I have a more general question: What is a good way to improve my credit score. The day of my official bankruptcy is 3 years ago and I am looking for ways to slowly get a better credit rating.
Make sure that your credit record has no defaults on it (check all three agencies) and make sure that your bank account, mortgage (if you have one) and mobile phone contracts are up to date. Apply for a credit card such as Vanquis - the APR is high but as long as you pay it off each month then it will all help.
Get a pre paid mastercard from cashplus and buy small things with it. They do a credit builder and record that on your credit file (even when you only pay them the £4.95 a month card fee) so that will add extra help to it.
As far as I am concerned, credit scores mean nothing. Mine was 999 last time I checked and that's with an IVA still on file!
Lenders tend to look at your credit, such as have you taken credit in the last 6 months, are you up to your limit on credit cards and overdrafts, are you on the electoral role etc.
Your right - the rule is 3 or more in 6 months is a flag. I used to be quite an expert on my credit file until the poo hit the fan for me.
But your score does mean something. But i've had a very very low score on my credit side but had max on my landlord/letting side. Not many people know that exists. I would recommend checkmyfile.com as you get all 3 + your landlord/letting score too for their monthly fee.
Thanks for all your replies! I was thinking of applying for a prepaid credit card anyway. I found an overview on moneysupermarket here: http://www.moneysupermarket.com/prepaidcards/ The cash plus cards don't have a monthly fee, wouldn't it be better to take a pay monthly card like this one: http://www.tuxedoprepaid.com/prepaid-card/comparison-tool/ I don't feel comfortable getting a "real" credit card again as it got me into this mess.
I won't be getting any sort of card, prepaid or credit once my IVA is finished - then again I'm an old git and will be on pension so unlikely to get anything.
Try a mail order account such as very or jacamo. Mine started off at £90 limit and is now £2k ( not that i would ever go that high) mob phone also helps. Tesco should let u have a sim only rolling month contract and after 3 months are happy to let you upgrade to handset / longer contract as long as you have paid up on time.
improve credit score
Posted - 28 September 2012 : 16:06:48
