how long did it take you to have credit established

I have been in this country for three years now. I have had a store card from one of those catalogs stores basically that whole time. I have had a phone on contract for the last year... and a capital one card with 500 pound limit for the last 6 months or so. However this seems to be about as much credit I am able to get. All these accounts have never been late and are directly debited from my account each month.

 I have tried every so often to see if i can get other things and nada. I also have a note on not being able to be on the electoral roll on my credit record.

If anyone has any advice on how to build up good credit history please share

It has taken me 11 years to get good credit...

Do you have a job?

Get your name on household bills, council tax, etc...

Stop applying for more credit!!! It leaves a trail and your credit score will go down if you keep getting refused for credit.

Most of all, it takes time.

I am mainly a PHD student however I do teach within the school.
I do not have bills/council tax/lights etc because I live on campus.

I guess I will need to be more patient.

I got good credit in about a year to a year and a half.  That's when I bought a house.  Amount of income plays a role but so does a steady job.  Having a reasonable job for over 3 years helps a great deal.

They don't give it away as freely as the U.S.  It probably won't go up until you make some more money and have a steady job.


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After a year here I was able to get a Capital One credit card with a £500 limit.  I spent close to that each month and paid it off in full each month.  The limit is about £2200 now after continuous increases.

Switching my US American Express card to a UK card was a good decision.  At least I have a reasonable credit limit so I can buy "big" purchases with the security of a credit card.

That's all I have though and I was able to receive a mortgage in October with no issue (even without ILR).  But I have been continuously employed for the five years I've lived in the UK and make a good salary.