In order to pass the credit checks, you need to be a UK resident to apply for a UK credit card with a UK residential address. Even then there are no guarantees that all card issuers will accept you application because you haven't yet been resident in the UK for at least six months. Try applying for a Vanquis Abacus Card or Capital One Classic who specialise in providing credit cards to those with low credit scores. Alternatively apply for a prepaid card and top it up with funds from your South African credit card or cash.

Hi. Just to let you know, our credit card expert Robert Kenley is currently on vacation. We will put this question to him on his return to the office. Thanks for your post!

Hi, I relocated from South Africa 2 months ago. I have a gold credit card from South Africa and a good credit rating. How can I get a credit card in the UK. I have a business that is still running well in South Africa and I will be self employed (professional investor) in the UK. Pls advice. ibk