Current account & credit card from the same bank?

kaloss

How having a current account in a bank affects the chances to get a credit card from the same bank?

My credit history is empty, I am European (not from UK), 24 years old and I just moved to the UK. My monthly income is about 1100£ after taxes.

I'd like to maximize the chances to get an Halifax Clarity. Since I need to open a current account do you think it makes sense to open it at Halifax or it doesn't make any difference?

How long you think I should wait before my credit history is good enough to get the Halifax Clarity (provided that I will apply as soon as possible for a "poor" prepaid card like the cashplus prepaid)?

kaloss

Anybody knows something about that?

dazza.mk

It might make a difference if the bank has a long history of Current account operation to look at (as it gives them more information about you), as a new customer and also new to the UK it is unlikely to make any difference at all.

Try and cover the basics (ie are you on the electoral role), if these are ok try a credit builder credit card or something like cashplus

http://www.mycashplus.co.uk/offers/cashplus/tabs/default.aspx?pc=GAW525&apskw=cash%20plus&apsad=5928704189&apsds=S&apspl=&apsmt=e&gclid=CI6z6Zzu56sCFWu4tgodU2XCHw

just to build a credit history

Venusflytrap

You do not necessarily have to hold an account with the bank but it might help if you are relatively 'fresh' credit history wise.

nzseries1

When my sister moved here in 2008, she opened an account with Halifax and they offered her a credit card there and then during the application process in the branch, despite zero previous credit history in this country. Things may have changed now though.

I will also add, even though you didn't ask, that she has regretted accepting this credit card every day since she got it as she found it simply "too easy to spend on".

kaloss

nzseries1 wrote: »

I will also add, even though you didn't ask, that she has regretted accepting this credit card every day since she got it as she found it simply "too easy to spend on".

Well, I guess that's a risk with any credit card

skintdad

my OH is eastern European and after being in uk for 2 months applied for a barclays current account for her wages to go in. they gave her an initial credit card too with £480 limit. upgraded to £1k after 6 months