Girlfriend moving from EU country to UK

innovate

hyposmurf wrote:

Thanks I take something Cezch is going on there,second reply by yourself about Czech subjects.

Afraid, I think I have to disappoint you - nothing 'czech' going on here (though I love Prague, and the 'pragians', if that's what they are called .... what ARE they called?)!

angelica

My situation was different, when I came to this country from EU 6 years ago, my employer arranged the bank account for me (they really needed me here and paid for relocation etc) and the bank (Natwest) was very keen to issue me a credit card straight away. As people already said I also would suggest that she'll get an utility bill in her name, get on the electoral register, open basic bank account and later on asks the same bank to issue a first credit card. It also will help to open a bank account if she brings a recommendation letter from her current bank.

innovate

Straying slightly from original question: angelica, do you still bank with Natwest? If yes, have a look round for better banks - see Martin's articles an banking - you will almost certainly get a much better deal elsewhere, and changing current accounts is a doddle.

Check out the A&L thread on the referrer's board as well, you could make an easy £125 whilst switching, or have a look on Quidco for cashback deal on banking applications.

angelica

Innovate, thank you for advice. I do not bank with Natwest anymore. I use A&L and RBS (only because people in my branch are brilliant). I still have Natwest credit card which is empty, I hope they offer me BT deal soon, if not I'll close the account.

angelica

hyposmurf,

Just to confirm earlier suggestions, please, have a look at the following article

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3857197.stm

Experian also suggests to get on the electoral register, open a bank account and then ask for a credit card from the same bank to build up the credit history.

I hope it helps. Goos luck!

stefr

I moved here in 03 but had a bank account from 2001. CC with that bank, virgin pay as you go changed to monthly plan and a cap one card (200 pound limit) helped my credit record look good after about one year.

Iain_M

To get on the register of electors contact your council or go to the following website:
http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/

To be an elector you have to be a British citizen, citizen of other Commonwealth Countries or a citizen of a Member State of the European Union.