Van Finance for People New to the UK

The challenge

UK lenders can only see UK credit history — a strong credit record built in another country doesn't transfer, so on paper a recent arrival can look identical to someone with no credit history at all. Most lenders also want some minimum UK address history (commonly 3+ years, though specialists accept less).

What tends to help

• Register on the electoral roll as soon as you're eligible — it materially helps a UK credit file.
• Open a UK bank account and use it for regular income and bills well before applying; lenders using open banking can see this directly.
• Keep proof of visa/right-to-work status and payslips or business accounts ready, as address history alone won't carry the application.
• Specialist and open-banking-led lenders are typically more flexible on UK address history than mainstream banks.

Lenders that tend to work well for new to the uk

Based on published eligibility criteria and lender positioning — always check current terms directly, as criteria change.