Newly resident in UK - can't get a credit card!
#1
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Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 36
Newly resident in UK - can't get a credit card!
My apologies if this has been asked before. I didn't turn up much in a search. I have been resident in the UK for over a year now and want to start building a credit record here. I'm getting rejected from all credit card applications, even the ones for people with bad credit. When they give a reason, it's because I have no credit record. Well, that's the point!
I have liquid savings, decent household income (from my spouse's job, I'm a stay-at-home parent) and a stellar credit rating of 838 in the US based on 25+ years of borrowing. My father-in-law would be willing to co-sign on a credit card but this doesn't seem to be an option. Any insights on how to even get to square one?
I have liquid savings, decent household income (from my spouse's job, I'm a stay-at-home parent) and a stellar credit rating of 838 in the US based on 25+ years of borrowing. My father-in-law would be willing to co-sign on a credit card but this doesn't seem to be an option. Any insights on how to even get to square one?
Last edited by ArizonaTrail; Oct 3rd 2023 at 11:15 pm.
#4
Re: Newly resident in UK - can't get a credit card!
My apologies if this has been asked before. I didn't turn up much in a search. I have been resident in the UK for over a year now and want to start building a credit record here. I'm getting rejected from all credit card applications, even the ones for people with bad credit. When they give a reason, it's because I have no credit record. Well, that's the point!
I have liquid savings, decent household income (from my spouse's job, I'm a stay-at-home parent) and a stellar credit rating of 838 in the US based on 25+ years of borrowing. My father-in-law would be willing to co-sign on a credit card but this doesn't seem to be an option. Any insights on how to even get to square one?
I have liquid savings, decent household income (from my spouse's job, I'm a stay-at-home parent) and a stellar credit rating of 838 in the US based on 25+ years of borrowing. My father-in-law would be willing to co-sign on a credit card but this doesn't seem to be an option. Any insights on how to even get to square one?
As has already been said, ensure you are on the electoral register too so that you are verifiable.
If you have applied for numerous cards already, and been rejected, stop applying - all those rejected applications can have a negative impact.
I think you can apply for your UK credit rating with the credit reference agencies like Experion and Equifax for free so it may be worth getting a copy and confirming that there are no errors in your report.
Finally, I want to ask if this is your own BE account or you are using your partners? I ask as you mention your father-in-law, and the original poster mentioned a British born father. If I am wrong, I apologise, but we do usually recommend that people have their own log in to avoid misunderstandings.
#5
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Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 36
Re: Newly resident in UK - can't get a credit card!
Thanks for all the messages. I'm currently using my own Wise debit card. I haven't tried getting a non-Wise bank account. I just assumed it would be difficult because I am an American citizen and, you know, FATCA.
I only applied to be on the electoral register a few days ago, so I'm hoping this is the issue. I'm also seeing about transferring the utilities into my name. Then I'll try again in a few months.
I only applied to be on the electoral register a few days ago, so I'm hoping this is the issue. I'm also seeing about transferring the utilities into my name. Then I'll try again in a few months.
#6
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Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Eee Bah Gum
Posts: 4,135
Re: Newly resident in UK - can't get a credit card!
Thanks for all the messages. I'm currently using my own Wise debit card. I haven't tried getting a non-Wise bank account. I just assumed it would be difficult because I am an American citizen and, you know, FATCA.
I only applied to be on the electoral register a few days ago, so I'm hoping this is the issue. I'm also seeing about transferring the utilities into my name. Then I'll try again in a few months.
I only applied to be on the electoral register a few days ago, so I'm hoping this is the issue. I'm also seeing about transferring the utilities into my name. Then I'll try again in a few months.
No proof of residence needed these days.
#7
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 525
Re: Newly resident in UK - can't get a credit card!
#8
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Posts: 4,135