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In the Netherlands, people don’t really have a credit score the way you have one in other countries. It really only has an effect on trying to get a loan from the bank if you’ve had a lot of bills that you paid really late.
But, in England, you need a credit score for nearly everything. And when I moved here, I didn’t have one. This is the case for most people that move abroad – credit scores usually can’t be transferred between countries. It’s not easy to build a credit score from nothing because you need one to get approved for a credit card.
So what can you do to build a credit score from scratch?
- Sign up with Experian to keep track of your credit score
- Get on the electoral roll at your current address. This proves where you live, making it easier for credit agencies to check that you are who you say you are.
- Get a cheap mobile phone subscription – these are easier to get approved for and they will help improve your score.
- Apply for a high-interest credit card. You’re more likely to get approved for those. Even if you only get a small amount of credit, it will still help you build that credit score.
Get £25 when you sign up for a credit card with Vanquis.
- Always pay your bills on time. This doesn’t just apply to your credit card bills but also to your phone bill, utility bills, even your gym membership may have a negative effect on your credit score if paid late.
- Use your credit card for small purchases and pay them off in full every month. This shows credit lenders that you are responsible and manage your debts well.
I’ve used all of these tips to build my credit score after moving to the UK. It took me less than a year and I now have a perfect score!
If you have any other tips for building a credit score, please leave them below in the comments.
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
This is very timely. Since everybody stays in the house, using credit card is the most convenient way to get our daily needs.
Great tips on building a high credit score. Thanks for sharing.
We all know ho important the credit score is. And this topic is really important to learn to. Thank you so much fro sharing this infromation.
Great tips on building a high credit score. Thanks for sharing.
it is so wonderful to have helpful tool, so good to have good credit score.
These are really great tips..! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for these important tips. Keeping yoru credit score strong is very important. So many doors close when your credit is bad.
Thank you for sharing amazing ideas from this stuff as we definitely need this. Building credit score is very important especially to an individual leaning to a bright future.
Also, if you are creating an account with Experian, they have the “Experian Boost” that can raise your score a couple of points.
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I didn’t know that – that’s amazing!!
It is good to have some tools to help build and repair a credit score. These are important things to consider and a good credit score is something we should all be working on.