I DON'T EXIST

SevenOfWine

I've been in the country for about 5 months. I have a bank account, debit orders for council tax, TV licence, gas/elec/ internet. Using Credit Ladder to track my rent. Council added me to the electoral role on 1 July.
But I don't exist. Speaking to a loans company (for a car) I am told I have a good credit rating, they can see my address, but I am not linked to anything. Can't pick up my bank account and not being picked up on the voter's roll. So, I can't apply for a loan, or a credit card, or anything...

Any ideas on how to resolve this, please?

[Deleted User]

Have you checked all three of your files?

What shows on each? 

Hasbeen

SevenOfWine said:

I've been in the country for about 5 months. I have a bank account, debit orders for council tax, TV licence, gas/elec/ internet. Using Credit Ladder to track my rent. Council added me to the electoral role on 1 July.
But I don't exist. Speaking to a loans company (for a car) I am told I have a good credit rating, they can see my address, but I am not linked to anything. Can't pick up my bank account and not being picked up on the voter's roll. So, I can't apply for a loan, or a credit card, or anything...

Any ideas on how to resolve this, please?

Some info here:  LINKY

Also as advised check for free, the 3 main credit reference agencies.

PRAISETHESUN

I had the exact same problems when I first moved to the UK - it's going to be a while until you're able to get credit, but there are some steps you can start taking now to help you get there. The main thing is to start building up some credit history. Utilities and bank accounts in your name are a good start, and I'd work towards getting a credit card (you may find asking your main bank what they'd offer you beneficial). Other then that it's a matter of waiting out the clock. Many lenders like 3 years of address history in the UK to offer the best rates so you will struggle at first, but over time you'll find you'll be able to get better deals.

I'd also make a habit of regularly checking your credit files from all 3 CRAs (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion). You can do this for free by requesting copies of your Statutory reports, or through various third party services.

SevenOfWine

Deleted_User said:

Have you checked all three of your files?

What shows on each? 

I battled to get beyond registration, they could not validate me at all

maxximus75

The council only added you to the electoral roll very recently.  It takes a while for those details to filter through to the various CRA's. 

This would be the reason that you can't be validated.

Although frustrating, things take time.

Utilities, council tax etc do not report to CRA's so you probably won't have any credit history at present.  Your bank account may report but many don't unless you have an overdraft facility (used or not).

Some rent accounts do report but even then, are few and far between.

I wish you luck but I think some careful steps and time will certianly help with your situation.

PRAISETHESUN

SevenOfWine said:

Deleted_User said:

Have you checked all three of your files?

What shows on each? 

I battled to get beyond registration, they could not validate me at all

If that's the case you need to formally complain to the CRAs saying that you want access to your data under GDPR - they are legally obliged to provide you with this. Typically they will request some sort of verified ID from you, but once you get this sorted you will have access to your files.

Any changes to your files usually take 4-8 weeks to flow through from the organisation notifying the CRAs of the change to it being visible on your files. The council only adding you to the ER at the start of July means you're still probably another month or two from that being completed. Unfortunately as we've all said above this is pretty much a waiting game for the most part, but you'll get there eventually!