Reminds me of a friend of mine in London, who invented a person and put him on the electoral role. This was about 15 years ago. Within a few months the credit card junk mail started to arrive for this ghost. My friend filled out the forms, said the ghost was an airline pilot with BA on £90k a year. With the first year, the ghost had 5 credit cards with a combined credit limit of £34,000. The cards were never used of course.

Indicative of the rotten state of governance and lack of effective legislation.

chelle-p:

Can't directly answer your question except to say the "picky" advice is probably right.

I suggest you start by applying for a basic bank account. Because you have no credit record you will be asked to provide documentry proof of ID. It's not a credit account so there are no credit reference grounds for rejection, however it will establish a "current account" entry with the credit refererence agencies which in time, once you have established residency via the electoral roll, will make it easier to satisfy credit checks.

chelle

If you had a bank account and cc when abroad, if that company has an office in the UK why don't you approach them. They will check the details of your account where held abroad and make a decision whether to offer you facilities in the UK. This may take them awhile, so don't expect an instant decision. I think many people continue using their foreign CC for awhile until there residency is stabilised before they apply for UK CC. Ask your bank.

At the moment financial services companies are being extremely picky, so if you try to apply, when not resident for awhile/ no electoral register you will keep being turned down. My understanding is constant rejection for credit facilities can damage your credit rating.

huckster

Hi

I have just moved back from abroad and I want to apply for a credit card. I have excellant credit rating in where I have been and excellant credit rating on a joint account here but am finding it hard as being refused. I think that this is because my I have lived away for the last 10 years. I am no longer listed on the electrol here either.

Please could you advise me where I am likely to be accepted for a credit card.

Thanks

Chelle