credit card for recently repatriated Brit

stevensanph

Hi all.

Been reading the forums here for years, but now in need of some help.

I have recently re-repatriated to the UK, after living in South East Asia for the last 12 years.

I have managed to rent a property in my name, and get a new bank account set up. Prior to this all my banking (multiple bank accounts with significant balances, credit cards (with significant credit) and mortgage was in the Philippines, where I still maintain the accounts.

I am working full time with a decent (well above average for UK) salary. However, I cannot get any sort of credit, anywhere. Even the credit cards which advertise for those with credit problems, no credit and offer cards with ridiculous high interest rates reject me. The issue I am having is I want to build credit, but can't, as no one will allow me to build!

The bills for the rented property are covered by the monthly rent, so can't pay the bills there. I can't get a mobile phone contract. I can't get anything to show that I am not a credit risk.

No one will take into account my overseas references, or the fact I already hold credit cards (mastercard) in the Philippines. In fact, I reckon if I went and declared myself bankrupt I'd have a better chance of getting credit!!!

So, what can I do?

grumbler

Register on the electoral roll.
What mobile contract were you unable to get? A sim-only one is usually easier to get.
Store cards are usually easy to get and contribute to your credit history.
Does your current account in UK have an overdraft facility?

Thrugelmir

stevensanph wrote: »

So, what can I do?

Be patient. As at the moment you are a nobody. Takes time to build a history.

stevensanph

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Be patient. As at the moment you are a nobody. Takes time to build a history.

that's my main question? Am I building a credit history by having no credit?

All I can do right now is pay on my debit card - is that helping?

To answer the other questions:
- yes, added to the electoral role last week
- account has an overdraft facility, but I declined it... should I add this back to the account?
- vodaphone sim only, although I never actually applied as I was advised by the sales rep that i would be rejected based on what I told them.