Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I am an American living in Canada. I have an 800 credit score back in The US. Apparently this does not carry over. I need a credit card here in Canada.
Are there any credit card companies at all that can use my American credit score to get me a Canadian credit card?
When I search online, I can only find information on Canadians looking for U.S. credit cards, my case is the opposite. Every time, no matter how I word it, it always says something along the lines of "How to get US credit card in Canada" or "Getting US Credit Cards for Canadians."
Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
17,330 posts, read 33,052,827 times
Reputation: 28903
Quote:
Originally Posted by FNH5-7
Are there any credit card companies at all that can use my American credit score to get me a Canadian credit card?
I don't think that there is. When I moved back to Canada from the U.S. -- also with a perfect credit score -- I had to start from scratch. Just apply for a credit card from your bank. They will likely give you a low-amount credit card (like $500). USE IT! Use it as much as you can and pay in full every month. That will build your credit.
Your credit history is available to the credit card companies no matter where you live. After all how could they make a decision whether you are good risk.
Your credit history is available to the credit card companies no matter where you live. After all how could they make a decision whether you are good risk.
That’s what I thought. But the response that I get is that it’s a totally different system.
I suggest following Dawn’s advice to build your credit score. Supplement that for the time being with a prepaid card which you can load online so you have to carry less cash with you.
Your credit history is available to the credit card companies no matter where you live. After all how could they make a decision whether you are good risk.
Sorry, but that's not true. Even with international conglomerate Credit Report Agencies, with strong worldwide presence, such as Equifax, are bound to nation-wide privacy and data retention laws. So they can't just transfer info from a credit history held with a country A, to another country B.
Disclaimer: I've worked with Equifax Canada for 5 years.
Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
17,330 posts, read 33,052,827 times
Reputation: 28903
Quote:
Originally Posted by kitty61
Your credit history is available to the credit card companies no matter where you live. After all how could they make a decision whether you are good risk.
Have you moved from Canada to the U.S.? I have.
Have you moved from the U.S. to Canada? I have.
Your credit history from one country is NOT available -- or applicable -- in another country.
I should add, too, that how much $$$$$$ you have in the bank -- even in the country where you're trying to get a credit card -- has no bearing on them giving you a card. Ask me how I know.
Apply for a credit card. They'll give you a low-amount one. Pay it on time. Better yet, overpay it. Pay $$ against it so that you always have credit available and also so that it's on record that you're good for it.
Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
17,330 posts, read 33,052,827 times
Reputation: 28903
Quote:
Originally Posted by CTMountaineer
I can use my American credit card in foreign countries, and pay my bill in the normal way. Why wouldn't that work?
My card company doesn't even charge currency exchange fees.
The OP is living in Canada and wants to establish credit in Canada. When you charge purchases to your American CC, it converts to USD. The OP is living in Canada -- why would they want to then pay in USD for Canadian purchases?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
