how to improve credit rating

ste1200

Hi, my mum has just applied for a Halifax Clarity credit card as she is going on holiday shortly and needs it to pay for purchases. She was rejected and I think it must be due to not having a credit rating. She is a home owner, no mortgage, never had a credit card or loan etc.

How can she improve her credit rating quickly ?

thanks in advance
Ste

ryantcb

It sadly not a quick fix as a credit rating takes years to establish. 6 months would be the minimum to have any noticeable effect. Her bank should be her first port of call though.

CLAPTON

she can't improve her credit rating quickly

but she can apply for a 'beginners' credit card and use it regularly, pay in full each month and then her creidt rating will improve.

I'm assuming she has an income and is on the electoral roll

opinions4u

ste1200 wrote: »

Hi, my mum has just applied for a Halifax Clarity credit card as she is going on holiday shortly and needs it to pay for purchases.

Most countries have some sort of that quaint paper currency stuff which may be an alternative.

How can she improve her credit rating quickly ?

Not usually a quick fix. But if she has no Halifax accounts opening a current account may open the door to a Clarity card a little faster.

moneyballs2

Most countries have some sort of that quaint paper currency stuff which may be an alternative.

Some people feel safer carrying around their money on a card when abroad, as if they are robbed, they can freeze access to the card pretty fast. Once money is stolen, that's it, it's gone.

OP: Can't your mum use a debit card? I'm sure there is an MSE article explaining which is the best debit card for holidays

ste1200

Looks like it will be cash or debit card, thanks for your help.

KingElvis

If you're brave, you could use a pre-loaded credit card like Cashplus?

lisyloo

Travellers cheques are another alternative.
There are obvious dangers to carrying lots of cash.
Travellers cheques are safer although a debit card would probably be cheaper.

fozmcfc

I always take a mixture of debit card/pounds/forgein currency myself and of course keep them in seperate places.

The only time I use a credit card, is if they require one of those pre authorisation transcations against the room, in case you leave it in a mess.

ste1200

We are going on a cruise so I think she will keep most in her safe and just take what she needs for the day. If all else fails, I will pay on my clarity and she will pay me back (and for once my mum will owe me money !)

lisyloo

Which ship are you going on and where?
I ask because a lot of cruise lines has $ as their currency and not £s.
Be careful that when you sign in you get asked to be charged in $s and let your bank for the conversion.
If you sign to let the cruiseline do the conversion, then the rate will not be favourable.
You always want to be charged in foreign currency.
If it's charging in $ there will be option to tick at the bottom of your check in form.