Helping PCDL application

matt8594

Hello,

I will be applying for a PCDL in July, for a course starting in October. It's an MsC in Management and I will be asking for the £10,000 maximum amount.
I'm currently trying to improve my credit rating as much as possible but just had a few specific questions:

I'm 22. I have two current accounts and a credit card. Both overdrafts and credit cards will be completely paid off by the 19th of this month, thanks to my job. The credit card and one of the current accounts have no missed payments and a history of about 5 years.

The other current account shows two, one month missed payments over the last six months; due in part to HSBC's lack of specific information regarding their student overdraft. I understand that this is a big stain on my credit history.

I've been in Korea for the last 6 months (and for the next 5 months) but I'm on the electoral roll at my house in Wales. DirectGov staff told me that the bank looks at every application individually and considers the course, your plans afterwards, and your credit score. Therefore, they will be able to take into account my employment in Korea.

In order to improve my score, in this situation, should I close my account with the imperfect history now that I've paid off the balance? Obviously I realise that this wont make it disappear but will it help?
Should I leave the credit card open, given its good history, or should I close that too?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.