Hi ,
We've been in the US for 4 months now - it took about 8 weeks for my husband's social security number to come through but it seems to functioning OK (SS is being deducted from his paycheck). However, we're trying to get our credit history going here by applying for storecards and we're being rejected due to errors in processing the SSN. Has anyone else had this? Will we be automatically rejected until he's held the number for a certain length of time?
Thanks for the help
Hi Tigger. Just be careful not to apply for too many because it could effect the future of your credit history.
I know some have brought over 2 years of credit history from the UK with them and they found that was what got them sorted over here.
We didn't know about this and therefore had to start of from scratch. It generally takes a year before you can apply for any store cards or any form of credit here, including cell phones when you do a contract.
Welcome to the US and Britnet )
One way to get your credit going is a secured credit card. You deposit a given amount with the credit card company and you get a card with that amount as your credit limit. Basically you are borrowing against your own money.
Do not keep putting in applications as enquiries have an adverse effect. Your credit report is very important here, and not just when borrowing. For example, insurance companies look at it when you apply for car insurance, even if you are not taking a payment plan.
Good luck in the USA.
Hi Tigger
My wife and I have recently arrived too, and any credit check they run brings up that you have had your ssn for less than 18 YEARS and they put caution signs around that.
However, if you have a bank account with money in it, you can get the bank to do you a line of credit (say 100 dollars). Thye basically give you credit of 100 bucks whihc you then pay back 1-2 weeks later. Doing this shows that you are starting to make credit payments and will help to build your credit.
Also, make sure that when you do get credit cards or make any kind of credit payment (phone, mortgage etc) that the company actually report it to the credit bureaux. We have perfect credit, but found that none of the companies we paid too were actually reporting it to Equifax or Experian.
Good luck.
GN