Which address to use to when applying for a credit card?

Dave85

It's very possibly a silly question, and I apologise if it's obvious or has been covered before! (If so, please send me a link or say what to search for!) However...

About 18months ago, I moved to London to begin my first grownup job. However, I still have all my accounts in my parent's address (bank account, mobile phone contract etc. House bills are paid are all in my flatmate's name and I do a bank transfer for that every month). I get important post forwarded to me London (or opened on my behalf whilst I'm on the phone), although with internet banking there's very little that actually needs my immediate attention.
The reason for doing this is:
a) It's a hassle changing all my addresses to London;
b) I didn't know how long I'd stay in each flat in London (as it happens, I've only lived in 2 places in 18 months, when I thought it might be significantly be more!) so didn't know how many times I'd potentially have to change all my addresses;
c) It's safer, because the houses I've lived in here have been divided into flats, meaning there's 10 or more people who could potentially have access to my front door (rather than just my parents' letter, which I perhaps trust a little more!).

My question...(!)
I've just opened an Icesave ISA in my parents address, and am now looking at getting a Cashback credit card. I guess there'll be a credit check for this, so is it best to apply under my parent's address where my 'credit history' lives, or where am I now? Have I dug myself into a hole, and will this be a problem? Should I be 'straight up' from now on and move everything to my current address? (It'd certainly be easier for purchases like gig tickets where companies will only post to the cardholder's address). From the admin point of view it's fine, but if anyone could clarify what's best in the interest of credit checks etc, that would be great!

zimsabre

i went through the same, i moved out of my parents about 6 months ago, although my bank account is set up to my new address, i aplyed using my old address (parents) and i was accepted. i realy dont think it makes a diff. i mean if you get asked by the credit card company you could say "i work away from home" same as those people who work on oil rigs for example.

and as you said thats where your credit history is so it makes sence to use your parents address, it can always be changed at a later date.

please be aware i dont know ith this is the right thing to do (legality) its just my opinion.

dhassen

Are you on the electoral roll at your parent's place? It's important to be on the electoral roll for whatever address you'r applying for credit with.

Personally though, I'd get everything changed to your actual current address, and make sure, a pain I know, but that's just what I'd want to do.

Dave85

dhassen wrote: »

Are you on the electoral roll at your parent's place? It's important to be on the electoral roll for whatever address you'r applying for credit with.

Personally though, I'd get everything changed to your actual current address, and make sure, a pain I know, but that's just what I'd want to do.

Good point - I had the pleasure of exercising (or given the winner, should that be 'exorcising'? ) democracy in London last week. How does this make things weigh up?

dhassen

If you're on the elecoral roll in london, use that address. It's a big factor in deciding whether you will get credit, some companies will blank refuse if there is no electoral roll information.

Dave85

Thanks for your help so far!

If I apply at my London address (which only has electoral roll info) are my chances of being successful in the credit check more than with my old address? If I'm rejected, will it be matched up to the 'me' back home with my other credit history?
Any more advice would be greatly appreciated!

Moggles_2

Dave85 wrote: »

I had the pleasure of exercising (or given the winner, should that be 'exorcising'? ) democracy in London last week.

:rotfl:

It's a pity you're not shown on the electoral roll at your parents' address as well. The solution would then be straightforward, as I think you realise.

As things stand, I would apply with your current address. (Some lenders routinely reject applicants whose ID cannot be verified electronically via the electoral register)

Credit card applications generally ask for your previous address, if you've lived at the current one for less than 3 years, so the two sets of data should be married up.