UK hubby finally got approved for US credit card

David claimed residency in the US on his Green card a year and a half ago (!), and finally Capital One has just approved him for a $500 credit card.  We've done it only so he can build his credit, basically buying something and paying it off each month. We didn't do a secured credit card for him even though it as an option, really just because he doesn't actually need a card, and we were only looking at this as a way to build his credit if we could. So! A year and a half later (and we only applied once or twice) - he's feeling a bit more settled. I thought it would take a LOT longer for him to get a card, so 1.5 years seems quite nice.

Good to know in case Matt's work transfer goes through.  Have you found it a challenge renting a place to live with credit issues?

Thanks for letting us know! I was wondering how long it would take once we move back for my husband to be able to get credit.

A couple of months ago I tried putting him on my Cap One card as a "joint" user but they don't do that anymore. (I did that once back in the early 90s for my boyfriend at the time). I guess they discontinued that practice because of fraud issues and crazy world we live in today.

My husband has been here for almost four years - we got him a secured card ($300 limit - even though you have to lock the cash up in the freakin' bank bank account!!!!!) 2 and half years ago.  We applied to have it converted to a real credit card through the same company this year - NO!!!!  His credit history is "not sufficient".  We have never made a late payment on anything.  And our auto loan is in his name.  The thing that really angered me is that it was one of those pre-approved offers where they actually check your credit score before sending out the offer.

Sorry to hijack - but needed to get it out.   

That is fantastic that your husband finally got his card.

My husband has been here for almost four years - we got him a secured card ($300 limit - even though you have to lock the cash up in the freakin' bank bank account!!!!!) 2 and half years ago.  We applied to have it converted to a real credit card through the same company this year - NO!!!!  His credit history is "not sufficient".  We have never made a late payment on anything.  And our auto loan is in his name.  The thing that really angered me is that it was one of those pre-approved offers where they actually check your credit score before sending out the offer.

Sorry to hijack - but needed to get it out.   

That is fantastic that your husband finally got his card.

This is discouraging! My husband has excellent credit here in the UK...and I have less than sterling credit in the US due to my "unfortunate" divorce. This is one aspect of moving back that bothers me...I feel like such a loser that I can't offer him more financial stability once we move back. 

But, great news for your husband Marlspo!

Hi ~ some may vaguely remember me, but most of y'all don't know me, I haven't posted for like, forever... just wanted to say my dh obtained an American Express card while still living in the UK, and was able to transfer over to a US Amex card by showing proof of a utility bill in his name.  We transferred the phone over to him (Qwest is our phone co. in Arizona) and voila -- credit history has begun.  He's been here 10 months, he's probably had the credit card for just around 5 months -- but it was absolutely not a problem having the account switched. 

A long while ago, a very helpful poster here suggested the Amex card option for my dh as a possible way of expediting the USA credit challenges, and so far so good.  We put his name on my apartment lease when it was up for renewal, and we've now switched over the cable/internet bill to his name, too.  I just thought I'd mention this to possibly help anyone who hasn't made the move back yet and still has the Amex option in the UK...  And I'm the one with the dodgy credit -- but 6 months here and the credit card offers start pouring in... I shred at least 5 a week  .

FYI - I've been back in the states since Jan 2004, he arrived May 2005 -- there are advantages to living separately, IMHO, as *I* had time to re-adjust back after living in Scotland 5 1/2 years... reconnect with my friends, scope out how things had changed and how they hadn't... just have some time for myself without having to worry about his immigration/adjusting issues.  Once he got here he was able to take a 6 month break (read: no working, just relaxing and living like he was on an extended holiday  ), he's working now and so far he's loving life.  At least now that he's found Haggis...  The GPS for the car has also helped tremendously in helping him gain confidence getting around town on his own! 

I was lucky to be able to visit him in Scotland twice in 2004, and while it really was a long time apart, we were both busy taking care of the things we needed to in order to build the life in the US we want.

How I miss donner kebabs, cornish pasties, steak bakes & sticky toffee pudding (just thought I'd add that....) 

x
Carrie (now in Arizona)

back to occasionally lurking now 

Have you found it a challenge renting a place to live with credit issues?

That wasn't a problem at all. They needed to see David's welcomd letter for his new job though, as proof of future income.

As far as the AMEX thing, it seems like it depends on who you get on the other line as to whether or not they'll let you do this. David has a long history with AMEX in the uk, but they told him they wouldn't transfer it to the US. Saying that, I've heard a lot of stories both ways - success and no success - so I don't konw what they make their decisions on, David had perfect credit in the UK. Perhaps now that we've been here a year and have more credit for him (joint car loan, year of rental history, utilities and phone, and now his credit card...) - - maybe now they'd let him do it? Need to look into that!