Can't register on the electoral roll.

SFX_Student

I'm going to be at uni for the next three years and therefore more than likely changing address frequently. I have any bank statements etc sent to my mums address as its just easier.
However she has just moved into a flat as she no longer needed a large four bed house just for herself. She is the only occupant registered at the address and as such she receives a discount on council tax.
My problem is I am no longer on any electoral roll and if i were to register my mum would lose out on council tax.

Is this an absolute killing point for decent credit cards? I already have an HSBC credit card that i've had for several years and always pay off in full. I also have just been given a Natwest Student credit card.

I plan to work while at uni but my income isnt't likely to be more than £5-7,000. If I was wanting to look for a credit card with some benefits, (money back, loyalty points, interest free period etc) Will my not being registered imediatly make me not qualify?

I'm thinking I really should have thought ahead and applied for some while I was working full time, and was registered at my mums address.

I think I have answered my own question but replies would be useful.

latecomer

It wouldn't necessarily make you not qualify but it would count against you. If you have no previous credit then you are seen as a high risk as lenders will have history to judge whether you are good with your debts or not.

Why cant you register to vote wherever you stay at uni? Yes you'll have to change it each time you move but its not exactly difficult. You fill in a form and post it.

PedroH

The problem goes further than you think. For some debit cards you would only be able to get a nobbled card as you are not on the role! I say get on it (not hard) or your choices of cards is more limited.

TotallyBroke

If you will be privately renting or house sharing through an agency they will put on the electoral role. The property will have council tax connected to it so if it is inhabited by exempt people the council will need to know.
So as a post said earlier it is not a problem to pass this information on each time you might move.

Another thought is why would you need to get in debt. Read some posts on here and don't even start with the debt cycle it's better in the long run.

SFX_Student

I suppose its not too difficult to register at each new address, but don't credit card companies prefer you to have been at one address for a few years?

TotallyBroke: I appreciate the advise but I would consider myself good at managing my money. I would not be using cards to get into debt, I would be using them for the benefits and paying off each month. I don't intend to ever pay interest on credit cards.
I have worked for a major credit card company and have a pretty good grasp of how to stay out of trouble with them. (I didn't have anything to do with new applications, hence my being unsure about acceptance criteria)

Thanks for the speedy replies guys.

Moggles_2

The fact that you're not on the electoral roll at your current address certainly works against you. Lenders score us differently, but everyone's credit rating improves no end once registered.

TBH, being a student means you aren't really in a position to get the best deals on credit cards. Lenders launch these interest-free promotions, which are sometimes heavily advertised, to draw in new customers. Often they are flooded with applications and can afford to cherry-pick applicants. They are all going to see your lowish annual income in the same light. If you move frequently, this too will disrupt your credit score temporarily.

As you already have HSBC and NatWest cards, you're building a credit history for the future. Wouldn't you be better off with a student overdraft? Most are “interest free” for the period of your studies. This raises some other issues and you may want to post again on the *Student Money Saving* board

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=25

SFX_Student

Thanks Moggles. I think I will just have to use my current cards responsibly and wait until I'm earning the big bucks making movies before I can get the best credit cards.
Oh and I do have a student overdraft, as well as a graduate one (its totally legit, I think, heh) I guess I'm just being greedy wanting credit cards too!

Rikki

As a student you are exempt from paying council tax. You need to get a form from the university.

You can stay on the electoral role at your Mums and she will still get her 25% discount.