Getting a credit card as a new UK resident
Just arrived in the UK and looking to build your credit history? We’ve got a range of credit card options that could help you get started.
If you’re trying to get a credit card in the UK but have recently moved here from another country, you may be wondering if you’re eligible or not.
Even if you had a good credit history in the last country you lived in, it may help to understand what types of credit you can take out in the UK.
Read on for more useful info on credit cards for people who’ve recently moved to the UK, or British citizens who’ve recently returned.
What you need to get a credit card in the UK
Although the final decision is up to the credit card provider, you’ll usually need to meet at least 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 getting credit – for example, due bankruptcy
Some lenders will also insist 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’s no guarantee you’ll be accepted.
New to the UK? Here's how to build your credit history
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 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 here, meaning UK lenders will have no way of knowing how you manage credit.
If a lender has no record of how well you look after 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 without a UK credit history, you may need to build one up first. To get started, it could be a good idea to consider the following:
Get on the electoral roll – this can help build your credit profile. If you’re only in the UK short-term and can’t register, you might want to contact the main credit reference agencies (Experian, TransUnion or Equifax) and ask them to add a note to your file explaining why you’re not registered to vote.
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 build your credit score.
Open a bank account – if you had a good credit rating in the last country you lived in, you may want to contact your previous bank and get them to provide a reference to your local branch in the UK. This may help you open a bank account, which could establish your credit footprint in the UK.
Pay your bills on time – paying your mobile phone bill – along with any utility bills like gas, electricity and water – could all work towards improving your credit score.
What if you’ve been away from the UK for a while?
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 info on your financial habits means 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 use.
Finding the right credit card for you
When looking for the best credit cards for new UK residents, it might be a good idea to focus on products that suit your current circumstances. Try applying with providers that 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 card or a credit card for bad credit can be one option, as these are designed for people in similar positions. But you may want to make sure you at least meet the lender’s minimum requirements and use an eligibility checker before you apply.
Check your eligibility
Our Credit Builder Credit Card could help you access credit and build for your future, even if you have no credit history in the UK.
Representative 37.9% APR (variable)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s 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. But they are usually easier to get if you have bad credit.
You can build and maintain your credit score over time – as long as 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 £250 and £2,500
- 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 just a few minutes
To learn more about how these cards work, check out our guide to credit building credit cards.
How can I get a credit card without being a UK 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. There’ll also be other eligibility criteria.
Can you get a credit card without an address?
To be eligible to apply for our range of credit cards, you’ll need a home address. We need this 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 needed 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 their own 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 can issue 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’ll probably 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.