1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Best way to build up a credit score

Discussion in 'Life in the UK' started by Lee337, Feb 24, 2018.

  1. Lee337
    Offline

    Lee337 Member

    Hi guys,

    I was on the forum last year seeking advice with regards to my Fiancee's visa application. I would firstly like to thank all those who gave me advice at the time and I'm pleased to say it was successful! :like:

    Now, I'm back as I would like to know what people think is the best way for her to build up a credit score so she can get her own mobile phone contract and open a bank account.

    She arrived in January and is still here on the 6 month Marriage visa. We will get married on March 19th.

    Any advice please?

    Thanks!

    Lee.
    • Like Like x 1
  2. bigmac
    Offline

    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member


    congratulations on getting her visa. if i didnt send champagne before--here it is now.

    [​IMG]
  3. Lee337
    Offline

    Lee337 Member

    Thank you!
  4. KeithAngel
    Offline

    KeithAngel 2063 Lifetime Member

    Once married my missus joined my current account a year later opened her own
    • Like Like x 1
  5. Maharg
    Offline

    Maharg Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    She should be able to do both easily enough.

    If you have a bank account, then you can goth open a joint account. Then she has a bank account, so can open a solo one.

    We did this with Lloyds.
    • Like Like x 1
  6. Lee337
    Offline

    Lee337 Member

    Cheers mate. I will give that a go! :like:
  7. Lee337
    Offline

    Lee337 Member

    Thanks for that info dude! :like:
  8. Maley
    Offline

    Maley Well-Known Member

    Congratulations on the good news!

    She can open her bank account on her own name once she gets the spouse visa. Or you can open a joiny bank account.

    I opened my own account immidiately after i had my spouse visa.
  9. oss
    Offline

    oss Somewhere Staff Member

    She can apply for a prepaid account in her own name with no credit checks, if she goes for one like Cashplus it is a bank account in all but name, it provides a prepaid MasterCard and she can have her salary paid into it if she is working, use of the card will help her build a credit rating over time but in the meantime she would have all the benefits of a basic bank account.

    She only needs to be a UK resident which she effectively is.

    Used sensibly it is actually a very cheap account to run and would provide her with the means to build a credit rating and the assurance that she could not be overdrawn, these cards can do almost everything a credit card or bank account can do but without the credit or overdraft facilities, which is generally a good thing.

    These cards will also work for almost all online payments, load for phones, paying on Amazon and elsewhere, what they usually won't do is allow is for her to hire a car or make a hotel reservation (prepaid hotels are ok) unless there are a lot of funds in the card to fully cover the reservation.

    And finally they are bad if she wants to withdraw small amounts of cash regularly as they will charge a fixed fee for every withdrawal.

    Personally I think she would be best to go with a prepaid PAYG phone account they are more manageable for a new arrival in the country, going for a phone contract is something she could do later once she has built some credit history.

    edit: and as everyone else has said she could get a bank account in her own name anyway, but building a credit record will take time whatever she does.
    • Agree Agree x 1
  10. Mattecube
    Offline

    Mattecube face the sunshine so shadows fall behind you Trusted Member

    Nationwide offer a basic flex account, no overdraft no cheque book (who needs either) then after 6 months move to flex plus.
  11. KeithAngel
    Offline

    KeithAngel 2063 Lifetime Member

    If you do that you cant get the £125 bonus for switching accounts later
  12. Mattecube
    Offline

    Mattecube face the sunshine so shadows fall behind you Trusted Member

    fair point however I balance the £125 against building a history with a major player, but I am probably a bit old fashioned in my views on things like switching accounts. Its my age#!!!
  13. Stupot10
    Offline

    Stupot10 Active Member

    NatWest is easy to open a basic account. Just need 2 forms of ID.
    Passport and BRP. The BRP is evidence that she will be a resident.
  14. AM2018
    Offline

    AM2018 Member

    To build a good credit ratings you should always pay your bills on time.
    Add her name to your council tax, landline phone bills, and utility bills.
    This will also help her build her credit ratings.
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2018
  15. menchu_edge
    Offline

    menchu_edge Active Member

    Not for me..using Vodafone and Sky broadband, even with EE and O2, I don't have problem.
  16. AM2018
    Offline

    AM2018 Member

    Electricity and gas bill yes! But not electoral, this registration is only for British.
  17. walesrob
    Offline

    walesrob Administrator Staff Member

    That's because you are John Ash, and we have put you on discouraged mode. :)
  18. Mattecube
    Offline

    Mattecube face the sunshine so shadows fall behind you Trusted Member

    But EUs can vote in local elections but not a general election
  19. Mattecube
    Offline

    Mattecube face the sunshine so shadows fall behind you Trusted Member

    Ha ha I knew it!

Share This Page