moving from US to Canada - does my credit score transfer with me

[eis517]

If I am planning on moving to Canada within the next year, does anyone know if my US credit score moves with me? For instance, if I will want to buy a house in Canada, should I stop applying for credit cards in the US if the credit transfers, or if it doesn't transfer, shouldn't I apply for as many CC's as possible now, because my credit here wont matter there?

Any guidance?

Thanks,

[MEIR613]

IMO your cs doesn't transfer.  You should still keep your us score in good standing to apply for cc for bonuses(if you still have a mailing address you could use) and you could use cc without foreign tran fee. But in general I think they are 2 different scores and reports. But I could be wrong

[schneury]

It doesn't transfer as they don't use social in Canada

[JEWDA]

It doesn't transfer as they don't use social in Canada

+1
Even if you have credit in the US it doesn't transfer and you'll have to build credit in canada.

[eis517]

+1
Even if you have credit in the US it doesn't transfer and you'll have to build credit in canada.

So I should probably apply for a bunch of CC's now before I move..... get some points

[Achas Veachas]

+1
Even if you have credit in the US it doesn't transfer and you'll have to build credit in canada.

+1 When I moved to Canada I had to go  onto my wifes CCs as AU

[yossi4k]

American Express will approve you for a card in Canada based on your Amex credit in USA.

[eis517]

American Express will approve you for a card in Canada based on your Amex credit in USA.

so what does that mean for applying for the Canadian Starwood card once we are living there? If they look at US credit, does that mean if I have a US Starwood, I wont be able to get the Canadian one?

[JEWDA]

so what does that mean for applying for the Canadian Starwood card once we are living there? If they look at US credit, does that mean if I have a US Starwood, I wont be able to get the Canadian one?

No. They use your US credit file not report.
Besides That you could have both here and there. I have 2 here and 2 in canada.

[schneury]

American Express will approve you for a card in Canada based on your Amex credit in USA.

If they don't ask for ur social how can they are your credit score?

[youthink]

If they don't ask for ur social how can they are your credit score?

Amex in particular has programs for people moving from one country to the next but usually it will mean closing your account in one country to open the other. This is the only way to transfer your MR points from the program of one country to another (which are completely separate programs).

What Jewda is saying, is that if you explain the situation to them they will use your SSN to check your US credit to grant you a Canadian card. You will first need a Canadian Social Insurance Number though.

Definitely maintain your credit in both countries and you'll be in the unique position some of us are in of obtaining cards (and getting points) on both sides of the border.  As an aside, if you're concern is applying for a Canadian mortgage, generally they focus more on income, amount of your down payment and size of mortgage. Unless you have overtly negative info on your report (multiple late payments etc), I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[eis517]

Amex in particular has programs for people moving from one country to the next but usually it will mean closing your account in one country to open the other. This is the only way to transfer your MR points from the program of one country to another (which are completely separate programs).

What Jewda is saying, is that if you explain the situation to them they will use your SSN to check your US credit to grant you a Canadian card. You will first need a Canadian Social Insurance Number though.

Definitely maintain your credit in both countries and you'll be in the unique position some of us are in of obtaining cards (and getting points) on both sides of the border.  As an aside, if you're concern is applying for a Canadian mortgage, generally they focus more on income, amount of your down payment and size of mortgage. Unless you have overtly negative info on your report (multiple late payments etc), I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Thanks so much for the info. So once I move to Canada, I can keep my US accounts open and just change the address to my parents house? Also, good to know about the mortgages. thanks

[youthink]

Thanks so much for the info. So once I move to Canada, I can keep my US accounts open and just change the address to my parents house? Also, good to know about the mortgages. thanks

Yes, just keep your US accounts open. Amex doesn't have to know you're moving. You're allowed to live abroad and still have US financial accounts.

[eis517]

thanks for all the info!