Discharged Bankrupt - UK to USA
 

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some up to date information about credit files and bankruptcy, I'm hoping some of you may be able to provide some answers.

I've recently been discharged from bankruptcy here in the UK and very much looking forward to starting my life over.

I may have the option soon to move from the UK to California to work and was wondering how my poor credit rating and recent bankruptcy will effect me in the USA, if at all?

I have read in the past that if you move from the UK to USA you pretty much start with no credit whatsoever, your credit rating doesn't follow from the UK. Can anyone confirm if this is still the case?

My main concern is getting things like health insurance and getting somewhere to rent... I need to know if my poor credit history here will cause me problems in the US.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

Re: Discharged Bankrupt - UK to USA
 

Credit histories don't travel with you from the UK to the US, except under very limited circumstances, which are entirely controlled by the immigrant. Most people find this frustrating as it disadvantages them when they arrive in the US, but for you it will be a plus, with nobody knowing about your UK credit history, though it will limit your ability to take advantage of a few things to "get you started" in the US (such as getting Amex to issue a US card based on your UK Amex card history).

Be aware though, that credit application forms will probably ask you if you have ever declared bankruptcy.

Re: Discharged Bankrupt - UK to USA
 

Out of curiosity, since failing to declare a bankruptcy that they cannot see anyway is hardly perjury, what would the penalty be for failing to declare? Closure of the account I guess.

Re: Discharged Bankrupt - UK to USA
 

It would be a fraudulent application, opening the door to criminal prosecution, imprisonment and/or substantial punitive fines, and potentially deportation if you're not a citizen.

Re: Discharged Bankrupt - UK to USA
 

Given the IRS currently has extra territorial powers to pressure foreign banks to turn over details of bank accounts held overseas by UCSs and PRs, how confident are you of the "how would they ever find out" defense?

Re: Discharged Bankrupt - UK to USA
 

I'm not confident at all, but then I'm not a discharged bankrupt.

Re: Discharged Bankrupt - UK to USA
 

You are correct, you're effectively starting over. I had similar and had no issues with credit here, in fact it allowed me to start afresh with a clean slate. Do you still have an income payment agreement in place? That will need to continue if so, and presumably you will need to notify the person dealing with your case of the move (I can't remember if that's still the case after you're discharged).