Can't Get Credit - Ridiculous

[jourdain2]

Hi,

I lived in France from early 2002 until 2015. Before I went I cancelled my Barclaycard (held for over 15 years) because it would be awkward to administer (post etc.). Never forfeited any debts, always paid my bills.

Now back in UK and I can't get credit! I am 67. Decided it would be very handy as I am older, living on pensions and could need credit if a big bill arises.

I tried for a credit with Debenhams and was turned down, with a caveat that I could contact them. I did so and explained the situation and received a letter with a code, which they said, would ensure that I could get a credit card with them and they accepted my bank balance etc... About 6 weeks later I tried to buy something and presented this letter and code - to be told it was out of date (there was no cut off date on letter) - so I was turned down again! That is 2 black marks against me! I have never defaulted on anything in my life! How do I get credit with a 15 yr.blank?

[Islay]

Try going for one of the credit cards to build rating.

They do a soft credit check so you will know in advance if you will get accepted, get one use it pay it off and everytime you do it will increase your credit worthiness.

[chiaroscuro]

This is one of the cards which offer credit to higher-risk applicants - look at the interest rate - but if you pay off in full each month this is irrelevent. Best of luck!
https://www.vanquis.co.uk

[chiaroscuro]

Oops, irrelevant

[jourdain2]

Didn't quite get that Islay. I tried for a credit card with a shop. Perhaps I should have another go at Barclaycard, trouble is I remarried - so name is different - no problem in France. UK is different.

[Buenchico]

As others have said, getting a 'credit building' card should help. They charge horrendous rates of interest but that won't matter if you pay back in full each month. Once other lenders can see that you don't go mad with your card, you're far more likely to be accepted for an 'ordinary' card.

The most well-known are Vanquis (as above) and Capital One (which I've used myself):
http://www.capitalone.co.uk/creditcards/classic-mastercardTC53.jsf

Other options here:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards

[Buenchico]

>>> Perhaps I should have another go at Barclaycard

Try a Barclaycard Initial card. (See my MoneySavingExpert link above).

[jourdain2]

Thanks, buenchico. Will give them a look-at. Thanks. It is hard to believe that a history or paying your bills and managing can go against you!

[Khandro]

I don't see why, as a UK resident, you can't walk into any High Street bank, open an account and deposit some cash and start from scratch as a new customer.

[jourdain2]

I kept a long-standing account, Khandro, (since I was 19yrs old) it does not seem to count. Computer systems I expect.

[jourdain2]

Still using same account, but now under different name (all name changes proved)!!!!

[Khandro]

jourdain; I'm probably missing the point here, but are you saying your 'long-standing' bank won't give you a credit card? if so, go somewhere else;
https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-uk

[Hopkirk]

Sign up to Clearscore for free credit score checks, to see if there is something on your record that is incorrect.

Clearscore will also start offering you credit card deals.

https://www.clearscore.com/