If you’re trying to get a credit card in the UK, but have recently moved here from another country, you may be unaware of your eligibility status. Even if you had a good credit history in the last country you lived in, it might help to understand what lines of credit you can take out when you are in the UK.
Read on for more information on credit cards for those who have recently moved to the UK, or British citizens who have recently returned.
How to get a credit card if you’re new to the UK
When assessing credit applications, a lender will run a credit search before making a final decision whether to lend. This is to get an idea of how well you’ve handled credit in the past. In many cases, the higher your score the more likely it is that you’ll be approved.
However, UK credit reference agencies don't share data with similar agencies overseas, and vice versa. If you're a new arrival, it's likely you have little borrowing history, meaning UK lenders will have no way of knowing how you manage credit.
If a lender has no record of how well you manage your finances, you might find it more difficult to take out loans and credit cards. This might be the case even if you're studying in the UK, and have been here for some time, but haven't tried to apply for credit before.
Just like anyone else who has no credit history in the UK, you may need to build one up and could consider doing the following:
- Get on the electoral roll:
This might not be possible if you’re only staying in the UK for a short period of time. If you are not eligible, it might be worth getting in touch with the credit reference agencies used by most lenders (usually Experian, TransUnion or Equifax) and asking them to add a note to your file explaining why you aren't registered to vote in the UK.
- Look at taking on other forms of credit:
Signing up to a UK mobile phone contract, which you might be able to do through your current provider, could help to build your credit score.
- Open a bank account:
If you had a good credit rating in the last country you lived in, you might wish to contact your previous bank and get them to provide a reference to your local branch in the UK. This may help you to open a bank account, which could help you establish a credit footprint in the UK.
- Pay your bills on time:
Paying your mobile phone bill, along with any utility bills such as gas, electricity and water, could all work towards improving your credit score.
Requirements for getting a new UK credit card
Although any decision to lend is at the discretion of the credit card provider, in most circumstances you’ll need to at least meet the following minimum requirements before applying:
- You must be at least 18 years old (although some lenders have a higher minimum age)
- You must be living at a UK address and have the right to live there
- You must not be legally restricted from obtaining credit e.g. because of bankruptcy
Some lenders will also insist that you need to be in full-time employment and earning over a certain amount each year, but this can vary between lenders.
Even if you meet the minimum requirements, there is no guarantee that you’ll be accepted.
What if you've had an extended leave from the UK?
If you leave the UK for an extended period, your credit rating doesn’t go with you, but any debts you have could remain active. If you leave the country without settling them, this might have a negative impact on your credit score and you could be issued with CCJs or even declared bankrupt.
If you leave the UK without any debts, your credit score is still likely to drop over time. The longer you’re away, the lower it could go, which can result in you having to start from scratch on your return. This is because having no up-to-date information on your financial habits means that lenders may not be able to assess how much of a risk you are.
If you’re planning to return to the UK to stay at some point, you could think about if it’s worth keeping some of your bank and credit card accounts open and active. If you’re using a UK credit card while abroad it might be worth letting your card issuer know, as this may help avoid problems with suspected identity theft. Do bear in mind that additional charges and interest might be applied for overseas usage.
Finding the right credit for you
When looking for the best credit cards for new UK residents, it might be a good idea to only apply for products designed for your current circumstances and from providers who offer a range of cards for different financial situations.
If you’re new to the UK and have little or no credit history, applying for a credit builder or bad credit credit card can be one option, as these are designed for people in similar positions. But you may wish to make sure you at least meet the lender’s minimum requirements and use an eligibility checker before you apply.
Why choose Vanquis?
Vanquis, part of the Vanquis Banking Group, has been providing bespoke credit solutions to its customers and helping people handle their finances for over 140 years. Over 5 million customers have already been accepted for a Vanquis Card.
Our thorough soft eligibility checks can help to provide confidence that customers will only be accepted for a credit card if they can make the repayments and are suited to the APRs issued, protecting you and others from mounting interest.
We work hard to make sure that all our credit cards are easy to apply for and simple to manage. Don’t want to take our word for it? Check out our Trustpilot reviews to read what our customers say. Why not join them and apply online today?
FAQs
What is a credit builder card?
A credit builder credit card is a specific type of card that can help you build your credit score over time. Because these cards are designed for people with poor or no credit history, they often come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits. They’re also usually more accessible for those with bad credit.
You can build and maintain your credit score over time, if you manage your card responsibly.
With the Vanquis Credit Builder Credit Card, you could:
- Improve your credit score, if you manage your card responsibly
- Get a personalised credit limit between £500 and £1,200
- Manage your account 24/7 in the Vanquis app
- Use our soft eligibility checks, that don’t harm your credit score, when you apply for our cards
- Get your results in a few minutes
To find out more about how these cards work, visit our guide to credit building credit cards.
How can I get a credit card without being a citizen?
You don’t have to be a UK citizen to get a credit card. However, you must have an address and bank account in the UK and be aged 18 or over – along with other eligibility criteria.
Can you get a credit card without an address?
To be eligible to apply for the majority of credit cards, you are likely to need a home address.
This is needed to identify you, track financial behaviour and prevent identity fraud.
If you don’t, it might not be possible to get a credit card.
Can I get a credit card if I live abroad?
UK citizens who live abroad permanently and don’t have a UK address are not usually eligible to apply for a UK credit card. A UK home address is often required to trace the card back to.
To apply for a credit card when you live abroad, different countries have different rules. Different lenders might have different requirements too.
If you’re about to move to the UK, you may need to already have a permanent UK address to qualify for a credit card. Lenders will likely ask for evidence, like a bill that’s addressed to a UK home, before they proceed with issuing you a card.
If you’re not from the UK, you might be able to apply for a card in your home country beforehand.
Some countries may allow you to apply for a credit card without being a resident. However, you will most likely need to be able to verify your identity to do so. If you’re looking for credit after you’ve recently moved, be sure to check the rules in the country you live in before applying.
