Abercrombie123

Hi everyone - firstly can I say what a great forum this is for help and advice! My family is moving back to the UK from Australia next year (I am British). When it comes to things like renting a flat, getting credit cards, getting a car loan etc - what have people found re not having a credit history in the UK? Thanks

mikelincs

Not too sure about the car loan, but if you can offer to pay 6 months rental up front then most people have not had a problem. When you get to the UK you do need to sign on the electoral roll for where you are living almost all credit checks will use this as part of the check, get yourself a credit card, use it and pay it off every month, your credit score will soon improve.

Jerseygirl

I have moved your thread over to our main UK forum. Please note the Immigration forum is for questions about visas and citizenship only.

Abercrombie123

ok thanks - and sorry!

Jerseygirl

No problem...I realise you are a new member.

M0zza

No idea about renting, but if you can prove income and perhaps some savings I am sure that will help.

We found that nobody is going to give out credit unless you have been resident in the country for previous two (or could have been three) years. Getting a mortgage likely to be easier than getting a credit card as at least that is secured debt.

mikelincs

Don't think that is correct, if you open a bank account, then get their own credit card you should be OK especially if they can see you are getting your salary paid into their account. Mortgage ALWAYS relies on a credit check, so getting that started should be a first step, as I said offering 6 months up front is usually the best way.

Abercrombie123

Thanks - when you say "mortgage relies on a credit check so pay 6 months up front", do you mean rent?
Also - do you have any ideas about things like car loans? And whether rentals / credit cards / car loans are trickier if monthly income is from self-employment? Thanks so much

spouse of scouse

Although Mike's quite right with the 6 months rent in advance thing, there's been other members who've had no problem in securing rentals with just the ordinary 1 month deposit. Some letting agents and landlords won't touch people without a positive credit check, while others are more flexible. It's really just a case of, if you see a property you like call the agent/landlord and ask the question.

Another way to build a credit rating is to get a pay-as-you go mobile plan.

Abercrombie123

Great - thank you all again! So useful to hear from others who have been through the same experiences.

spouse of scouse

You're welcome! I was helped so much here, don't know what I would have done without all the advice I got re my visa. It's nice to give something back

MidAtlantic

Really? I have pay-as-you go and never gave my SSN so I do not think it reports to a credit agency.

spouse of scouse

Several members have mentioned that this was successful for them. I don't think the UK has social security numbers?

scot47

National Insurance Number (NINO) in the UK.

spouse of scouse

Ah yes, ta Scot. I didn't have to provide a NI number either, which is just as well because I don't have one!