getting a credit card in England - help!

becks78
New Member



Joined: 08 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:49 pm

 

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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!

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mari-mac
Senior Member



Joined: 01 Sep 2006
Posts: 94
Location: U.K.

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:58 pm

 

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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.
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We've got rocks and trees, and trees and rocks, and rocks and trees and trees and rocks and.water!

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SaaraG
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 17 Jan 2006
Posts: 37
Location: Bristol, UK

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:02 am

 

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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!

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oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:08 am

 

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I second the elctoral register thing.

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

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sgnelson
New Member



Joined: 26 Sep 2006
Posts: 6
Location: Edinburgh

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 5:58 am

 

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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.

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becks78
New Member



Joined: 08 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:51 am

 

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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!

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oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:32 am

 

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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.
_________________
Lori

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Scootter
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 06 Jun 2006
Posts: 57
Location: Sawtry (Nr Peterborough)

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:55 am

 

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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

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