Will a basic checking bank account give me some form of credit history.
Jul 12th 2013, 12:32 pm
#46
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,446
Re: Will a basic checking bank account give me some form of credit history.
Until you have a SSN you pretty much don't exist in the US financial system. Do you have an American Express card? If not, apply for one immediately, because you can get Amex to import your British Amex history to support the issuing of a US Amex card. If I heard correctly, you need to have had your UK Amex card for 12 months, and needless to say, have used it responsibly. If you haven't even applied for a visa yet you may still have time enough to build an adequate usage record by, or shortly after, you immigrate to the US.
Jul 12th 2013, 1:31 pm
#47
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Will a basic checking bank account give me some form of credit history.
Until you have a SSN you pretty much don't exist in the US financial system. Do you have an American Express card? If not, apply for one immediately, because you can get Amex to import your British Amex history to support the issuing of a US Amex card. If I heard correctly, you need to have had your UK Amex card for 12 months, and needless to say, have used it responsibly. If you haven't even applied for a visa yet you may still have time enough to build an adequate usage record by, or shortly after, you immigrate to the US.
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Fatbrit's_Guide_to_Credit_and_Finance#AMEX
Jul 12th 2013, 3:02 pm
#48
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Location: Once was the Garden of England
Posts: 59
Re: Will a basic checking bank account give me some form of credit history.
Until you have a SSN you pretty much don't exist in the US financial system. Do you have an American Express card? If not, apply for one immediately, because you can get Amex to import your British Amex history to support the issuing of a US Amex card. If I heard correctly, you need to have had your UK Amex card for 12 months, and needless to say, have used it responsibly. If you haven't even applied for a visa yet you may still have time enough to build an adequate usage record by, or shortly after, you immigrate to the US.
Thanks.
