Credit Card before Returning to UK?

bmouthboyo

My wife and I have are planning to return to the UK after having worked abroad for 4 years in Asia. We are looking to get our first mortgage in early 2018 when we return.

We have no debts, CCI etc and are starting to check credit reports which all look clean.

I was wondering if it might be beneficial to get a UK based credit card to further improve our credit score? I know this can be trickier when we are abroad but all our banking is registered to parents address and there has been no issue opening Santander 123 accounts etc using this method, so the question is more aimed at if it is going to help to have a credit card open opposed to comments regarding technicalities of opening the card itself.

Is it worth the hassle? Does it really make a difference if we haven't evidence of UK credit cards for 4 years?

Thanks

[Deleted User]

bmouthboyo wrote: »

Is it worth the hassle? Does it really make a difference if we haven't evidence of UK credit cards for 4 years?

That's precisely why it would make a difference. Not sure why it would be a hassle.

I would wait until your return though. The impact of making a fraudulent credit application would potentially be greater than for a bank account.

jonesMUFCforever

Your chances of getting a UK based credit card when you are resident overseas are very slim.

If you have an offshore account with a UK bank and they offer a credit card then that's the way to go - if not wait until you return.