Didn't use my card now can't get credit anywhere !

nausey

Hi,

I have problem. In 2007 I opened a Alliance and Lecister account. When I did this I got a credit card as well because it was part of a deal. I never used the card, I was worried about debt.

Now I need a credit card, so I can buy some tickets to Korea to visit a friend. I can't get credit anywhere. 6 months ago I was refused a mobile phone from "3", then 3 months ago I was refused a mobile from "carphone warehouse" and now I have been refused a credit card from santander. (Despite being with them for 4 years and being told it was guaranteed to be accepted).

So what do I do ? Everything else is in order, no problems at all. But I feel annoyed that I can't do anything about this.

Thanks for any help.

PudseyDB

tbh i dont understand how not using a credit card in the past would stop banks letting you have one now. It shouldnt affect your credit rating. Could there be another reason you may have been refused?

CLAPTON

what do your credit records say
are you on the electoral roll

opinions4u

Anybody would think that credit was easier to get prior to the Credit Crunch, wouldn't they?

nausey

I am on the electoral roll at my current address for 5 years. Until about 6 months ago my alliance and lecister account was assigned to my family house but once I decided to stay at the flat I'd been at during University I switched it over.

molerat

Get a credit report, check the stickies to find out how. That will show what the lenders are seeing about your finances.

macman

Having a credit card is no proof of credit worthiness unless you have used it and demonstrated that you can make the repayments on time-that's what the scorers look for.
People often say,' I have never had a debt, why can't I get credit'? It's precisely for that reason.

nausey

Oh yer I understand that I've made the mistake of having a credit card and not using it, however, I don't know how to fix this issue ? How can I build up better credit from having apparently bad credit at the moment because of it ?

KingElvis

nausey wrote: »

Oh yer I understand that I've made the mistake of having a credit card and not using it, however, I don't know how to fix this issue ? How can I build up better credit from having apparently bad credit at the moment because of it ?

Firstly, you need to check your credit report at the three reference agencies, Experian, Equifax and Call Credit.

If this is in order, you'll need to get a credit building card and use it for 6 -12 months.

Bottom of the pile is Vanquis, if you have a pulse you can get one of these. Next up is Aqua, Crapital One Classic / Progress and then it's the top of the subprime pile, Barclaycard Initial.

You can find out if you can get an Initial card with no search damage to your credit file by clicking HERE and filling in the form.

Don't expect an amazing limit on any of these cards for a start.

Good luck.

macman

nausey wrote: »

Oh yer I understand that I've made the mistake of having a credit card and not using it, however, I don't know how to fix this issue ? How can I build up better credit from having apparently bad credit at the moment because of it ?

Simply start using it. and pay the full balance off each month if you have no need for long term credit.
You don't have a bad credit record at present -you simply have no credit record!

izools

nausey wrote: »

6 months ago I was refused a mobile phone from "3"

I'd be very concerned about this - Three have got to have the laxest credit scoring system I have ever come across... They approved me for a contract the day after I was discharged from Bankruptcy; with six outstanding defaults on my credit file...

You would be wise to obtain a copy of your statutory credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and Call Credit to see what is lurking there; chances are there is either incorrect data which you need to write to the company concerned about or data relating to an account that you forgot about and is now in serious arrears / default.