Electoral role and credit applications

katnap8

Hiya,

I just became a UK citizen in March 2009 and submitted my electoral role registration in April. ( I have since received info on postal votes so I think they received it) but now I'm wondering how long it will be for the credit report companies to know I'm on the electoral role.

I haven't been able to get credit in this county although I've been working continuously for 4 years (almost since emigrating over), 3 of those for the same company and I have lived in the same property for over 3 years. My husband has a credit card with debt and a high interest and my name is listed on it as an additional user but the account and statements are in his name only. I'm trying to get a card in order to transfer the balance and hopefully make a dent on the balance.

So, after all that, does anyone know how long I should wait to apply for a credit card. I applied for two in January 09 which I didn't get and before that I had applied for one in the summer of 08 I think. My bank did give me a personal loan in Sept 07 for which I paid back early but even they didn't want to give me a credit card.

thriftymomma

Would be worth getting your free trial with xperian or equifax to see if the update has taken place.

Innocent_Guy

You should have been added on the rolling register

Moggles_2

The safest way is to check your credit reports. For help, see page 1 of the *How to obtain credit reports* sticky

Btw, if you decide to order paper copies, you can telephone the CRAs quoting the reference number and date of your report and they will advise you of subsequent updates over the phone for up to two months afterwards, so there's no need to order further reports

Lenders score us differently, but everyone's credit rating improves no end once on the electoral register.

For more tips to improve your chances of credit card acceptance, have a look at the *Credit Rating: how it works and how to improve it guide* especially Martin's *Manage and Improve your credit score* article

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score#improve

Moggles_2

My husband has a credit card with debt and a high interest and my name is listed on it as an additional user, but the account and statements are in his name only.

Credit cards cannot be held jointly. The principle cardholder is solely liable for the debt.

The fact that you have an additional card on his account neither helps nor hinders your applications for credit.

willyg78

katnap8 wrote: »

Hiya,

I just became a UK citizen in March 2009 and submitted my electoral role registration in April. ( I have since received info on postal votes so I think they received it) but now I'm wondering how long it will be for the credit report companies to know I'm on the electoral role.

I haven't been able to get credit in this county although I've been working continuously for 4 years (almost since emigrating over), 3 of those for the same company and I have lived in the same property for over 3 years. My husband has a credit card with debt and a high interest and my name is listed on it as an additional user but the account and statements are in his name only. I'm trying to get a card in order to transfer the balance and hopefully make a dent on the balance.

So, after all that, does anyone know how long I should wait to apply for a credit card. I applied for two in January 09 which I didn't get and before that I had applied for one in the summer of 08 I think. My bank did give me a personal loan in Sept 07 for which I paid back early but even they didn't want to give me a credit card.

I recently got added to the electoral register (before April cut-off date) and it updated with the Credit Reference Agencies on May 1st. It does depend though on when the financial institution you are trying to obtain credit from buys the updated electoral register. Most buy the updated register not long after the April cut-off date, so you'll probably find their systems update over the next couple of weeks.

The best 0% balance transfer deals are available on this site, but if you're not on the electoral roll, they'll look nowhere near you to be honest!

Also, as an additional card holder, you are not responsible for your partners debt. Only the person that signed the credit agreement is responsible.


Hope this helps!

Moggles_2

willyg78 wrote: »

... It does depend though on when the financial institution you are trying to obtain credit from buys the updated electoral register....

This is sometimes the case, if you apply for credit from a retailer (a firm such as Currys for instance), but credit card providers use the Credit Reference Agencies, so it would be wise to check your electoral status with Experian and Equifax before submitting further credit card applications, IMO.

willyg78

Moggles wrote: »

This is sometimes the case, if you apply for credit from a retailer (a firm such as Currys for instance), but credit card providers use the Credit Reference Agencies, so it would be wise to check your electoral status with Experian and Equifax before submitting further credit card applications, IMO.

Thanks for pointing that out Moggles!!

If the OP got her Electoral Registration in before the April cut-off date, it should be updated, I know mine was when I last checked....... but as you say.....always best to check first!!

rana_banana

Hello need help on a query I have.

I moved out of my mother's place a year ago and currently live in rented accommodation with my boyfriend and a friend. My boyfriend pays the council tax at our rented flat, obviously I contribute but am not registered there. As my boyfriend and I are hoping to move out of the flat in the next year I decided to keep all my bank details, phone, post etc at my mothers.
However my mother informed the local council that she is now the sole occupant of her house to get the 25% discount which means according to council tax and electoral register I am no longer at my mother's address. Polling cards arrived at my rented flat (for my boyfriend and flat mate) and at my mothers but I didn't get one. I also recently checked my credit report and it states that I'm not on the electoral register at my others address, although all my credit history is there.
As my boyfriend and I would like to apply for a mortgage this year I'm worried that my absense on the electoral register means that we'll get rejected. Colleagues have told me to register at the flat and move my bank and credit details over but I'm also worried that it will break my stable history of just living at home. They also said that I should get my name on the utility bills my boyfriend pays as it will help with the credit rating.

What do I do?

Is it possible to re-register on the electoral roll at my mothers but pay council tax in another borough? I'd rather not pay council tax in two locations.

Or if I register at the flat do I need to move all my bank details etc over?

Expert advice needed!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!