Credit Score Basics > How to get your UK credit report if you live abroad

How to get your UK credit report if you live abroad

2 minute read · Updated 19th April 2024

If you live abroad but want to get your UK statutory credit report, you can do it online or by post with any of the credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. You'll still need an official UK address, though.

Once you ask one of the credit reference agencies for it, a copy of your statutory credit report will be posted to your UK home address within 28 days.

They'll need the following documents:

One copy of an address-based document, dated within the past 12 weeks, which was addressed to you at your current address. This can be a bank statement, a credit card statement, a utility bill, or even a document showing that you're entitled to a state benefit.
One copy of a Government-issued identity document: passport, driving licence, or national identity card.
And one more address-based document to show that you used to live in the UK. This should be as recent as possible and addressed to you at your most recent UK address.

Does moving abroad affect credit scores?

Moving abroad does not directly impact your credit score.

What can have an impact, though, is failing to update your address. This can make it much harder for lenders or credit reference agencies to verify your identity.

How can I maintain my credit score if I live abroad?

Just because you moved abroad doesn't mean your credit score has to take a hit. You can do a few things to maintain your UK credit rating while living abroad.

First, think twice before closing active, healthy credit card accounts – even if you think you'll never return home.

The more accounts you close, the more damage they do to your credit score. Plus, if things don't work out and you do return to the UK, you'll have to start all over with building your credit score. Keep some of your credit card accounts open and use them occasionally and when you visit home. Just make sure you tell your credit card providers that you are moving abroad to prevent them from suspecting identity theft and potentially blocking your cards.

Second, keep a cheap mobile phone contract active. As a bonus, this will also make it more affordable for you to make phone calls and save you money on roaming fees when you do visit friends and family in the UK.

Third, maintain a mailing address in the UK. You can ask a trusted friend or relative if you can mail letters to their address in your name – or get one from Royal Mail or UK Post Box.

Finally, if you're lucky enough to establish a good relationship with a lender or a bank overseas, ask them to put something in writing or send an email saying that you have been an excellent customer while living abroad.

Anything that proves you can pay bills or debt on time should help you when you do return to the UK.

Does your credit score transfer when you move countries?

No, your credit score does not transfer automatically when you move between countries. Each country has its own credit system and credit reference agencies. Many countries, in fact, don't have a credit score system at all.

However, there are some new tools that try to make it easier to do this.

For example, a newly launched product called Nova Credit lets you use your British credit history to apply for US credit cards, loans, or phone plans. We haven't tested it, but the company claims to work with the main global consumer credit bureaus worldwide, helping British immigrants use their foreign credit with lenders in the US.

That's why it's a good idea to try to improve your UK credit score even if you plan to move abroad in the near future. Tools like Wollit can help.