Ways to Establish Credit in the UK

I'm also in the process of requesting that Experian add a note to my account regarding the Electoral Roll, which will hopefully help with future applications.  I tried the other agencies, but as don't have 3 years of UK addresses, I couldn't sign up.  I'd rather have the note everywhere, but one is start.

It was extremely annoying not to be able to sign up for the other two because I don't have 3 years worth of addresses.  But I sent in the Notice to Experian and they got back to me in a few days and within the next week the information was up on my credit report.

I have been in th UK for 7 days now and I just opened a passport account at HSBC. just needed my passport drivers license and any address in england i felt like giving them.. crazy! I used the address that my girl friend lives at now. They also made a note on my brand new credit report so when I actually move here in January I will have already have the 5/6 months under my belt. I figure When I come back to visit in October I can get a real cheap phone and plan so I will be all set up for Jan. now I just need that student visa!

It was stated several times, but worth reiterating.  For ex-pats or US citizens moving to the UK for long term: open up a credit card in the US (Amex and Visa or Mastercard) and transfer the account to the UK upon moving.

Managed to get my Barclaycard and cheque card sorted out. The banker was mystified that neither DH nor I had any ID in their database. Maybe because we've been with Barclay's for over 35 years!? 

I just called Amex UK and they wan't me to do a new card application and reference my US Amex number.  Considering, I just moved to UK and don't have a credit history, I will most likely won't get approved.

It was stated several times, but worth reiterating.  For ex-pats or US citizens moving to the UK for long term: open up a credit card in the US (Amex and Visa or Mastercard) and transfer the account to the UK upon moving.

I just called Amex UK and they wan't me to do a new card application and reference my US Amex number.  Considering, I just moved to UK and don't have a credit history, I will most likely won't get approved.

Here's the site for the global transfer: http://www.americanexpress.com/global-card-transfers/

It may be pointless, though. I transferred my AmEx over a year ago, have been using it (and paying the balance in full) every month....and they haven't told any credit agencies. I called them last month and they assured me that they'd fix it so that my good credit (with them) showed up on my credit report, but I haven't had a chance to re-request my report again.

Great thread thanks guys.

Im coming before new years and need to get my credit rolling. I was wondering if my kinda bad credit over here would show. Good to know that it wont. I'm a lot older and more responsible now.

Thanks again!