Building US credit before getting ssn or itin question

Hello,

i searched through old posts but could not find any complete answer... So here it goes:

I am moving from canada to the us in a couple of years... And would like to build some kind of us credit history before actually moving there.

If i open us checking/savings accounts, us store credit cards (target, nordstrom, etc) now, and lets say in 2 years get an itin/ssn and associate my number with these store cards/accounts (which will have a 2 year credit/banking history at that point), will that help me built some us credit or is all this planning for nothing?

Thanks!

Without SSN, there is nothing to "tie" your history to. Even an ITIN doesn't tie to credit.


I simply wouldn't worry about it. When you move you will find a bank near you, speak to a person, and will get a credit card. Then you are on your way.

Wnen I moved to US, I got a car loan , mortgage and 2 regular credit cards within 4 weeks of entering US. Within 2 yrs my credit score was over 800.

Without SSN, there is nothing to "tie" your history to. Even an ITIN doesn't tie to credit.


I simply wouldn't worry about it. When you move you will find a bank near you, speak to a person, and will get a credit card. Then you are on your way.

Wnen I moved to US, I got a car loan , mortgage and 2 regular credit cards within 4 weeks of entering US. Within 2 yrs my credit score was over 800.

Wow 4 weeks? I can live with that delay... I guess i can use the global amex transfer option also.

Thanks for your experience

On an immigration forum I partake in--members have stated they have had great luck with American Express. Having their Canadian Express "transfer" (ya, bad chhoose of words,lol) to an USA American Express. RBC and TD bank now have USA branches, but don't belive ur CDn credit follows

That does get you an US amex card -- but that is about it.

It does not transfer your history to the credit agencies.