credit written off - bad score and credit card

[decben]

Hi I'm seeking some suggestions.

In the past, I had some issues and I didn't pay the HSBC loan for 6 months.

I spoke to them and they understood the case.

I started paying again immediately after I had enough cash availability, but the debt was already written off (I understand their fiscal advantage on this).

It's two years that I'm paying regularly (as always, apart from that 6 months).

Now my credit record is very bad and it looks like I'm late in paying since years (like if I'm carrying over that 6 months break).
I travel quite extensively for work so I should need a credit card (so far I always took cash with me, as NEAT {prepaid card} already gave me some issues in the past).

Obviously I could open a bank account abroad for this and get a credit card, but still, living in HK it would be more convenient to get it here.

I still have 2 years to finish to pay.

Which procedure should I follow to improve my record?
Any chance to get a regular card anyway?

[Kiz]

Have you tried applying for a normal credit card and been rejected? I would try that first, you are just assuming they won't give you one it sounds like? They may give you one with a low balance. I would also try with other banks in HK, just apply and see what happens.

Absolute worst case scenario you should be able to discuss with HSBC to get a secured credit card, but they would freeze some money in your account for the security, but in this case at least you have a credit card to use and can improve your credit and then later change it to an unsecured card.

[decben]

Hi Kiz

yes I tried to apply for a card (American express - the previous one was VISA) but they refused due to the record
Thanks for the advice on the secured HSBC credit Card anyway

[Kiz]

A long time ago I had a secured credit card with Standard Chartered (because I didn't really have a regular income at the time), so if you have no luck with HSBC then talk to Standard Chartered. I think you may need to find the right person at HSBC to get them to do a secured credit card, so be persistent, it is definitely possible.

[MandM!]

There are prepaid credit cards. I think CSL has one called tap. No idea how it works because I don't use it. I suppose you can top up at 7/11 then use it like a card.

[bigcrown]

Mate, get a copy of Your credit report and demand the lender to remove record if the loan has been paid off as sooon as you can...

[decben]

There are prepaid credit cards. I think CSL has one called tap. No idea how it works because I don't use it. I suppose you can top up at 7/11 then use it like a card.

I'm using NEAT (one of those prepaid cards) but already happened few times in Asia and Europe that the card didnt work

[decben]

Hi there, as I wrote in the post I still have 2 years to finish to pay everything

[decben]

Thanks again for the advice

[decben]

Hi! what is a PFL institute? Loan sharks?
Actually so far I always have been able to pay my monthly installment, apart for that 6 months where I didn't have a job