Turned down from opening bank account because not on electoral roll

Yes, it would help, but being on the electoral roll isn't valued very highly in credit checks ime because of the mess the system's in. I've got credit cards and a mortgage and haven't been on the register for years, although they may have linked back to my parents address; I haven't checked my credit reports (which would be a useful thing for you to do).

This is a FAQ so see the previous posts -

Daytona

I'm surprised that has been given as a reason. There are two versions of the electoral register, one public and one not (all to do with the data protection act) and you decide if you want to appear on the public one. I choose not to appear so in effect I would not show up as being registered. Ask them how they would cope with that!!!

"AK" wrote

Well, actually - yes you would!

The "edited" register (ie the "non-public" one, which is the only one which I am on), *is* available to certain bodies, listed in the relevant rules - such as police/credit reference etc. There are (apparently) strict rules over who is allowed to see/use it, but credit reference agencies still show the details - perhaps you ought to check your credit files?

"AK" wrote

Easy, they use Experian/Equifax etc as usual.

Credit reference agencies (well experian, equifax and callcredit at least) get the full version not the edited one as they are trusted enough

Every other person in London these days seems to be an eastern european. That can't all be working cash in hand. Could you ask them how they get an account without being on the electoral role.

Kevin

I thought that the full electoral register was available to credit reference agencies.

thanks,

But should I be on the address where I live/ and where I have utility bills registered as having a utility bill? Or should I register at a different address to the one where I have the utility bill - my parents!

Pros/Cons?

Richard

Legally you should be registered at your primary place of residence and this is what I'd do, for the reasons I mentioned in my first post. It's the councils problem if they can't register you before you move.

Get a copy of your credit reports (£2 each) from Equifax, Experian and Call Credit. This will reveal what the companies see when they do a credit search.

Daytona