Building credit history...

[MrsC]

I don't have any credit history in the U.S and I don't know how to develop it. I applied for a credit card and was refused on this basis. I can't name H as a co-signer because of his debt. I only applied for one as I heard that being can refused can make matters worse. All of the bills are in DH's name. Any suggestions on how to begin building my credit history? How long do I have to do this before I'll even be considered for a credit card?

[Stella]

Look into a secured credit card that doesn't report it as such. Orchard Bank is a good place to start. You can find them online.

They are made for people rebuilding (like me) or with no credit.

[MissCrabette]

I'll second what Stella said. You could also try getting a store card as I think they're more relaxed in giving them to people with little to no credit history. It'll probably have a really low limit and the interest rate will be through the roof, but you should have no problem with it if you pay it off every month. Also try CapitalOne as they seem to deal with people with little and bad credit history. I got my first card from them and I still have it.

Why do you need a credit history? You planning to go in debt? (You don't need a FICO score to get a competitive mortgage, by the way. Some mortgage companies will still underwrite the old fashioned way.)

[MissCrabette]

Why limit yourself by only using those mortgage companies? These days employers and landlords also pull your credit history. She may want to finance a car since she's probably not bringing hers over the ocean. There are lots of things you need a credit history for and it doesn't mean you have to be in debt in order for you to have one. I know I'm not and many of my friends aren't either.