Credit cards/Catalogues etc post BR

jedi82

Hiya, thinking to the future and improving my credit rating I just wondered something..

Is your credit file improved if you have a CC but don't use it or do you have to actually use it and pay it off in full every month?

I have absolutely no intention whatsoever of getting into debt again and wouldn't want to be tempted to use it for emergencies and then not be able to pay it off in full and start falling down that slippery slope.

So, in short, could I have a CC, cut it up, never use it but still improve my credit rating?

Thanks, jedi x

Doucam

I think that you have to use it and pay on time every month to make a difference, in order to prove that you can handle credit properly iyswim.

Just having one and not using it doesn't count I am afraid.

I got a cashbuilder pre-paid card and put credit builder on it, that way I get the green ticks but can't spend unless I have the money on it. It does cost £4.95 a month but that's way less than interest on the type of card I would be able to get would be!

jedi82

Thanks Doucam, that pre-paid one sounds like a good idea. I am just so paranoid of making the same mistakes again but I suppose it could be cos it is all so raw at the min (OR interview this afternoon!).

Doucam

It is still raw for me as well, and we got ED at end of June!!

I really do not want to get into that situation again, and can't understand it when people come on here and ask where can they get a loan or credit card now they are discharged. It seems really very strange to me.

Good luck for this afternoon x