I just purchased something online using a feature called "Billmelater" (www.billmelater.com).

It's set up by Chase bank (one of the largest banks here from what I'm told). I set up my account using my SSN and address - and they have no credit info on me except for one store card I have here in the US. I am waiting for the bill still, but the goods arrived within 5 days.

So for those of you looking to get some credit history going, have a look; it may be a way to get some sort of credit history started.

edit: I should also say, I didn't set up the account with them, I made a purchase at an online store and chose the Billmelater option. Very little hassle, too.

I've seen that on a few sites, but did n't know what it was, thanks for the info!

Is it a safe and secure site?? should be really useful to know

And will it actually CONTRIBUTE to your credit history?

I tried that and got rejected for no credit history. Think it was for Overstock.com. Had to use my Canadian credit card instead.

I used that once but the interest rates are a little too high for my liking.

My understanding is that you actually have to have credit history to be able to take advantage of it.

Ana

All good questions that should probably be looked into if someone decides to investigate.

Yes, the site was secure; I don't purchase online unless it is.

Chase bank is a large, stable institution. I believe that tying it to the SSN means that it gets reported -somewhere-, I'm just not sure where! The account number I have been given is 16 digits like a credit card and the statement looks pretty much like a regular credit card one.

As for the interest rates, making small, regular purchases that are easily managed for paying off monthly, those don't come into play.

Really, I don't know tons about it, just offered it up for people who may be having difficulty getting their own credit established and instead of trying for a credit card, this way there may be a way to get some scoring started.

As with everything, read the contract!





I got a store credit card for a US store about a year before I moved to the US. I've made 2 purchases on it and made payments.

It may be true that you have to have a credit history; in my case I didn't have much of one.

Honestly, I wasn't offering a complete solution here folks, just another option for new immigrants to try out. I don't have all the answers on it and thought I communicated that from the start.