Credit Tips: Credit Card Requirements for Social Security Numbers

Posted On: February 1, 2006

Author: Guest
Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2003 1:59 pm
Post subject: Credit Card Requirements for Social Security Numbers

Hi,
I have been living in the US for 2 years now, but my SSN is just about 1 year old.
I never had a credit card in this country. I don’t know what other kind of bills count for credit history.
I am a legal resident and have a full time job.

Recently I tried to open a wireless phone account and they said I would have to put down a deposit of $800 because of lack of credit.

My problem is not bad credit, it’s lack of credit history.

What should I do to create credit? I am trying to get a credit card. But I heard that you need credit to be approved. So, how all this thing work.
What other kind of bills count towards building credit. What about bills for services like Cable TV, Internet access, etc..???
Do you think I can get a credit card that will give me a grace period?
What can I do?

I don’t know what is on my credit history, but despite the wireless account problem, I was able to to rent an apartment.

Thanks a lot for helping. It’s hard to find info about that.

author: Guest
Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2003 3:28 pm
Post subject: Credit Card Requirements for Social Security Numbers

You will probably have to get a card with an annual fee or a secured card to help you establish credit. Even a department store card would help. Good luck

Author: Guest
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2003 12:58 am
Post subject: Credit Card Requirements for Social Security Numbers

The same thing happened to me exactly last two years ago. Lacking of credit history was a nightmare to me. Even if you rent a video, you might be asked to show a credit card. Having a good credit history is invaluable to me. So, ask your bank, where you opened Checking or Saving account, to give you an unsecured card if they offer credit cards. In my opinion, unsecured credit cards can build credit history quicker than secured one. Or ask your friends or relatives to cosign you an unsecured credit card.