Credit Card newbie

avvyb

Hi Folks,

I have signed up to this forum, as I wanted to get some advice regarding my situation with credit cards.

I am 23, and have never had a credit card before. I recently applied for a credit card through Marks and Spencers, and was turned down. I have since applied for one through Barclay card, and am awaiting to hear the result, however I'm not hopeful.

I read the advice provided by Martin on this website before applying, and am aware that my lack of credit history, the fact I'm renting, and the fact that I have previously incurred charges on my student (now graduate) overdraft will affect my chances of getting a credit card.

However, I was wondering if the late payment of utility bills/council tax can also affect a bank's decision on whether or not to accept my application?

I have been flat sharing for the past two years, and whilst my flatmates name is now also on our electricity, gas and council tax accounts, previously it has just been my name on the accounts. I have always had the money on time, but delays have been caused by my flatmates not having the money. At times it has been so bad, we have had letters threatening to take us to court, although this has never actually happened.

I'm concerned that this will affect my credit rating, and I don't think that it is right that I should suffer because of my flatmate's lack of money.

If this is a deciding factor, is there anything I can do to rectify it (other than move out!)?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

456789

That depends on whether utility bills/council tax gets recorded on your credit file or not - I don't think they do unless you are paying by some form of credit agreement

Have you tried getting a CC with your bank? - that tends to be easier than 3rd party providers for a first card

CLAPTON

Get copies of your credit records... statutory paper copies are only £2 or you can get the 'free' one month trial ... no point speculating when you can know.

avvyb

Thanks a lot, I have signed up to Experian for a 60 day trial, so hopefully I should find out soon!