Hi Guys just need a tad bit of advice

Ive just returned to sunny England after 5 and a half years travelling abroad and visiting family abroad, my problem is that when i left i transfered all my savings i had and moved them to an offshore account as it would be easier to manage my money that way, i had sold all my worldly possesions and closed down all my credit cards and current accounts to avoid temptation of using them with the knowledge i would not have a real source of income for awhile.

I have never been on the Electoral Role (for work purposes) and as im re-entering the same line of work i cannot register, with this in mind i was just wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction of where i could possibly get a current account and credit card to get back on track.

Many Thanks in Advance

I have included a link to FSA - Money made clear website which shows various forms of ID you can use for opening an account. Your Passport will be the main one but for proving an address you may have to speak to staff at a bank branch. At the end of option 3 on this web page link is a Publication link, where you can view a guide entitled "proving your identity", this may help also.

http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/products/bank_accounts/opening_an_account.html

I don't know if you have already done this but you should also fill in a P86 Form and send it off to the HMRC to let them know you are back in town, A reply letter from HMRC can also sometimes help prove your address depending on which bank you use for opening an account.

On the credit card, you may find it a bit harder than it was years ago to open a credit card account as banks have really tightened up on lending criteria. I don't know if they are offered in the UK but a "secured credit card" helped start off my credit history in the USA when I was there last year. Again ask at the Bank branches you visit, I put a Grand up front for security and that was also my credit limit for the first 18 months after which a standard credit card would be issued.