Can't get a Credit Score?

DanielS88

Hi Folks,

I have worked in the UK for over 2 years now but I have only had an address in the UK for 1 year, because I was living in Southern Ireland and working in Northern Ireland. I have since moved to England and have been here for over 1 year.

I have been trying to get an idea of my credit score to build it up as I am looking to apply for a mortgage & car & phone. But all the sites I look at say I need at least 3 years worth of addresses in the UK and recently 6 year from Experian!

Is there anyway of getting a credit score without having to wait another 2 years?
I have paid for and received my statuary credit report but it gives no indication of score so is essentially useless.

I know when applying for a mortgage they take more than just your credit score into account, but it would be ridiculous if I was approved for a mortgage and then reject for a phone.

If anyone has any advise, it would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

Pixie5740

That's impressive given Southern Ireland ceased to exist in 1922.

Why do you care about seeing scores generated by credit reference agencies? No lender can see it and the credit reference agencies don't lend money.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score

spikyone

Pixie5740 wrote: »

That's impressive given Southern Ireland ceased to exist in 1922.

Why do you care about seeing scores generated by credit reference agencies? No lender can see it and the credit reference agencies don't lend money.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score

In the olden days, there was an automatic reminder attached to newbie's posts that you should be nice to them

@OP, despite the tone of this, the above is broadly correct. Credit scores are essentially meaningless. Make sure you manage any other credit you may have (credit cards, overdrafts, mobile phone accounts and the like), pay it off on time, and don't max out your credit card. Make sure you're on the electoral register wherever you live now.

Ultimately you might struggle to get a mortgage for the same reason that you can't access a credit score; that you have not lived in the UK for long enough to build a credit history. In your circumstances I would not recommend applying for car finance - if you need a car, save up and buy something outright, even if it means it's a few years old. Much as I love cars, they are a means of transportation first and foremost.
And if you already have enough saved for a deposit on a house, then talk to a broker (I used L&C for my mortgage but other providers are available) and they will be able to advise on whether lenders will consider you, and any other supporting documentation that you might need to provide.

DanielS88

Pixie5740 wrote: »

That's impressive given Southern Ireland ceased to exist in 1922.

Why do you care about seeing scores generated by credit reference agencies? No lender can see it and the credit reference agencies don't lend money.

Har har with your political correctness. But having lived south of the border most of my life and regularly referred to as a Mexican. I stand by my statement.... Southern Ireland

I know that lenders don't but I can use my credit score for a ball park figure on whether I will be accepted for a any particular product without having the risk of applying and getting rejected and thus having a mark on my credit record.
Or would you recommend I just apply to anything and everything while holding a four leafed clover and hope for the best.

[Deleted User]

DanielS88 wrote: »

I can use my credit score for a ball park figure

You really can't.

Just sense check the data on your file - is it good or bad? Would it concern a reasonable lender?

DanielS88

Deleted_User wrote: »

You really can't.

Just sense check the data on your file - is it good or bad? Would it concern a reasonable lender?

Oh I'm guessing I am the victim of the marketing campaigns that portray a credit score as a be all and end all when it comes purchasing anything on finance.
Thanks for the help

Candyapple

Ignore credit scores, they are fictitious marketing nonsense.

If you want to see roughly what your chances are of getting a credit card, enter your details below. It will be a soft search meaning no lenders will see the search only you. It will only turn into a hard search if you actually went on to apply.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/

Here's the loan version:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/loans/

The free versions to check your credit files are below:
Experian: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/creditclub
Equifax: https://www.clearscore.com
Call Credit: https://www.noddle.co.uk

2ilent8cho

If you want an example of how useless and meaningless Credit Scores are, on Noodle i get 1 out of 5, Experian have me as very poor, with some number in the 500's yet i last week got a credit card with an APR of 10.9% which is excellent credit territory APR, normally the APR would be around 39% from Vanquis/Aqua with that score. Just ignore the scores.

DCFC79

Why are you applying for a phone ?

Buy a cheap phone and get a sim only contract, you get a phone with the ability to use it without shelling hundreds of pounds.