First Credit Card

ronbell101

My daughter in law arrived form Brazil and is a permanent resident she has a job and a current account but to "improve" her credit worthiness I suggested a credit card for her...tried quite a lot of applications with no success as she needs to have been a resident for 2 years or more
any suggestions or does she have to wait 2 years ?
thanks in advance

[Deleted User]

There are better ways to get you in credit ratings before debt e.g. a SIM only mobile contract etc. It's obvious that banks will be cautious to lend to someone who is just here and could run away easily from the debt. Applying for a lot of cards is bad idea too as it makes her look desperate. Get a basic bank account, show she can earn money regularly and be reliable and then try for a basic card with her bank in say 12 months time when regular earnings are established.

maxximus75

These things take time.  After a year or so, I would maybe suggest her speaking with her own bank to see if they could arrange a card?  Failing that, it will be a waiting game.

ronbell101

Thanks for the replies she has a mobile contract and her bank is starling who at the moment do not offer credit cards....she never applied for multiple cards just started the application process only to find out the 2 year address situation...if it's a waiting game then so be it

[Deleted User]

ronbell101 said:

Thanks for the replies she has a mobile contract and her bank is starling who at the moment do not offer credit cards....she never applied for multiple cards just started the application process only to find out the 2 year address situation...if it's a waiting game then so be it

Starting the application process - if they started doing checks, it still flags up - look at card Ts & Cs online first but generally I would suggest waiting until she has been here a year, ideally working for at least 6 months

PRAISETHESUN

The issue is that many  - but not all - lenders want 3 years of UK address history before they will offer her a card. My first suggestion is usually to contact her UK bank as they will have a better idea of her finances and may be more willing to take a chance with her. Failing that, a sub-prime card from the likes of Capital One, Aqua, etc is usually the next place to try. I had success with the LUMA card by Capital One after living in the UK for about 12 months. Otherwise it is a bit of a waiting game until someone decides to take a chance on her.

Other things to consider are to enroll on the ER (if nationality allows) and getting utility/mobile phone contracts. Ignore any services that promise to boost her score for a fee - there is no need to pay to build your credit history.

Alex9384

This one only requires 12 months history - https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/info/tui-credit-card

blue.peter

Is improvement of her credit worthiness the sole objective, or does she want a credit card for normal day-to-day use? If the latter, is your son/daughter willing to add her to his her credit card as a temporary measure?

ronbell101

blue.peter said:

Is improvement of her credit worthiness the sole objective, or does she want a credit card for normal day-to-day use? If the latter, is your son/daughter willing to add her to his her credit card as a temporary measure?

Yes improvement of her score as they will be applying for a mortgage in the next few years