Transferring good credit

There have been quite a few posts about people worried that their bad US credit will transfer over, and I understand that there is usually no relation between US and UK credit, so you don't have to worry about bad UK credit even if your credit was bad in the US (assuming you don't start running up new debts in the UK).

My situation is the opposite. I had excellent credit in the US (usually paid off all my bills at the end of the month), but here in the UK, I had to open a joint bank account with my husband, whose credit is not so good, so my credit has been dragged down.

Is there any way to use my good US credit record to bump up my credit here, so that my credit isn't dependent on my husband's credit?

It depends what you are looking to try and do.

If it is simply a case of adding yourself onto a joint account you should have no issues.  The bank already has the risk and a second party will reduce the risk, you'll be liable for his debts as well as your own,

Anything more than that I'd suggest submitting a copy of your US credit report, most banks have a facility where a clerk can either appeal a decision or include further supportive informative.

For credit in stores you're stuck I'm afraid, your absence of information will probably be more than offset my hubby's poor record (of course everyone will deny it).

Oddly enough it will probably be easier for you to obtain a mortgage than it will be to obtain a store card.

As someone who has the same "problem"  Though Rich seems to have good credit, so I am lucky there. 

Grumpy, good idea about obtaining a US credit report!  I think I might do that.  Though I am happy to say I just got approved for a UK credit card all on my own, I can't remember which one it is, but I'm glad to be able to get it.  (I have another one that is joint with Rich)

I'm kind of bummed about not having the loyalty/store cards for the places I like, but I don't have too much longer to wait, I think you have to be here for 2 or 3 years with some of them.

I think it's easiest to start with mail-order accounts -- I opened my first after I'd been here a month or two.  Once I'd established myself with that, I opened a store account after I'd been here about a year.    Shortly thereafter, I opened my first credit card account and have just recently received my first platinum card a couple of months ago.

Overall, I've found establishing credit to be pretty easy over here.  I don't know if it's because of DH's credit or not, but I haven't been turned down for anything.  In some ways, starting with a clean slate has made things easier for me.

It's also worth bearing in mind that credit here is also linked to your addresses. So, if like my DH and myself, you have moved a lot, it can slow down your credit-building a bit.

I already have a joint account with my husband and a UK American Express card (I am the primary cardholder--I got it through my US Amex-- but I put my husband down as secondary).  I just don't want my credit record to be based on his. If we could use my US credit record, rather than his, we could get better rates on loans, etc.

I am 40 years old and have had a bank account since I was 6, so it's like I've lost over 30 years of building up credit.

I think it's easiest to start with mail-order accounts -- I opened my first after I'd been here a month or two.  Once I'd established myself with that, I opened a store account after I'd been here about a year.    Shortly thereafter, I opened my first credit card account and have just recently received my first platinum card a couple of months ago.

Overall, I've found establishing credit to be pretty easy over here.  I don't know if it's because of DH's credit or not, but I haven't been turned down for anything.  In some ways, starting with a clean slate has made things easier for me.

What mail order companies did you start with? It is an interesting concept of starting completely over.

What mail order companies did you start with? It is an interesting concept of starting completely over.

I started with Freemans catalogue. 
http://www.freemans.com/WEB/main/home.asp?N=0

www.homeshoppingdirect.co.uk was my first account (VivaLaDiva has GREAT shoes!  )

How long had you lived in the UK before you applied for a mail order account?

In the US, the number of credit inquiries and requests lower your credit score. Does this work the same in the UK. I would hate to start off on the wrong foot by making applications and having that lower my score just because I hadn't been in the UK long enough.

Is it hard to get a debit card attached to your bank account. I could live without a credit card, but would really like to have a debit card. And then I am wondering if the debit cards are VISA or MC and can be used as a credit card. like to rent a car or pay for things over the phone, etc.

Also wondering if employers run credit reports on you in the UK before hiring, like is now frequently done in the US.

I've had a US Citibank credit card for over 10 years. I sent an inquiry if my good credit history with this card in the US would help me possibly open a Citibank card in the UK. The response was vague, but it wasn't a NO so I figure it is worth a shot.

www.homeshoppingdirect.co.uk was my first account (VivaLaDiva has GREAT shoes!  )

Ooh, I love good shoes!!!!!!!!!

In the US, the number of credit inquiries and requests lower your credit score. Does this work the same in the UK. I would hate to start off on the wrong foot by making applications and having that lower my score just because I hadn't been in the UK long enough.

Yes multiple searches are flagged and can become a cause for concern

Is it hard to get a debit card attached to your bank account. I could live without a credit card, but would really like to have a debit card. And then I am wondering if the debit cards are VISA or MC and can be used as a credit card. like to rent a car or pay for things over the phone, etc.

With the exception of Basic Bank Accounts (usually reserved for low income or people on benefits) pretty much all account come with a debit card. That's the good news. The bad news is that there are two types one works as described above (ie VISA Delta). The other is more of an EFTPOS card which can only be used when you are present (i.e. VISA Electron).

Be careful when speaking with the clerk about these cards as you may find yourself upgraded to the better card as a result of paying a monthly fee. When the Delta card is available at no charge.

Also wondering if employers run credit reports on you in the UK before hiring, like is now frequently done in the US.

Yes we do. My company use a specialist called Control Risks Groups. They will even do an overseas credit report if asked. You'll normally only have the one done on you unless you work in Regulated Financial Services.

Hope this helps some.

What are the best things to bring along with us when we move to combat the fact that we have no UK credit? Specifically for jobs.