Suggestions for first credit card

Hi all,

I would like to get a credit card ASAP just to start building credit. How long should one wait after moving here before applying? I know you shouldn't make meaningless applications as they show on you credit report.  Also, are there any recommended cards that are easy to get?

About me: I got my tier 2 general visa 8 months ago and  I've been living in the UK for 6 months.  I'm 25 years old,  have a steady job with decent income. I have no debt and have the usual bills in my name paid by direct debit.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Martin Lewis (MoneySaving Expert) has a credit checking tool which apparently performs a "soft search"  of your history which doesn't leave a mark and indicates how likely it is that you will be approved.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/

I know being on the electoral roll is a really important factor. I've read that you can write to the credit agencies and have them note that you are unable to be on it, this helps apparently.

These are some more credit building tips.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/build-credit-history


The price comparison websites deal with credit cards too. Look for credit building credit cards.

After living here for a year, I was able to receive a Capital One credit builder credit card.  It started with a £500 limit.  I would max it out each month and pay it off by direct debit.  After 6 months it increased to £1,000.  After 5 years I'm up to about £2,200.  After 5 years I was also able to qualify for a mortgage (same employer for 3 years, continuously employed the whole time I've been in the UK).

I've never done anything with the electoral role and I've heard conflicting statements as to if it really does help or not.  I've heard that it can hinder applications as you can no longer be "instantly" approved for anything as everything will have to be verified by a human.  Not having a note added to the electoral role has had no negative impact on me obtaining credit in the UK. 

Thanks a lot for the info guys

Martin Lewis (MoneySaving Expert) has a credit checking tool which apparently performs a "soft search"  of your history which doesn't leave a mark and indicates how likely it is that you will be approved.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/

Am I missing something? After I enter my address, it asks for my previous address, which I don't have in the UK.... Can I only use this tool if I have a longer address history?

Am I missing something? After I enter my address, it asks for my previous address, which I don't have in the UK.... Can I only use this tool if I have a longer address history?

I'm sorry, I haven't used the tool myself so I can't tell you.
(I like what ML has to say though which is why I suggested it.)

I came to this forum with the same problem. I've only been here 3 months and was looking for the high interest rate cards that are supposedly easier to get with little/no credit. I tried applying for the NEO card at Vanquis Bank and it wanted 3 years of UK address history. I called up Vanquis and explained the situation and they said I wouldn't be able to apply for a card until I had been here 3 years! Whaaaaaat?

I'm an American and my Scottish wife lived in the States with me for 5 years and when she initially came over, she had a credit card in less than a year! I guess I'll have to wait a year and try that Capital One card that KFdancer mentioned...?

I feel for ya. I ended up googling "new to uk credit card" and it came up with some relevant articles.

Coincidentally, I just got around to applying for a card like 10 minutes ago. I went for the "aqua card" at like 60% interest rate, but wasn't pre-approved. 

Fingers crossed that it works, because it's supposedly bad for your credit score to apply for credit and be denied

On my application, they asked how long I've been at my current address. Since it was less than 3 years, I also had to provide my previous address. I have only been in the UK for a total of 10 months, but it wasn't a problem as long as I could provide 2 addresses....

good luck!

My US spouse was able to get a credit card in his own name within 6 months of arrival in Scotland.  We went to the bank that we have our savings and checking accounts and spoke with the account adviser.  He was offered a TSB Avios card with a limit of £1000.00 he has just recieved a letter telling him is credit limit will increase to £2500.00 at the end of this month.  We did not have any notes added to the credit report. We were to at the bank that this can delay any credit applications as the report will be flagged with a client statement.  We were advised never to use more than half the available ballance and clear it off in full every month.

I've got the capital one credit builder card.  They started me on a low limit but at least I'm working towards something! Capital one Lao have a pre-approval tool online for it.


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I've got the capital one credit builder card.  They started me on a low limit but at least I'm working towards something! Capital one Lao have a pre-approval tool online for it.


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I saw they had a several credit builder cards on the comparison site I was on... but it said you must have had previous debt in the UK to get one, which I don't. Did you?

I saw they had a several credit builder cards on the comparison site I was on... but it said you must have had previous debt in the UK to get one, which I don't. Did you?

The only credit history I had in the UK was a years worth of direct debits for rent and a cell phone bill. Try their pre approval tool on the website, it'll tell you whether you'll qualify. I think the card is specifically for people new to the UK or with bad credit.


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