credit/charge cards in London

London is a bitch with banking and credit cards, so be weary. They have tightened up a lot in order to prevent fraud and funding terrorism.

I just came over from North America and had to jump through hoops to get a bank account set up even though I'm an EU citizen. My firm has a very prominent consulting division and I need a credit card to charge flights, hotels and meals to while on the road. I work in a boutique and, although we are given the option of a company card, most analysts/associates/VPs decline and prefer to use their own personal cards and expense the firm (to rack up air miles, Marriott points etc...).

I would stick with AMEX as they seem to be more widely accepted in the UK (though not Europe in general).Before giving you a credit card or opening an account, retail banks want to see "proof of address", so you'll need a copy of utility bill with your UK address on it (no, a cell phone bill is not good enough). Alternatively, you could have your bank in Asia redirect your personal statements to your new London address. They will accept a bank statement with your address as "proof". All UK banks require this proof with the exception of Lloyds TSB. If you get a letter from your employer with your address on it, that's good enough for them.

I still don't have a credit card and was told that since I don't have any "UK credit", they want me to have a bank account for 3 months before they set it up. I'm fighting it, but this is my experience.