Why on earth can I not get credit?? Help!! (long story)

BoGoF

robyn1991 wrote: »

Hmm perhaps I haven't been clear enough to some of you.

I have already stated that I do not want credit to build up debt, I do not need credit as I have a healthy steady income. However, I would like to be able to get basic things, like a phone or tv package without this hassle. My questions is not: 'Why did I get refused credit in the past'.

My question is, despite having a mobile contract since mid 2010, car insurance since 2009, BT since 2009 etc etc why am I still refused? I HAVE a credit history, I'm using my BT contract to get online right this minute. I just cannot understand why I am refused things now. I will not be able to get a car, buy a house etc in the future if this continues, I need to build up my score gradually as soon as possible. I must add that even becoming a TENANT requires a credit check, so if I ever need a new flat I'm screwed there too.

I shouldn't really feel the need to defend why I'm in my overdraft, but I will anyway because I'm stubborn and people who presume things annoy me. Who exactly predicted that winter 2010/11 would be one of the coldest ever recorded? I had money (And appropiate work) put aside for winter, but never did I expect temps up to -12 degrees for days on end.

I'm confused as to why simply being in my overdraft can make creditors wary....I have regular ingoings and outgoing, and I'm not often close to my limit so I'm obviously making ends meet. Why would USING credit given to me lower my rating? Using a credit card does not lower your score, surely? Only misuse of the credit?

What would you do if your bank called in your overdraft tomorrow, with the requisite notice - could you make ends meet then? Being £1000 overdrawn does not equate to making ends meet.

It might not be what you want to hear but that's the reality of how a lender risks you.

steve1980

A mobile contract, broadband contract and car insurance are not seen as primary lending.

If you are constantly in your overdraft and never going into credit then the alarm bells ring. You may be paying money in but it's never going into credit.

All credit searches have their own levels of acceptance, so don't tar everything with the same brush.

anon_ymous

izools wrote: »

Have a bank account with an overdraft that isn't used

I realise that this is an old thread, but would I really need an overdraft, if I never use it? I can't see why having an overdraft would help my credit score, but I can see why going in to one would hurt my score

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

waqasahmed wrote: »

I realise that this is an old thread, but would I really need an overdraft, if I never use it? I can't see why having an overdraft would help my credit score, but I can see why going in to one would hurt my score

I think that some posters (no names!) may be causing confusion by using the term overdraft when what they mean is overdraft facility. Apologies if I'm wrong.

anon_ymous

Fruit_and_Nut_Case wrote: »

I think that some posters (no names!) may be causing confusion by using the term overdraft when what they mean is overdraft facility. Apologies if I'm wrong.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what would be the difference between the two?

dresdendave

Fruit_and_Nut_Case wrote: »

I think that some posters (no names!) may be causing confusion by using the term overdraft when what they mean is overdraft facility. Apologies if I'm wrong.

waqasahmed wrote: »

Sorry for my ignorance, but what would be the difference between the two?

My understanding would be:

You have an overdraft= your account balance is below zero

Overdraft facility: your balance is currently positive but your bank would allow you to go overdrawn upto an agreed amount...if you needed to.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

waqasahmed wrote: »

Sorry for my ignorance, but what would be the difference between the two?

As dresdendave said. Thanks dresdendave.