I moved here at the beggining of March - had it very easy, this is what I did:

-Took out an annual subscripton with AIG Intenational for $400. Got an HSBC credit card wth $10,000 limit. Had to supply copy of visa / letter of employment.

- Been with Amex in the UK for ten years. Transferred my card and credit history to US. Well actually you keep your UK card, they just issue you with an additional card in the US. Look up Amex global transfer on Google. You need to be with them for a minimum of 12 months in the UK to qualify.

- Opened a bank account with HSBC in the US by walking into a local branch. No SSN needed, supplied that later.

- Got a car through BMW finance via their global executive scheme. Again had to provide copy of my passport / visa / letter of employment / pay stub, was very easy. Its an official scheme BMW run. Audi and Mercedes also run similar schemes, I am sure other manufacturers do as well.

- Got a lease on an apartment by showing my letter of employment, and copy of UK bank statement.

So far I have not encountered any problems with getting credit, although a lot of that was due to the research I did on this forum and making sure I did things correctly to start with.