How can I get/improve a credit rating (credit card, bank, Florida)

[mr&mrssunshine]

We live in the Uk, own land in Florida and intend to emigrate and build a home during 2009.

Currently we have a mortgage on the land with a local bank. I also use US based credit cards (Amex, Morgan Stanley etc) all with the intention of trying to build a credit rating.

Questions- on what criteria are US credit ratings based ?
How can I improve my rating-which in the UK is excellent.
Obvioulsy the only US address I have is a lot .Would a PO box help ?

Obvioulsy I want to get the best deal on any mortgage I will need (will be putting at least 50% down possibly more).

Many thanks in advance

[baggiegenes]

Using the US based cards is the best way to build your credit. But, you probably will not get a US credit score unless you pay those cards to a US address in dollars. They may also require that you US ID number such as a greencard number.

If you are using a large multi-national bank for your needs in the UK, then that history will probably transfer to the US. Some banks, such as RBS even have US offices you could use.