Hi had the same problem. Came back to UK after 4 years abroad about 6 months ago. Worse still had cards before - Egg (10k limit) and First Direct (7k) - but my current account (First Direct) had gone into the red by 100 pounds due to online fraud while I was abroad - I had a 1,500 overdraft limit but they zeroed it. They closed the account causing default on the cards! I paid off the balances anyway as I was "late in complaining so couldnt challange them" the b******* didnt think of emailing me! Also Egg said they dont allow non-resident customers. I did have a whole bunch of cards with 5-10k limits (I used to work in the City) WHY DID I CUT THEM UP! :)

Luckily I was able to reactivate an old Nationwide account with a VISA debit card - luckily I never closed it! If you go abroad OPEN A SPARE ACCOUNT!

Got refused for cards but 2 months ago got a Capital One card with a 100 pounds limit - totally useless really - but hey thought at least improve my rating. Tried my luck with Nationwide and got a 2k limit. Great as easy to monitor with my account and when abroad again it will be handy.

I suppose they saw regular salary coming in and were more lenient. To be honest Nationwide have always been great to me and I strongly reccomend them - especially to travellers.

I have also applied for a Barclaycard - will see what happens! But not bothered now with the Nationwide card. Will wait 6 months and try for another card with cashback this time. So focus on your current account provider first. Note I wasnt on the electoral reg when I just applied - I will be next month. A lender will feel more comfortable if they see regualr income and good account management. Also I think Nationwide used a human to review my application which helped.