Improving Credit Rating whilst living abroad

CCL2015

Hi Everyone,

As the title suggests, I want to improve my UK credit rating whilst I am living in Europe. Here is my situation.

I have been living outside of the UK for the last five years but left the country with some debts. Around a 6k GBP bank loan and a few other small loans - I have paid the small loans off and now I am left the big 6k loan for which I have been paying a debt collection agency 50 GBP per month for the last 2-3 years while living outside the UK - as I defaulted with my old UK bank and they passed the sold the debt on - so my credit score is probably rubbish.

But I have plans to move back the UK within next few years and want to come back to a nice (as possible) credit rating so I can get a car/mortgage etc.

Is there a way to build up my UK credit rating whilst living outside the country - is there anything specific I can be doing over the next couple years to help my cause. I still have a UK bank account and have been making monthly payments from this account re:my 6k loan. However, my income is paid into a separate bank in the country I live in., so there is miminal funds in the UK account.

Any advice would be great as I don't want to return to the UK and find my credit score a complete mess.

:money:

[Deleted User]

Not really. You can't be on the electoral roll and I don't think any credit cards will issue to non UK addresses.

Paying off the default should be your priority, as this will have the biggest impact.

CCL2015

Thanks for the feedback, but is it worth me getting some kind of credit report too? As, to be honest, I am not sure what shape it's in.

JimmyTheWig

Always good to get a free credit report.
Almost never worth paying for a credit score.

stayz

You can remain on the electrol register in the UK if you still have a kind friend or family member that lives there and will put you on it. In fact there are millions of brits living abroad that still remain very much UK citizens with credit cards, mob phone contracts and utilities in their names, and Sky subscriptions..... not to mention those that nip back every 5 months just to keep their benefits coming in or to re sublet their council flat... shocking but no great suprise hey.

Thrugelmir

CCL2015 wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback, but is it worth me getting some kind of credit report too? As, to be honest, I am not sure what shape it's in.

After 6 years it's going to be blank. You'll need to rebuild your profile completely.

CCL2015

Thanks for the replies - but im just concerned that the bank loan that was passed over to debt collection agency has really had a negative affect for me.

Although I have been paying the monthly payment without fail for the last couple of years so I hope this is helping me!

[Deleted User]

Not particularly, as you're paying a defaulted debt to a DCA.