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Credit cards for foreign students

Hello, I study in the UK for some years and so far I get my hands on some sub-prime credit cards that don't have strict rules on electoral roll (because it's impossible for me to register, I wrote to all CRA about my reason for this before).

I have cards from Aqua, Capital One, and Vanquis for about 2 years, and everytime I check my eligibility report, all those prime credit card companies still give me 2/10 or 3/10 chances, despite I pay all my balance in full and never missed a payment.

Is there anyway I can improve my situation? I can't register to vote, and it's unlikely that I get a job soon.

Comments

  • eDicky
    eDicky Posts: 6,835 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 19 February 2017 at 4:12AM
    Mobile phone contacts are reported to CRAs, so if you use PAYG it may help if you get a 12-month or even a rolling 30-day SIM-only contract instead. However I'm not knowledgeable enough to say how effective this would be in your case.

    A stable address and utility bills in your name would no doubt help.

    But are the cards you already have not sufficient?
    Evolution, not revolution
  • Best to try with sim only phone deal and utility bills that would increase your credit reporting footprint
  • Dobbibill
    Dobbibill Posts: 4,200 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Mortgage-free Glee! Name Dropper
    Hello, I study in the UK for some years and so far I get my hands on some sub-prime credit cards that don't have strict rules on electoral roll (because it's impossible for me to register, I wrote to all CRA about my reason for this before).

    Being on the ER is not essential and just evidences stability in where you live.
    I have cards from Aqua, Capital One, and Vanquis for about 2 years, and everytime I check my eligibility report, all those prime credit card companies still give me 2/10 or 3/10 chances, despite I pay all my balance in full and never missed a payment.

    You have been approved for 3 credit cards so these will also be reporting to your CR.
    I have to ask, if you've only been in the UK for a few years and already got 3 credit cards, why would you want more. It's obviously not to do with interest as you pay off in full.
    My advice would be to work with what you already have.
    Is there anyway I can improve my situation? I can't register to vote, and it's unlikely that I get a job soon.

    You can't get a job, already have 3 cards and want another? This doesn't sound very appetizing to a lender does it.
    You may well be failing on affordability more than anything else.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Budgeting & Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, Credit File & Ratings and Energy boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

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