First ever Credit Card in UK

remorseless

after a year in the UK it's time for me to build some credit rating and apply for a credit card... which card provider is more likely to approve?
I have been in the UK 1 year, fully employed on good salary, no CCJ etc, I am on the electoral roll.

I used the tool to suggest which card and Capital One gave me 80% score, I have applied online and now waiting 7 days for an outcome. I didn't read the fine prints that I needed to have had credit before so more likely will get rejected!

Acqua gave me 70% but when I tried to apply my current UK bank wasn't recognised by their application (odd!)

I have my overseas credit card... I don't need a local one it's only to build credit and it will always be paid in full!

would it be bad to have two applications in a short time? if so, how long should I wait?

suggestions?

Candyapple

Do you have a mobile phone contract? This is a good way to start to build up your credit. Also, you should have tried for a credit card with the bank you bank with as they can see how you run your finances.

If you've had 2 credit searches done recently, it’s probably best to wait another 6 months before trying for another. Barclaycard Initial is another one you can try.

remorseless

I have a mobile phone contract and all other utilities (BT, Gas, etc)
I have only done 1 complete search with CapitalOne.

The Acqua one I started the form but never got completed and processed because my bank wasn't recognised so I assume it has left no footprint.

My bank doesn't offer Credit Cards

So 2 would be the 'limit' every 6 months?

Candyapple

What bank are you with?

2-3 is ok, usually most providers will view a lot of applications in a short space of time as you being desperate/something is wrong.

You could try the Barclaycard Initial one, sorry I thought you had applied/been declined for the Aqua one.

Have you obtained copies of your credit file from all 3 agencies?

remorseless

I bank with Citibank... when I was trying to do the Aqua one, the last page asked for my current Sort Code and Account No and it didn't like my Citibank! it said the bank didn't exist!!!! Details were correct.

No I don't have my credit files... should I bother looking at them before applying? I just don't know what to look for!

Candyapple

Ah ok, Citibank is not a UK bank. Your first port of call would be to to obtain a bank account with a UK bank e.g Barclays, Halifax etc.

The 3 companies you need to apply for copies of your credit report are Equifax, Experian and Call Credit (Noddle).

remorseless

Citibank is in the UK!!! I got a normal sort code and account number... it works for everything else! I guess it was not Aqua to be!

I can try Barclays card... looks okay.

Once I have the credit files... what should I do?

Candyapple

Yes I know Citibank is in the UK, however it's not a UK bank. You can't as a UK citizen go in and apply for a current account, that's where the problem lies.

Once you have copies of your files you need to check that you are showing as being on the electoral roll and that any accounts are reporting correctly (lots of green zeros). Just to check generally that nothing is untoward, no late payment markers, no ID theft or financial associates that shouldn't be on your report etc.

Out of interest, is there a reason you haven't applied for a UK bank account yet?

remorseless

Funny you ask... well because I thought I had one! Yes Citibank may not be mainstream in the UK but back home is a regular bank.
With Citi I have a current account with a local debit card, direct debits, etc so I didn't know it was not 'real' and had to have another one.
They do have 'few' branches in London.

Overall I use Citi because it offers great services in the UK if you don't need credit card or mortgages...

How bizarre! Though that could be why!!!!!

Chino

Candyapple wrote: »

You can't as a UK citizen go in and apply for a current account, that's where the problem lies

From http://www.citibank.co.uk/personal/banking/citigold/start.htm?check=CitiGold for when applying for a Citigold Current Account:

"To confirm your eligibility, are you a UK resident aged 18 or over?"

with the clarification that:
"If you are physically present in the UK for 183 continuous days in a tax year then you are considered resident in the UK"

Denny54

Im new as well,
I got a sim only contract less than 2 weeks ago and applied for a cap1 secured credit card and got accepted.