No credit history, strugging.

alextexmex

Hey all, I'm new here so Ill do my best to get it right!

As a result of a abusive relationship which descended into a stalker, 7 years ago I closed my credit accounts, got paid my wages into my savings account and moved house.

All was well but recently decided to get things back on track after my father passed away and moved into the house he left to me. I fast realised there was a few obstacles in the way of getting my credit life back on track.

First, my brother lived at the property up until 2 months ago and had a lot of debts which he had no intention of attempting to pay them off, as we share a date of birth and surname (the joy of twins in the family) it was a nightmare setting up the electric and gas accounts as they seemed to think it was him trying to sneak out of paying, but managed to prove my identity, same with the landline, as I, by bad fortune applied to the same provider he had been with.

All that resolved I decided to get a phone contract and current account, EE instantly declined me on a basic sim only deal for not having any confirmable credit history and RBS declined me even a basic bank account.

I know I have zero credit history but how am I supposed to get one when Ive already been knocked back twice.

Looking online I have found very little apart from get a credit card and a current account, but I don't want to start applying desperately and damage what I do have.

Any advice? Thanks all.

P.S sorry if in the wrong area of the forum, still learning

Tixy

Hi and welcome

Usually the first steps is to get on the electoral roll and to get a basic bank account.
Have you registered on the electoral roll yet?

You say RBS declined you for a basic bank account - did they provide some explanation as to why? basic bank accounts don't have a credit facility so do not have a credit application check, you shouldn't normally have a problem getting one providing you can prove your identity and don't have a record of fraud (and are not bankrupt).

Did you apply online or in branch for the RBS account? I would try applying for a basic account with another bank, probably in branch.

Given the issue with your twin I would also get copies of your credit reports from the 3 credit reference agencies to check that none of his accounts/debts are appearing on your credit files, this can happen with twins and cause problems.

alextexmex

Thanks for the advice electoral roll info has been sent off but not sure if processed yet.

As for the RBS thing, I applied in branch with driving licence and utility bills and acceptable ID. I've got copies of my credit history, showing a grand total of nout. No credit history whatsoever and only the EE credit search in the past year. No appeared links with my brother, no anything really. As for the past I have no adverse history or bankruptcy or fraud but I know it doesn't count on my good side to have had to disappear for a good few years and not having a trail of credit account cookies to follow for them to identify me and score me with has added to the issues.

On a side note, applied for a tesco current account and was told they would be calling me back, they did so within half hour to ask me about my previous address, confirmed details with them and they declined me stating my lack of credit history and credit file links to my old address to be the most likely culprit. MEH!

Tixy

I would wait until you are on the e/r and this shows on your credit files.

Then perhaps consider applying for either the basic barclays account or the co-op cashminder account - these 2 accounts are generally considered the easiest to get accepted for.

alextexmex

I think that's the best idea, I knew I wouldn't be able to walk into a bank with no credit history and walk out with a big bang current account and credit card but I admit I did expect the baby steps to be more simple than this. My mistake

Which out of coop and Barclays would you say are the better bet? Would it also help my standing with the bank if I brought my savings over? I have about £1000 cash and about £12000 in bonds.

Thrugelmir

alextexmex wrote: »

I think that's the best idea, I knew I wouldn't be able to walk into a bank with no credit history and walk out with a big bang current account and credit card but I admit I did expect the baby steps to be more simple than this. My mistake

Lack of electoral history will be a stumbling block.

alextexmex

I agree it is a issue not being on the electoral roll, I contacted the local council who said my paperwork has not arrived at processing yet...despite sending it royal mail signed for 14 days ago

once that is done hopefully I will be a step in the right direction.

Thrugelmir

alextexmex wrote: »

I agree it is a issue not being on the electoral roll, I contacted the local council who said my paperwork has not arrived at processing yet...despite sending it royal mail signed for 14 days ago

once that is done hopefully I will be a step in the right direction.

Summer holidays are upon us.