One year on - where next?

ThreeQ

I went BR in March 08, and am happy to say I'm now discharged.
I've got a Co-op Cashminder account with its Visa Electron card. It's all I need really, but I'm also wondering what if there are things to do to rebuild my credit score.
I've seen the thread on "Credit Reference File Clean Up" http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=677875 and I know that the record is still there for five years, but are there things I can do now?

1) Perhaps a deposit account. If I can get a bit of a surplus in my current account it would be nice to put it aside and see if I can build it up. But - I spoke to the Co-op bank today and an attempt to open a deposit account failed. I'm going to get my report from Experian and find out why.

2) Is it a good idea to get a credit card now? I think, with a small limit, spend something on it every month and always pay it off? Will that help my credit score? And - can I apply for a card now? What cards are available - does anyone here have one?
I've seen that there are cards: Capital One, Vanquis, Aqua and Barclaycard Initial but I read that Barclaycard says it's for those who "haven't been registered bankrupt". So are these cards more for other people - those who've just not built up their history for example?
I'm reluctant to try to find out by making an application - if it's refused it might make my credit score even worse - especially after my experience with the Co-op this afternoon.

Any advice, people? Or other experience to share? Thanks!

tigerfeet2006

Hi ThreeQ, congratulations on getting throgh your BR.

As you have spotted the credit file clean up thread then I don't need to suggest that . Give yourself a month past discharge and then start on getting it cleaned up. It can be labourious but is a good thing to do.

Unfortunatly with bank accounts, banks still don't like to entertain people who have been BR, especiallly in this latest climate. Have a dig around and see if you can get another basic account.

Have a look at this thread http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1533301

Order yourself some clothes out of a catalogue. Pay the bill straight away to avoid forgetting.

Do you have a contract mobile? If not then get one if you can.

I very much doubt you would be able to get a credit card in the present climate. Give it a little while and then try.

The best thing you can do to start with is the clean up and get that sorted.

Get your files from all 3 CRA's.