Obtaining credit cards/establshing credit?

mbennion76 · #1 09.03.2008, 20:24

Hi,

In process of relocating, and trying to get a few basics covered...

I am about to open a Swiss Bank account (thinking UBS), and need to get a credit card (or two) in Europe. I'm having a hard time understanding what I will be facing as I leave the US, and try to establish myself here in CH.

Is it difficult for an expat to obtain a credit card (without having any credit history here)? Im also hoping to lease a car - anyone have any experience with this as an expat with no credit history in Europe?

Thanks in advance.

J.L-P · #2 09.03.2008, 20:33

UBS gave me a credit card without batting an eye (visa and mc are debit cards tho), I cant comment on leasing as I bought a car.

gooner · #3 09.03.2008, 20:37

http://www.englishforum.ch/finance-b...ht=credit+card
UBS Welcome Account [including branch recommendations]
Bank Recommendations
To the Americans: Wamu Bank is an ex-pats best friend
Applying for a Credit card - new in the country
Credit Cards: Something worth remembering

http://www.englishforum.ch/finance-banking-taxation/

mbennion76 · #4 09.03.2008, 20:37

Jennifer,

Thanks for the reply.

When you say you bought a car, do you mean walked up with a briefcase full of CHF or financed?

I really am not bent on lease vs. purchase - to be more precise, I should have said finance a car. Voiture. (goes back to Rosetta Stone lessons)...

MB

mbennion76 · #5 09.03.2008, 20:41

Thanks for the links - good stuff!

	Quote:	gooner
	http://www.englishforum.ch/finance-b...ht=credit+card UBS Welcome Account [including branch recommendations] Bank Recommendations To the Americans: Wamu Bank is an ex-pats best friend Applying for a Credit card - new in the country Credit Cards: Something worth remembering http://www.englishforum.ch/finance-banking-taxation/

J_T · #6 09.03.2008, 21:29

Things are much simpler here and credit is limited to what you can provide security for, not some prognostisized history/rating. Your credit card limit will be based on your monthly income and the CC bills will normally be deducted directly from your bank account. They don't leave you much room to default.

Go to the dealer for the car you want to buy/lease and he will give you the financing conditions and give you a form to fill out. Don't worry much about it, you will find out quickly and directly what works out for your particular financial and income situation, and what doesn't. Just remember to be straight and upfront with everybody and you will have smooth sailing.

mbennion76 · #7 09.03.2008, 21:31

	Quote:	J_T
	Things are much simpler here and credit is limited to what you can provide security for, not some prognostisized history/rating. Your credit card limit will be based on your monthly income and the CC bills will normally be deducted directly from your bank account. They don't leave you much room to default. Go to the dealer for the car you want to buy/lease and he will give you the financing conditions and give you a form to fill out. Don't worry much about it, you will find out quickly and directly what works out for your particular financial and income situation, and what doesn't. Just remember to be straight and upfront with everybody and you will have smooth sailing.

Thanks for the advice... For now, I have to hurry up and wait for my B Permit.