Any way to improve credit score while living abroad?

steve_w

Hi all,

I've been living abroad for a few years and kept a credit card in the UK until I was settled in one place. I paid it off in full, checked again every month for a few months then put it to one side for emergencies. After a while I called to cancel the card but was on hold for a long time, got frustrated and thought I'll do it another time. I did that a couple of times but on the last occasion I went straight through to customer service. I thought it was a major improvement to their service but turns out I had a default on a payment. It was one of these annual subscriptions that I didn't realise was a recurring payment (must have missed a checkbox somewhere). They had sent letters to my parents address but they weren't picked up as being urgent so were left for my next visit home.

Anyway I've settled the bill with the credit card, they said they can't remove the default as it's been too long but they have put a note on my file.

I understand default notices stay on file for 6 years and I now have a very poor credit score. Is there any way at all of improving my credit score while living abroad? As far as I can figure I've done as much as I can and will have to build up my credit rating when I move back to the UK. Is there anything else I can do?

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Don't worry about the score. They don't matter in the UK.

You need good credit history - which will have to wait until you return to the UK and take out UK credit.