Credit card eligibility checker 3 year rule

GrumpyJ

Hi guys,

I moved to the UK 4~5 months ago and am planning to apply for a credit card. I do not have a credit history, so the chances are super low. I have a full-time job with a salary of more than 100k. 

Many eligibility checkers only accept applicants with more than 3 years of address in the UK, e.g., AMEX. Then, I cannot really check my eligibility before applying. The eligibility checker on MSE told me my chance is 0%.

There are some credit builder cards, I saw some posts here saying got rejected by Aqua, because the salary is too high in comparison to the applicants of the Aqua credit card. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5864125/aqua-card-rejection

Is there some recommendation for credit cards for newcomers? Or should I wait? Then how many months should I wait? Three years is just ridiculous. Thank you. 

Brie

You could try talking to your bank about getting one of their cards.  They can look at the information they have about you including how you are managing your account and decide from that rather than looking at your credit history.  

Meanwhile what are you doing to build your credit history?  Are you eligible to vote?  If so get yourself registered.  Phone contract?  Might be easier to get than a credit card at least initially.  

GrumpyJ

Brie said:

You could try talking to your bank about getting one of their cards.  They can look at the information they have about you including how you are managing your account and decide from that rather than looking at your credit history.  

Meanwhile what are you doing to build your credit history?  Are you eligible to vote?  If so get yourself registered.  Phone contract?  Might be easier to get than a credit card at least initially.  

Thank you for your advice. I am not eligible to vote, because I am not a UK or EU citizen living in England. I have a broadband contract right now. That can contribute a bit, but slowly.

Yes, I have called my bank (HSBC), they told me they have to go through the system, it is not possible for something like a pre-approval. My previous country is not on their global credit check list. Should I just visit a branch?

retiredbanker1

GrumpyJ said:

Brie said:

You could try talking to your bank about getting one of their cards.  They can look at the information they have about you including how you are managing your account and decide from that rather than looking at your credit history.  

Meanwhile what are you doing to build your credit history?  Are you eligible to vote?  If so get yourself registered.  Phone contract?  Might be easier to get than a credit card at least initially.  

Thank you for your advice. I am not eligible to vote, because I am not a UK or EU citizen living in England. I have a broadband contract right now. That can contribute a bit, but slowly.

Yes, I have called my bank (HSBC), they told me they have to go through the system, it is not possible for something like a pre-approval. My previous country is not on their global credit check list. Should I just visit a branch?

There is no point in visiting a branch IMO.
Their back office operation will be the same as their telephone and internet ones.

GrumpyJ

That leaves me no option but just to wait?

born_again

GrumpyJ said:

Brie said:

You could try talking to your bank about getting one of their cards.  They can look at the information they have about you including how you are managing your account and decide from that rather than looking at your credit history.  

Meanwhile what are you doing to build your credit history?  Are you eligible to vote?  If so get yourself registered.  Phone contract?  Might be easier to get than a credit card at least initially.  

Thank you for your advice. I am not eligible to vote, because I am not a UK or EU citizen living in England. I have a broadband contract right now. That can contribute a bit, but slowly.

Yes, I have called my bank (HSBC), they told me they have to go through the system, it is not possible for something like a pre-approval. My previous country is not on their global credit check list. Should I just visit a branch?

How long have you lived in UK & do you have a UK bank account?

GrumpyJ

Yes, I opened my HSBC UK bank account roughly the same time I arrived here. It's about 4~5 months now.

born_again

GrumpyJ said:

Yes, I opened my HSBC UK bank account roughly the same time I arrived here. It's about 4~5 months now.

Best bet ask them. But given such a short time in UK. I would not hold your breath on getting any CC with only being in the UK that long.

What is your status & plans for living in UK? As that will/can make a difference.