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Getting credit if you’re new to the UK

While living in the UK, it’s important to build your credit history so you can get better rates for financial products like credit cards, mortgages and more. Here are a few things you can do to get started.

Confirm your identity

First, set yourself up with a UK bank account. If you have an account with a bank in your home country that also has branches in the UK, it’s worth checking whether you can activate this account in the UK prior to your arrival. If not, you’ll need to fill in an application form and take a form of identification, e.g. your passport, and proof of address such as a recent bill, to a local bank. In the event of you not having the documents the bank requires, they should accept a letter from a professional person who knows you such as a GP, teacher or social worker. The process is simple and will help you establish your financial profile in the UK faster.

Your credit rating, however, isn’t transferable. Even if you’ve got a good credit history in your home country, you will have to start over in the UK.

Establish yourself

Once you’ve arrived in the UK, try to find a fixed address as soon as possible. Lenders want to see that you have a ‘stable’ living situation and changing addresses often can affect your credit rating. Being on the electoral roll is key, but be aware that only those who are citizens of the UK, Commonwealth or European Union can register. To find out more about the electoral roll, visit the DirectGov site.

No matter where you’re from, getting a job and establishing an employment history will also help towards creating your credit history. Put your name on as many of your utility bills as possible and ensure payments are up to date – missing a payment on your gas, electricity and water bills may affect your credit rating. Paying these through Direct Debit can help you start a solid credit profile.

Find a credit card to suit you

All credit card providers will perform a credit check when you apply for a credit card. Luckily, there are specific credit cards designed for people with a limited credit history, such as marbles. While these cards often have higher interest rates, they can be a great way to strengthen your credit history if used responsibly.

Explore your options with marbles’ free FastCheck eligibility checker today. It’s simple to use and won’t affect your credit rating.

Representative Example:

Interest rate for purchases34.9% P.A.(variable)
With a representative34.9% APR(variable)
Max credit limit£ 1,200

The APR applicable to your account will depend on our assessment of your application. Credit only available to aged 18 or over, resident in the UK and subject to status.

Marbles the right card for you

Credit cards for the self-employedGetting credit if you’re new to the UKGetting credit as a student or recent graduateCredit cards for those with poor creditCredit cards for people on low incomeGetting credit for the first timeCredit cards for those with no credit historyHow the FastCheck eligibility checker works
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Credit available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Subject to status. Terms apply. The APR applicable to your account will depend on our assessment of your application.

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Credit is provided by NewDay Ltd. NewDay Ltd and NewDay Cards Ltd are companies registered in England and Wales with registered numbers 7297722 and 4134880 respectively. They form part of the NewDay group of companies. The registered office for these companies is 7 Handyside Street, London, N1C 4DA. NewDay Ltd and NewDay Cards Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with numbers 690292 and 682417 respectively. NewDay Ltd is also authorised by the FCA under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (ref no: 555318) for the provision of payment services. marbles is a trademark of NewDay Cards Ltd, which is used under licence by NewDay Ltd.

© NewDay Ltd. 2021