missing info on credit file/limited credit history

aliby21

Hope this is the right place for this.

I don’t have much in the way of credit, just a Barclaycard credit card which I pay off in full every month. I recently checked my credit files (Experian and Equifax) and the Barclaycard is not listed, so it appears I have no credit history (the only thing showing is an old mobile phone account which I closed four years ago when I switched to PAYG).

The reason I checked my credit files is that I had been into my bank (Halifax) to ask about getting a Clarity credit card, which would give me the £5 a month reward, and I was told that the ‘computer says no’. I’m guessing this is because of my (apparent) lack of credit history. So, my questions are:

Can I get my Barclaycard listed with the credit reference agencies? If so how (do I need to contact the agencies or CC company)? Would this be a good thing to do? Or, given that the main impetus for all this was to try and get a cashback credit card, would I be better off applying for the Aqua card which is supposed to be for those with no or poor credit history? The Aqua card would actually pay more I think, but I was a bit wary of how it would look …

Sorry this is a bit convoluted, but any advice would be welcome for someone who is definitely not an expert when it comes to things to do with credit..

[Deleted User]

Are you a member of Credit Expert (the paid service)? Barclaycard definitely report to Experian so your account should be listed on your credit report. Also any current accounts with an overdraft should also be listed on there. Sometimes accounts get 'lost' due to variations of your address.

Email experian customer services and tell them that you want to have these accounts added to your file. They will ask for the account number and then should add them although I'm not sure that they'll do this via email if you're not a paying customer.

aliby21

thanks, I'm not a paying customer but will try emailing Experian and take it from there. Not sure why the card is not showing - I've lived at the same place for 17 years, not changed name, had the card for over 20 years, and the address is really straightforward, not much opportunity for any variation in it!

older_wiser

I think if i'm not mistaken its the length of time you've had the card thats the problem.. I think you do need to contact barclays and experian to get the account entered on your credit file. other people hopefully will offer more detailed advice.