Question about my credit file...

Whormsley

Hello all,

Long time time reader, first time poster!

So, when I was a student I wasn't too good with money, 3 credit cards and a large overdraft that are all maxed out.

I was invited in by my bank manager to get a loan so I could consolidate my debts and start paying less interest on all of them. Good idea, however I failed the credit scoring as I didn't have any utilities in my name.

Thing is, I moved in with my girlfriend last year so everything is in her name. I have finally put my name on the Electoral Roll so that's a start. My questions is...

Does putting my name of the gas/electric bill help me in any way? Or does the direct debit have to be in my name too?

I've looked at Martin's help pages and haven't found an answer to this...so your help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

happy_bunny_2

Whormsley wrote: »

Hello all,

Long time time reader, first time poster!

So, when I was a student I wasn't too good with money, 3 credit cards and a large overdraft that are all maxed out.

I was invited in by my bank manager to get a loan so I could consolidate my debts and start paying less interest on all of them. Good idea, however I failed the credit scoring as I didn't have any utilities in my name.

Thing is, I moved in with my girlfriend last year so everything is in her name. I have finally put my name on the Electoral Roll so that's a start. My questions is...

Does putting my name of the gas/electric bill help me in any way? Or does the direct debit have to be in my name too?

I've looked at Martin's help pages and haven't found an answer to this...so your help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

You trying to build your credit score?

What happened to the accounts you mentioned?

British gas report to credit agencies. No idea if you can do a joint gas or electric account or how that would be reported

Tixy

A utility reporting to your credit file isn't a major benefit. It does show as a credit account but things like not being on the electoral roll are far more important. I wouldn't bother putting the utility into joint names.

What is on your credit file? Do your cards and overdraft show on them? Do you have missed payments? over limit markers? any defaults or CCJs?

Whormsley

Im now on the electoral roll but it doesn't seemed to have helped my file much?

Does it take a few weeks to update?

I have no CCJs or anything like that. I have had a few late payments in the past but ive had direct debits set up for some time so that will certainly help.

Im just struggling on how to build it up now...

Tixy

In what way do you mean being on the e/r doesn't seem to have improved your file?

Does your credit file show you as being on the electoral roll? (From registering to go on with your local council it can take 2-3months before it shows on your file - even longer during the annual canvas August to Dec).

Have you read this article - Credit Rating: How it works and how to improve it ...