Only lived in UK less than 2 years = credit card paria?

helenefm

Hello everyone!

I'm a bit of a newbie here on the forum (but a fan of MSE) so please go easy on me. My dilemma is that I am relatively new to the UK - I'm an EU citizen and I've lived in the UK since May 2008. My excellent credit rating back home does me no good here. I have a permanent job with a university earning £20k+.. In order to actually get credit rating here (+ for some security for some purchases such as online and abroad) I want to apply for a credit card but my own bank (HBOS) has rejected my application. Does anyone have any advise for or experience of how to deal with this? Is there any card I can realistically get if I haven't lived here for 3 years?

Very grateful for any help!

fawinds

I do not believe it is a matter of living here for three years. You rather need some credit history as most facilities in the UK are credit scored and they want to see you have a good credit history.

In a sense it is a "in Rome do as Romans do" thing.

Just register in the Electoral Roll, open a basic bank account if possible at a bank that reports the account to credit reporting agencies, get a contract mobile, a Three's SIM Zero would do and maybe open some mail order accounts. JD Williams recommended.

In 6 to 12 months you will be in a position to apply for cards like Capital One classic, Aqua or Barclaycard Initial. You could even apply now for cards like those and if declined, appeal and send proof of identity and income. If you get one of those cards, they can be used to make purchases and get protection and in the long run they will open the door to better mainstream cards.

Good luck

jonesMUFCforever

Most Banks will not touch you before you have been resident 3 years.
Your best bet may be a sub prime lender such as Vanquis or even someone like Capital One.