Global Economy?

One thing that we're having to contend with since moving here is that we cannot get a dollar denominated credit card.  We still have our UK cards, of course, and can use them, but now-a-days, most credit card companies charge a commission on foreign transactions, which I'd rather not pay on top of  this abysmal exchange rate.

So we've applied at various places for a card, but are always turned down.  The reason given? We 'don't have a credit history.' 

Now quite apart from the fact that my nieces - ages 18-24, without a credit history of any kind - are bombarded with pre-approved credit card applications, the credit reference agencies that are confident that we have no credit history are called Experian and Equifax.  That's right, the very same credit reference agencies used in the UK and with whom I have some 27 years of credit history.  Our bank tells us that they could conceivably ask to look at our UK credit history, but they would not be allowed to take it into account when making a decision.   Global economy anyone?

It gets better.  Andrew has had an American Express card since 1973.  He wants a dollar denominated American Express card, but has been refused because, apparently, he has 'no credit history.'

A retailer invited us to apply in-store for their credit card, with the added enticement of a luscious chocolate cake for those making an application.  We told the woman that we knew they wouldn't give us a card.  Apply anyway, she said, you'll get the cake just for applying.   Andrew obliged.  What fun it was when, a couple of weeks later, a rejection letter arrived in the post.  Only this time the reason cited was that 'the applicant was deceased.'   Do you think in this global economy, the US credit reference agency might liaise with our UK insurance company so that we could arrange to collect our life policy?