getting a credit card in England - help!

K, can someone pls help me out with this. I have lived in England for just over a year now, and have applied for two credit cards, one was a tesco credit card, and another was a teacher union credit card, and I was denied both of them. I have never had a credit card in England, and have a perfect credit history, have never been in debt in my life and have always paid every credit card bill off in full, so why on earth am I being denied a card here? Any light shedded on this would be really appreciated because I am frustrated!

No idea. Maybe it's because you don't have any credit history over here? Maybe they ran your name through the search and because there's no record of you, you've been denied?

Have you tried applying for one through your bank? They gave me one when I set up my bank account - as long as you have a job, they seemed happy to give me a card.

I think there is a way you can check your credit history too.but can't remember at the moment! Sorry, not much help.

I had the same problem! I couldn't figure out why I was being denied! As a totally seperate matter, I got myself on the Electoral Register and less than 2 months later I was offered a credit card deal by my bank!

The way it was explained to me, is that as foreigners with no credit history in England and not being on the Electoral register, we don't appear as "real people" to the banks and credit companies. So, once you get on the Electoral register with your current address, suddenly you exist!

So, get on that list as soon as you can and the sooner you can get a credit card!

I second the elctoral register thing.

It took me over a year to get a credit history and be offered a credit card.

I'm pretty sure you have to be a resident in the UK for 2-3 years before you can apply for one. I tried to get one with the royal bank of scotland and thats the answer they gave me.

Hey everyone.thanks for the responses.any ideas on how to get on the electoral registry list? I will do that asap.anything that will help!

Just contact your local council to get on the roll. As a Commonwealth citizen, you have the right to vote in UK elections. It's a piece of cake to get on.

I have also hear stories of people living in an address where previsouly someone lived with an atrocious credit history.

It seems here they link the credit history to the address as well as the person, so you may want to contact Equifax or the other credit scoring agency the credit card companies are using and see what's what.

I would also recommened approaching your bank for a credit card, as if you have a history with them and your salaries being paid in they would be more willing to extend you a credit facility.

Another good way to build up your history here is to get an overdraft with your bank and use it now and again, an in a few months you will have some credit established.

Good luck!

Scott

I got a credit card within 2 months from living here.

Get a Nat West Gold Account and it cmes with a credit card. Build your credit from there. It costs £20 a month (I think) but you get cheaper mortgage, car insurance, home insurance and all sorts.plus, it COMES WITH A CREDIT CARD!

I'm pretty sure you have to be a resident in the UK for 2-3 years before you can apply for one.

Actually I got mine last January, so that makes it only a year and a bit. You just have to make yourself a "real person" ie. get on their radar!