Yeah! I got my credit card finally :)

[StageLeft]

This is the final chapter in my debacle (right word?). Although I lack enough US credit to even get a secured card with Capital One with a $99 limit, going by the advice of a guy on AT who had been in the same position (moving from Canada looking to start credit here), I contacted MBNA looking for a Subaru Mastercard because they are able to check Candian credit. I was declined and then sent them a letter making sure they had checked my Can credit (they had not). Guy just called and had a couple of questions then told me I'd be getting a $2500 mastercard in 7-10 days. I'm quite impressed that I've gone from being declined on a cellphone or a secure card to being granted a $2500 line. I only want like $200-500 anyway, but what the heck. Anyway thanks for the help of those who tried and it finally worked out so now I can officially stop spamming AT with my credit rants.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Congrats on getting the card, but especially for going past the "decline" and calling to get someone to help you out. (Arbitrary policies are annoying


<< I only want like $200-500 anyway >>

I wouldn't mind spending the other 2k for ya

 

[RossMAN]

Sweet, congrats! Subaru's are awesome, do you earn points?

What's the rate?
Secured or unsecured?
Any perks like Subaru points, rebates, incentives?
Annual fee?

Hopefully you'll be able to wait at least 12 months before requesting an increase or applying for another cc so all your original inquiries will fall off your credit report.

What a great way to start out a week!

 

[Scooter]

Becareful,.. CC's are evil. They make some people think they have money, when they don't. I could stand on my soapbox for hours covering the do's and don't. But, I won't. Besides, I'm not your mom.

Just be prudent, with your purchases, and don't put anything on a credit card you couldn't write a check for.

Congrats!

 

[RossMAN]

Skoorb - I already replied to this thread before you sent me the URL via PM

I would reply by PM but once again I'm over my PM limit

 

[StageLeft]

Rossman

So enquiries fall off after 12 months? I have on there now one for verizon, one for capital one, and one for MBNA. I build up $1 for a subaru with each $100. I cannot remeber for sure but I think there is no annual fee. Not positive on that though...it is unsecured and I am unsure of the interest rates. Frankly none of that bothers me; I merely want to build credit and have no intention of carrying a balance!

BTW clean your PM's out!

scooter

True but I've had a credit card out of Canada for about 4.5 years now and the balance is currently at $200 since being paid off last paycheck. I am painfully aware of the evils of carrying a balance!

 

[tommigsr]

throw it away!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SaltBoy]

<< throw it away!!!!!!!!!!! >>



But be sure to post the credit card number here first!

 

[urameatball]

I have 3 creditcards.
well, one of them is for all those computer parts I buy from staples and stuff, then return in 2 weeks. so I call it my free RMA card.

the second one I don't use unless its an emergency...

3rd one is for HOT DEALS , and to build my credit for the future

 

[Optimus]

Awesome! You know what the best part is? A lot of stores will give you anything for free if you just show them your card! Its like free money!

You just take what you want to the counter, they look at your credit card and swipe it or something, and then presto! You get your stuff for no money! Why, I got a new credit card 29 days ago and have bought tons of junk on it since! Not a dime in cost to me!

Hey, I think I'll go check what's in the mail today...

 

[RossMAN]

So enquiries fall off after 12 months? I have on there now one for verizon, one for capital one, and one for MBNA. I build up $1 for a subaru with each $100. I cannot remeber for sure but I think there is no annual fee. Not positive on that though...it is unsecured and I am unsure of the interest rates. Frankly none of that bothers me; I merely want to build credit and have no intention of carrying a balance!

BTW clean your PM's out!

Sorry I was wrong about the credit inquiries, it varies from creditors but I just spoke with a credit underwriter for my bank and he said inquiries dated January 2000 are still showing on his customers applications. So just to be conservative I would say 2 years, not 1 year. But waiting 1 year is still better than going out and applying for everything you see.

Subaru's rock!

Oh yeah and I'll prolly clean out my PM's after I receive a flood of 50 or more "Neener neener you can't reply to this, so how does it feel punk?" PM's.

 

[Shudder]

Oh you think you'll never want a balance..

THen they'll keep raising your limit.. and raising.

Till something happens, Oh you need this or that, and figure what the hey, put it on the card.

*my name*

it's evil dammit. And Credit card companies are the #1 reason our economy is sufferring.

Just be careful man, it's deadly.

 

[Vladimir0]

$1 per $100 is kinda weak. The GM Mastercard gives you 10% on all purchases. I would recommend that you apply for that after you have had this card for six months to a year.

 

[randomlinh]

damn, i only get 1% on my discover and choice.. eheheh.. ah well, stupid CC limits keep going up..

 

[bacillus]

me wonders if he'll be telling the missus the good news!

 

[kranky]

I'm glad that's finally settled, skoorb. Treat yourself to a nice dinner at Darryl's up on University.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

damn 10% on a GM card??? wow

btw i work for citibank, and if you plan on applying for a citibank card, dont get the platinum select because for whatever reason when prime went down to 6%, all of the cards ('cept AAdvantage cards and a few other ones), well ok most of the cards, like the dividend, sony and drivers edge card, well their interest went down to the platinum selects interest rate. so...it's like...

platinum select
===========
apr 11.99
no annual fee

other cards
==========
apr also 11.99
no annual fee (also)
AND you earn sony points, drivers edge points, or dividend (1% cash back)

SO dont apply for the platinum select, there is no point. i'd get the dividend card myself, cash back, you can buy ANYTHING with cash, not just a car or sony garbage.

just thought i'd chime in w/ that.

 

[StageLeft]

Oh it would seem that it's actually 3% of what I spend. Every $3333 I get a coupon for $100. These coupons expire after 4 years and no more than $500/year. I don't really plan on buying a subaru although they are nice cars; I'm more in this just for some credit!

 

[killmeplease]

Now that you have a credit card, you will recieve 1000 offers to get more. Just watch.

 

[777php]

i have way to many credit cards and enough credit to buy a car....this is how you get into debt.

 

[Noirish]

you have to make sure to use as much as you can and pay as little as they allow.
this is the fastest way to lifetime of poverty.

 

[mutex]

That was me who suggest you use Subaru card

I also applied at the same time, and they gave me a very high credit line of 5500.......... I was only hoping for 2000.

I only use credit card to build my credit history by using it instead of cash. I never overspent.

 

[Michael]

All the major banks can check Canadian records. I know, as I told you, I went through the same thing when I moved to the US.

Michael