Bad Credit History, just 6 days after I turn 18?

Star2018

Hi, ive been to barclays to apply for a bank account and overdraft, and a barclycard initial (the one the peoples first cc, with high interest) and iv been declined for both? I have only just turned 18 how can i have a bad credit rating already? i understand that it may not be a good rating as i haven't had credit products before, but how can it be a bad rating? grrrrrrrrrr

sazziecee

It's cos you have no history.

Try for a mail order catalogue or a mobile phone contract first, to build a credit history.

Staciep88

I had this issue. I agree with the above - ordering a catalogue and/or contract mobile is the best way to get your history up - I had to wait about 6 months after my eightenth before I could get a card and now Im 19 and have 5 cards lol

nzseries1

However I was the opposite, I couldn't get a mobile phone contract because I had no credit history. So sometimes some people get turned down sometimes, and others don't, for no apparent reason.

beer_tins

I had trouble getting my first mobile for the same reason, they let me after I agreed to pay 3 month's line rental in advance.

I would add you should get yourself onto the electoral roll ASAP as that really helps your credit rating.

CLAPTON

are you on the electoral roll?
do you already have a bank account?
do you have any income? ... and how much

Star2018

Thanks, which catalogue?

No im not on the electoral roll? whats is it and how do i get on it?

yes i already have a bank account with HSBC, but tried barclays as their rates were better.

yes i am in full time work, have been since febuary, i earn £15,000 gross/year which is £1000 net/month

The lady i spoke to told me to take in 6 months statements from my previous account, i have done that and she says she will try again.

Is it possible there is an error on my credit file or something? because i even got turned down for the barclaycard inital which is meant for people with bad credit???

CLAPTON

it's essential you are on the electoral roll (its so you can vote in elections but it's used by all credit scoring systems too)
... if you live at home your parents ought to have filled in a form for you... but anyway phone the local council and say you want to be on the electoral roll.

Best to apply to HSBC as they already know you... their rates won't matter if you settle the bill in full each month... set up a DD for the full amount. Use the CC regularly for ordinary spending and this will build up a good credit score.

Wait for 6 months or so before applying for any more credit cards.

Idiophreak

Yeah, get down to HSBC and make sure they give you something...I've had problems with their credit scoring before...but I just sat and went "are you kidding me?" until she went and got the manager to override the credit scoring...Starting with your own bank is always your best shot at getting these things...

Star2018

I rent a room from a friend, will it make any difference to council tax or anything like that?

Moggles_2

katieg543 wrote: »

I rent a room from a friend. Will it make any difference to council tax or anything like that?

Will what make a difference?

For tips to improve your chances of credit card acceptance, have a look at the *Credit Rating: how it works and how to improve it guide* especially Martin's *Manage and Improve your credit score* article

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score#improve