Transfering credit history abroad?

Malkytheheed

If I was to move to the USA for example, can I somehow show my credit worthiness based on my UK file? Or individual lenders like AMEX, would they "see my past'? Otherwise is it literally a case of having to start at the bottom? Seems mad I can diligently pay amex for decades with perfect account handling and then get the the US and be treated like someone with a terrible credit file (i.e. having no credit history)

Is there anything in place for this?

DCFC79

Malkytheheed said:

If I was to move to the USA for example, can I somehow show my credit worthiness based on my UK file? Or individual lenders like AMEX, would they "see my past'? Otherwise is it literally a case of having to start at the bottom? Seems mad I can diligently pay amex for decades with perfect account handling and then get the the US and be treated like someone with a terrible credit file (i.e. having no credit history)

Is there anything in place for this?

Not sure, possibly yes but you need to ask AMEX that question, try twitter unless another on here has the answer.

Your credit file with Equifax may be transferable as Im sure there is a US version of equifax but again thats something you will need to find out.

Are the US letting people in ?

D3xt3r5L4b

Amex will. And HSBC do as well I believe. 

cymruchris

When I applied for a HSBC account in Malaysia - my Uk file was searched. So international companies do refer back to your UK history, however local companies in the area you're moving to may not. 

Malkytheheed

Makes sense. Good to know. So I would still have to build an American credit file. But at least I could get a head start with a bank account and credit card. 

Dr_Crypto

When a friend of mine moved to the USA AMEX USA contacted/ checked AMEX UK and offered him a card as a result. 

skinnish

I was told by several mortgage brokers there are also international credit files which can be looked at if looking to get a home loan but while equifax/experian have a presence over there they are completely separate from equifax/experian over here so data is not transferable. let us know how you get on I may be looking to do something similar 

maxximus75

It's called the Amex Global Transfer which will allow you to have your UK Amex account history taken into consideration when moving from the UK to the US.... it works the other way around, also.

You will have to start from scratch in regards to your credit file though which takes time to build and there is nothing you can do about that but having an Amex to start off your file, will certianly help.