Blurpy:
How much can one send to me (international transaction) that wouldn’t raise a brow?

Maybe $10K max, that's about the default I know of

Would depend on source too and country it's sent from. Collect into traditional banks like Chase and Lloyds to avoid stories that touch

Abuja1914:
Good morning to everyone in the House.

Please, I want to confirm the best credit card one can apply for aside American Express?

I want you to guide me base on your experiences.

In addition to APR as pointed out by Onecoder, what you expect from CC usage should also determine.

APR is loosely is made up of interest rate and Annual fee or any other fee attached. If you get a free card and maintain strict discipline to always repay 100% before last date, then it doesn't matter if APR is 1000%. You will not pay anything for as many years as you hold the card.

Other factors to consider is are you looking for a

Balance transfer
Cashback
Points and miles
Discount and loyalty
Credit builder (not too important as they all do this eventually)

After considering this, you then have to look at acceptability. On this you have three major provider with many corporates forming co-branded cards with them.

Visa
Mastercard
American Express.
Of these three above, Amex has the poorest acceptance and you are likely to only use your Amex on Major retailers or smaller businesses. Major retailers have the size to negotiate favourable settlement charges with Amex. Micro businesses don't mind paying Amex the hefty fees as they are looking to get more high spending Amex cardholders to come spend on thier new and small businesses. Mid sized businesses especially those in tight margin sectors will likely outrightly reject Amex.

The reason this thread is heavy on Amex is that they have a higher risk appetite which translates to high acceptance rate. The other two are quite Conservative and will require applicants tick so many boxes before qualifying.

Remember, rejection on Credit cards applications are recorded and might have negative effects on your Credit Scores. So that's why folks play it safe and go for Amex, then they use wisely.

If you want an Amex, feel free to use this link. https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/eJIKeOdyMC?XL=MNMNS

As you are landing, abeg sign up for UK electoral roll and this https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/tEMItOhbvx?XL=MNTNS entry-level credit card to help you build your credit score for YouKay. E get why

Peerielass:


Thanks for taking the time to reference that. I’m sure new immigrants on here will find that useful.

I eventually got a £200 switching bonus from NatWest. They are less strict when it comes to UK residence permit duration.

koonbey:


I don't know about other banks but for First Direct I switched and got the money last year on a student visa.

Later got switching promo, from NatWest. cheers

Og's in the building, please how do you answer the below question?

Will you now or in the future require company sponsorship to be eligible to work for the company?

Some of us have started our job search and wouldn't mind working in the company as we search for sponsored opportunities to gain experience.

In addition to that, I think/know this is a filtering mechanism.

I already clicked "No", anything otherwise, na rejection mail go just follow.

Will appreciate your replies and insights in case of next time.

AntiMCU:
Og's in the building, please how do you answer the below question?

Will you now or in the future require company sponsorship to be eligible to work for the company?

Some of us have started our job search and wouldn't mind working in the company as we search for sponsored opportunities to gain experience.

In addition to that, I think/know this is a filtering mechanism.

I already clicked "No", anything otherwise, na rejection mail go just follow.

Will appreciate your replies and insights in case of next time.

You’re going to need sponsorship at some point so why not just answer straightforward. Any company that’ll employ you wouldn’t bother too much with sponsorship requirement, it’s less than a 30mins task for the admin staff. If they filter you out because of sponsorship they’re probably not worth it in the first place.

bigtt76:
As you are landing, abeg sign up for UK electoral roll and this https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/tEMItOhbvx?XL=MNTNS entry-level credit card to help you build your credit score for YouKay. E get why

What did you mean by UK electoral Roll?

ProfJYK:



After considering this, you then have to look at acceptability. On this you have three major provider with many corporates forming co-branded cards with them.

Visa
Mastercard
American Express.

If you want an Amex, feel free to use this link. https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/eJIKeOdyMC?XL=MNMNS

Please can someone who is one month old in the UK apply for American Express Credit Card?

That's the UK's version of the Voters' register. Financial institutions and lenders use that to confirm your the area where you reside in the UK. This is one of the major factors which influences your credit rating score.

gergemam:


What did you mean by UK electoral Roll?

Yes you can but acceptance rate is low so its usually advisable to wait a little longer especially after registering to vote in the UK and are listed in the electoral roll. I got mine within weeks though. Because I did all that I needed to do as described above.

Don't forget to use my referral though, you might be lucky 😊

https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/tEMItOhbvx?XL=MNTNS

gergemam:



Please can someone who is one month old in the UK apply for American Express Credit Card?

I would say click NO but it all depends on your personal situation. If you just got to the UK and you still have validity on your visa which allows you to work, then this goes but if you're approaching the end-life of your visa, its best to indicate you will need sponsorship.

Most companies would consider you for sponsorship only after seeing your performance or in dire need of your expertise. In any case if you answer yes or no, they'd still ask about your visa type and right to work in the UK which will tell them if you actually need a visa to work or not.

So don't lie when you need one, just state it from the start if you do need one at that point in time. Your offer could get withdrawn if it went the other way round.

AntiMCU:
Og's in the building, please how do you answer the below question?

Will you now or in the future require company sponsorship to be eligible to work for the company?

Some of us have started our job search and wouldn't mind working in the company as we search for sponsored opportunities to gain experience.

In addition to that, I think/know this is a filtering mechanism.

I already clicked "No", anything otherwise, na rejection mail go just follow.

Will appreciate your replies and insights in case of next time.

kode12:


You’re going to need sponsorship at some point so why not just answer straightforward. Any company that’ll employ you wouldn’t bother too much with sponsorship requirement, it’s less than a 30mins task for the admin staff. If they filter you out because of sponsorship they’re probably not worth it in the first place.

Unfortunately, I disagree with you. If one is sure Sponsorship would be a challenge in landing a good job, and you still have some time on your visa, please try and get the job. You can continue searching for a Sponsored role. If the job is really good, having it on your CV will be a good boost to getting your sponsored role. This was the path I towed.

I had got a great offer, fantastic pay, wonderful experience I was to gain. They wanted to pull out when they realized my visa was gonna expire in 1 year. I convinced them not to, that I won't need the Sponsorship cos I was eligible for a 2-year PSW. Long story short: I worked with them for 2 months, and my experience there landed me a choice Sponsored role.

Contrary to what you're saying, Sponsorship is NOT a "30 minute task", many Companies don't have the license while those who do may not afford the time and resources that go into the process. Recruitment is an expensive process so is Sponsorship and many Companies try to avoid it where possible. Many firms use big consultants like Deloitte to do the process and some candidates end up not having the requirements like English proficiency proof or they have legal complications in their current visa that makes Sponsorship herculean.

AntiMCU:
Og's in the building, please how do you answer the below question?

Will you now or in the future require company sponsorship to be eligible to work for the company?

Some of us have started our job search and wouldn't mind working in the company as we search for sponsored opportunities to gain experience.

In addition to that, I think/know this is a filtering mechanism.

I already clicked "No", anything otherwise, na rejection mail go just follow.

Will appreciate your replies and insights in case of next time.

You will get answers for and against it. It will be ultimately upto you which method would prefer. I know several people that have adopted method and eventually gotten sponsorship in same organisation between 4-8 months after building relationships and showing their skill/experience. Sometimes its easier to influence sponsorship from within the organisation, you will know the right stakeholder to speak with. And if it does work out, you have gained valuable Uk experience that would make it easier to get sponsorship experience in other placed. If one doent have time constraint with regards to brp expiry, I dont think this path is a bad way to walk.

bigtt76:
As you are landing, abeg sign up for UK electoral roll and this https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/tEMItOhbvx?XL=MNTNS entry-level credit card to help you build your credit score for YouKay. E get why

I used your referral link to apply and got my CC last week but my avios balance is 0. Does it take some time for the Avios balance to be reflected?

nineville:


Later got switching promo, from NatWest. cheers

Nice! Cheers!

jblesn:


I used your referral link to apply and got my CC last week but my avios balance is 0. Does it take some time for the Avios balance to be reflected?

Could take up to 1 month as their customer service told me last week

Shiuldnt be more than 1/2 weeks though

Solumtoya:



Contrary to what you're saying, Sponsorship is NOT a "30 minute task", many Companies don't have the license while those who do may not afford the time and resources that go into the process. Recruitment is an expensive process so is Sponsorship and many Companies try to avoid it where possible. Many firms use big consultants like Deloitte to do the process and some candidates end up not having the requirements like English proficiency proof or they have legal complications in their current visa that makes Sponsorship herculean.

Getting the license /paperwork required for Sponsorship isn't that much of a big deal as you're making it seem

Problem is those companies also think it's a big deal and a lot of hassle so they just totally stay away from it

hustla:



Getting the license /paperwork required for Sponsorship isn't that much of a big deal as you're making it seem

Problem is those companies also think it's a big deal and a lot of hassle so they just totally stay away from it

I believe the additional costs is a main challenge. I hear it costs anywhere from £5k and above in fees.

Greetings,
Please is there anyone here who has done Barclays interview for customers service role before ?

I need heads up on what to expect please 🙏.

Thanks as you respond to this

harddrive2012:
Greetings,
Please is there anyone here who has done Barclays interview for customers service role before ?

I need heads up on what to expect please 🙏.

Thanks as you respond to this

Check glassdoor for interview review. Be ready for competencies questions like Tell me about? and ensure you put you answer in STAR(Situation, Task, Action and Result.) format. I personally like to prepare for Reflection answer(STARR) to because that is mostly the next question like what would you have done better? Put your request in google like "Barclays interview for customers service role" All the best

Awwww ...thanks dearie. Your Avios reward is tied to your spending which will be accumulated over the period.

jblesn:


I used your referral link to apply and got my CC last week but my avios balance is 0. Does it take some time for the Avios balance to be reflected?

Thank you 🙏

Akorkor:


Check glassdoor for interview review. Be ready for competencies questions like Tell me about? and ensure you put you answer in STAR(Situation, Task, Action and Result.) format. I personally like to prepare for Reflection answer(STARR) to because that is mostly the next question like what would you have done better? Put your request in google like "Barclays interview for customers service role" All the best

Iolo:


I believe the additional costs is a main challenge. I hear it costs anywhere from £5k and above in fees.

LOL So companies that are willing to pay £70K/yr salaries won't be able to afford 5K?

bigtt76:
Awwww ...thanks dearie. Your Avios reward is tied to your spending which will be accumulated over the period.

How does that work?

hustla:


LOL So companies that are willing to pay £70K/yr salaries won't be able to afford 5K?

Affordability isn’t the only issue. Why should a company pay at all when you can hire someone else that doesn’t require sponsorship? Also, some firms have to hire a law firm to deal with this which is additional paper work. That’s why it’s difficult to get sponsorship for non-technical roles as supply is abundant.

harddrive2012:
Thank you 🙏

Don't forget to post the questions asked on Glassdoor too

Iolo:


Affordability isn’t the only issue. Why should a company pay at all when you can hire someone else that doesn’t require sponsorship? Also, some firms have to hire a law firm to deal with this which is additional paper work. That’s why it’s difficult to get sponsorship for non-technical roles as supply is abundant.

They should continue

If the supply was that abundant, there won't be lots of tech roles going unoccupied and the constant noise on LinkedIn per hiring talent

Where I work now (support) , no one told them before they went to go and get it done under 2 months.

When they're unable to hold on to talent and have to restart the recruitment process every 3 months, body go tell them

See screenshot below

hustla:


How does that work?

Cost about £5k to sponsor 1 person for 5yrs. No be even license

Iolo:


I believe the additional costs is a main challenge. I hear it costs anywhere from £5k and above in fees.

bigtt76:
See screenshot below

Maybe I'm missing something but I invited someone last week and I got credited with 4K Avios points even before they received their card

... Or Maybe my case is different