Cell Phones/ Credit Cards/ Credit in the U.S.

[Steven]

It's not that hard anymore, like I said above, use a secured credit card.

[jomo]

Hi.
Yes, I experienced the exact same problem. Capital One gave me a "platinum" mastercard with a whooping $300 limit. I used that to establish a credit history (I paid the card every couple of days so I didn't exceed the limit!) and now I have a US Amex. As for the cell: T-mobile has the best pay-as-you-go plan (10c/min if you put down $100) which worked for me since I only make about 3-4 min of calls a month.
Hope that helps.
Jomo

[binney]

It was a shock to find out how hard it was too to deal in the USA with no credit but as long as your bank provides you with a depbit card with the visa logo you can at least get a hotel room! Capital one is good - but watch the rates they can be high - patients is the key and dont over apply for things and get rejected as you are just screwing up your credit even more (something we didnt know until it ws too late) when you are ready to buy a home go to the Lending tree web site, they actually ask if you are a resident etc. we were told we couldnt buy but within 30 days of logging onto their website we had a mortgage with a 30 yr fixed term of 5.70 so pretty good!