Channel Islands Amex?

[PilotH]

Has anybody living in the Channel Islands any advice on which credit cards are available?

According to reports on here that unable to apply for Barclaycard
And just been declined for platinum amex.

My partner previously downgraded from premium plus BA to the free card and now getting close to the £10k phoned to reinstate the premium plus but amex said not available over phone and to reapply online.

Didn’t want to risk another reject seeing as I got rejected from platinum.

Any ideas?

[Guernsey Globetrotter]

Hi @PilotH – I think you are correct about the Barclaycard not being available, although it is weird because you ARE able to open a Barclays premier avios earning account as a CI resident.

Another alternative is the HSBC premier mastercard which from first hand experience I can confirm definitely IS available, at least to a Guernsey person!

Virgin also had no problem issuing me one of their reward+ cards.

Hopefully that’s something to be getting along with while you ponder alternative Amex strategies.

[Guernsey Globetrotter]

Following up on this as yesterday had a rejection for a Gold card aaplication – Amex stated:

Thank you for your interest in The American Express® Card.

Unfortunately, we can only issue a UK Sterling Card if you hold both a home and business address in the UK.

If they have flipped the switch on allowing islanders access to any Amex products then this is a sad time indeed 😩

Definitely don’t cancel your cards until more is established as they should at least grandfather existing arrangements. Please do post any updates on your upgrade progress too as a data point!

[GuernseyBoy]

My understanding on this is that we have our own laws/legistlation in Guernsey and if you default your debt on the card then the issuer has no route for recourse. Its nothing to do with credit score etc etc just that Guernsey is governed by Guernsey Law and as a resident you sit outside of UK juristiction. If you have a bank account in Guernsey linked to the card issuers they may issue a card based on account history.