Obtaining a UK credit card
#1
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Obtaining a UK credit card
Does anyone know how to go about getting a UK credit card on return to UK ? I had read that opening an HSBC bank in the USA is a good way to getting a UK HSBC bank account . Will the bank take my excellent credit number in USA to grant me a card in the UK ? Thanks
#2
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Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
I’m not sure of the best route to getting a credit card. Our son opened an HSBC bank account from the USA but when he moved here he still had to wait 6 months to build a credit score. He wasn’t too bothered because he had a bank account and debit card and managed quite well with that. He has a credit card now.
#3
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Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
Thanks again.. I'm looking into HSBC account .. I live in San Diego and closest branch I can find to be able to go in and speak to someone is in Irvine , quite a drive , but still doable . Thanks
#4
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Joined: May 2020
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Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
I opened a US HSBC account in June and then, in August, drove a long way (here in Florida) to open their UK account and sign the documents. We were told it would take 2-3 weeks to receive the banking information and debit cards etc. Well, it's been over 3 months! After about 6 weeks, we phoned our contact (the international Premiere account rep. who'd done the initial phone consultation) and were told there was a back log. She followed up with an email acknowledging the same. Since then, we've heard nothing - emails go unanswered and a week ago I was on hold for 2 hours before hanging up. I would recommend that, if you need this account quickly, you get the ball rolling as soon as possible. Also, when you have your phone consultation before your actual appointment at the branch be sure to press them on how long it's actually taking these days considering the back log.
#5
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 106
Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
I opened a US HSBC account in June and then, in August, drove a long way (here in Florida) to open their UK account and sign the documents. We were told it would take 2-3 weeks to receive the banking information and debit cards etc. Well, it's been over 3 months! After about 6 weeks, we phoned our contact (the international Premiere account rep. who'd done the initial phone consultation) and were told there was a back log. She followed up with an email acknowledging the same. Since then, we've heard nothing - emails go unanswered and a week ago I was on hold for 2 hours before hanging up. I would recommend that, if you need this account quickly, you get the ball rolling as soon as possible. Also, when you have your phone consultation before your actual appointment at the branch be sure to press them on how long it's actually taking these days considering the back log.
#6
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 114
Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
We opened the US account online and it was ready to go in about 48 hours - you don't even need to go into a branch. That was very simple. The UK account is the one we're still waiting on; we don't have an account number or anything at all so far. I would hope that if you are actually in the UK the process would be smoother, I'm not sure how that might work? I hope it works out okay for you - good luck. I'll post here when we receive it.
#8
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Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
American Express Global allow you to open a U( Credit Card Account based on your US record if you have a US Amex Account.
I utilised this service when I repatriated to the UK after 25 years in the US. After two years I now have a robust and fully established UK credit history having charged almost all purchases to the Amex Card and cleared the balance even month.
I utilised this service when I repatriated to the UK after 25 years in the US. After two years I now have a robust and fully established UK credit history having charged almost all purchases to the Amex Card and cleared the balance even month.
#9
Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
American Express Global allow you to open a U( Credit Card Account based on your US record if you have a US Amex Account.
I utilised this service when I repatriated to the UK after 25 years in the US. After two years I now have a robust and fully established UK credit history having charged almost all purchases to the Amex Card and cleared the balance even month.
I utilised this service when I repatriated to the UK after 25 years in the US. After two years I now have a robust and fully established UK credit history having charged almost all purchases to the Amex Card and cleared the balance even month.
#10
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Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
It probably still is but when you can't a credit card it is a great option. When I worked in the UK, and also in the USA, our corporate credit card was Amex and it mostly worked just fine even when on business in the UK and Europe.
#11
#15
Re: Obtaining a UK credit card
It’s much more widely accepted now. You can use it in all supermarkets, most restaurants and a lot of smaller businesses.
https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/benefits/shop-small/
https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/benefits/shop-small/