Have cash - no credit

Candyapple

If you kept a UK current account open whilst you were away, have you not tried asking said bank for a credit card?

sivs

Have you spoken to the bank who you already have a current account with in the UK.

They will have a history of how you managed your account, they might be able to offer you something?

user1168934

akzyms wrote: »

So back to my original question...
Are there any banks out there that will look at the whole picture and use a bit of discretion and common sense, rather than just using credit scores or is it simply a case of "Compu'er says no" and that's that?

No, at least not that I know of.
Most mainstream credit card providers have it in their T&C that you have to be resident in the UK for at least 3 years before you are eligible for a credit card - clearly you don't qualify on that basis.
You say you have a current account, have you tried talking to this bank asking for credit card. If they say No then I am afraid you have your answer.

mcpitman

Sorry if I have missed some of the detail....

Do you have a UK current account now? Is your current account based in Aus?

Some banks in the uk are owned by Australian banks or have links with them (I'm sure Yorkshire/Clydesdale are actually NAG (National Australia Group??)

20aday

mcpitman wrote: »

Sorry if I have missed some of the detail....

Do you have a UK current account now? Is your current account based in Aus?

Some banks in the uk are owned by Australian banks or have links with them (I'm sure Yorkshire/Clydesdale are actually NAG (National Australia Group??)

You'd be right in your assumption that both of the above banks are owned by the National Australia Group.

akzyms

Thanks everyone! I had tried by own UK bank on-line and on the phone and got nowhere. Went in today and spoke to someone face to face who was able to secure me a basic initial starter credit card. Low limit and high interest but I'm more than happy with that!

pascal22p

Hi,

I have the same problem but not as bad. I moved in the UK 2 years ago from France for the second time. I never had any problem to open a bank account, was never refused one. Probably because I lived in UK 10 years ago and kept the bank account.

When I open my bank account for the first time 10 years ago I remember I had to bring my work contract.

But I never had a credit card before and it is very difficult to get one I don't even have a mark in my credit report most of the time when I apply so probably the 3 years mentioned above.
The only exception is: I got an american express (the one with nectar points) just a few month after I arrived. After 18 month, I got accepted a nationwide credit card and had a current account for a year with them. I am banking with halifax for almost 2 years and still not qualify. Have been rejected from tsb (twice), hsbc, lloyds, mbna, barclays (got a credit building card on the second application ~10 months later), virgin

I am a researcher at uni, some saving now fiance and with a joint account but it does not seem to help. On the electoral roll as well. Same address since I moved in 2 years ago and a bit.

Good luck

PaulW922

Most banks will open a basic account for you that will create a history and enable you to upgrade after about six months. I doubt you will get a credit card immediately though.

HSBC has a service for people recently arrived, or returned, to the UK.