electoral roll

I know for credit purposes it is best to be on the electoral roll
As a resident of uk and us citizen am I eligible?

No, you cannot get on the electoral roll until you are a UK citizen.

No, you cannot get on the electoral roll until you are a UK citizen.

Or the citizen of a European Union country (but not Switzerland or Norway, even though they can live here the same as EU people). You can't vote for PM, etc. but you can get on the roll and vote for local elections.

And Commonwealth citizens who are UK resident:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter-registration

Or Irish  (It's listed separately to EU citizens)

This is actually a serious problem for expats and one that I'm hoping to start a campaign to rectify.

I've been living in the UK for five years, and despite responsible management of my money, a decent enough income and the highest personal score at my bank, I can't borrow at an affordable rate.

The banks offer us credit cards, overdrafts and small loans, all at 17 - 19 per cent interest, with no concern whatsoever for the electoral roll. However, when we apply for a lower interest loan (12 per cent, my last attempt) they say that we're not on the electoral roll and all of a sudden not eligible.

To say in one breath that they can't identify you on the electoral roll and refuse you credit, then to turn around and offer you the same amount of credit on high interest credit cards is bait and switch. I've talked to the Electoral Roll, Experian and the Citizens Advice Bureau and they've all said the same thing – no one is doing anything about it. It's discrimination to treat people differently for something they cannot control (signing up to vote when we're not allowed) and therefore there's serious grounds for a case to be made against the banks here.

I'd be interested to hear stories from anyone else who has experienced this.

Thanks,
Steve DeVries (New Englander transplanted to Olde England)

I've lived here for almost 20 years and experience this every time I try to get credit. To get my first credit card I had to bring in my bank statements and talk to the credit manager. I've got notes on my credit report stating that it is illegal for me to be put on the Electoral Role. As far as I am aware, the only purpose the role serves is to confirm where you have been living. I've been at the same address for over 15 years.

It is discrimination pure and simple, but because it's a minority of people it is ignored.

Why don't you just get citizenship and then get on the electoral roll? This isn't possible for some people, but surely if you've been here 20 years you qualify for citizenship.

I'm collecting stories of foreign nationals' problems getting fair credit because of the electoral roll, which I hope to share with the ombudsman and the commission on banking standards. This is a discriminatory practice that needs to end now if anyone from abroad is to set up a decent life in this country.

If you want to get involved or share your story, email me at Frisian3000@aol.com.

Thanks,
Steve DeVries

I'm collecting stories of foreign nationals' problems getting fair credit because of the electoral roll, which I hope to share with the ombudsman and the commission on banking standards. This is a discriminatory practice that needs to end now if anyone from abroad is to set up a decent life in this country.

If you want to get involved or share your story, email me at Frisian3000@aol.com.

Thanks,
Steve DeVries

I came over as a UK citizen, but not a resident, and had to wait a good few years to establish credit - even with being on the electoral roll. I think it was after I had my bank account for a year, I qualified for a visa debit card (my first card was a SOLO)

You can get your history amended, so you wont qualify for "instant" credit but you can at least start trying.

Also good rates here are HARD to find. My partner has a near perfect score and the best rate he currently has is about 16%...Which, when talking amongst friends, is a good rate. In the States thats where you start being a credit "risk"

I've just come across this issue. I applied for a barclaycard online and was denied straight away through an Experian credit check. I managed to get my credit report (after 4 hours of hell speaking to Experian reps....worst customer service I've ever experienced!) and discovered this whole Electoral Roll issue. I've had a Barclays bank account and ISA for 3 years and never had any issues. The ER is the only thing tarnishing my credit. I went to speak to a rep at my bank branch who told me there should be no issue with me obtaining a barclaycard, so she submitted a new application and told me that if it is denied to come and see her and they will appeal the decision. Hopefully, they'll be able to sort it out so I can start building credit

I went to speak to a rep at my bank branch who told me there should be no issue with me obtaining a barclaycard, so she submitted a new application and told me that if it is denied to come and see her and they will appeal the decision.

I was told that by Barclays as well.  Don't believe their lies.