Old credit card on credit record - confused

Brash_memory

Hi there,

I really hope that someone can help me. This is my first real day of reversing the ostrich approach and taking control of my finances. For the last few weeks I have been busy downloading and reading the moneysaving expert advice, getting my credit reports etc.

It's part of a journey to rebuilding credit and aiming to reach my dramatic goal of getting a mortgage one day.

My specific confusion today is that I want to apply for a credit card to build up my borrowing history. However, my Experian and noodle both show that I have a credit card with zero balance. This is backed up by my online banking account which shows this too.

However, I do not have this credit card as it was cancelled due to a small amount being left on and not paid off (I could kick myself , it was unintentional and rubbish of me).

This is going back around 3 years now. So do I ask my bank to remove it? But if I draw attention to it will it result in a negative comment on my credit score (which is coming up as v good rating).

Do I apply for another credit card, but then when I say I have no credit cards it contradicts what is on my credit record.

I could say that I have a credit card, because that's what matches my credit record. But it's not true...

Will bad marks result in my contacting my bank? What should I do?

Thanks and sorry if this is an inane enquiry...I have great faith in these forums, you seem like a lovely bunch..

[Deleted User]

It sounds as though the account was never cancelled.

Contact your bank and ask them for its status. See if you can/want to get a new card.

If not, close it and apply for something new in the sub prime category.

Brash_memory

Thanks for v quick response...

What is the sub prime category?

So you don't think there's any disadvantage to drawing my banks attention to this card? They won't put a negative remark on my account?

Willing2Learn

Hi Brash_memory and welcome to the forum!

Firstly, don't ever lie on you a credit application as it would be considered fraudulent and you can end having a fraud marker against your name. I know you are only suggesting making the application tally with that held by a CRA but it would still be fraudulent.

Are you sure the account isn't marked as 'settled'?

If there is an error on your credit report, then you need to contact Experian and dispute the data. They will investigate the dispute and liaise credit card company. Your credit file will be amended upon conclusion of the investigation (subject to evidence confirming an inaccuracy). You will need to check your report with both Equifax and CallCredit too and dispute any inaccuracies within.

Because you don't want your application to contradict the data held by the CRAs it might be advisable to hold off with any application until the dispute(s) have been satisfactorily resolved.

droiderm

Personally I would leave it.
Does it have a credit limit on your credit file?
It's not Lloyds per chance is it?

[Deleted User]

Brash_memory wrote: »

What is the sub prime category?

Card like aqua, vanquis, cap One. Designed for people with a less than decent credit history, who other lenders would reject.

Brash_memory wrote: »

So you don't think there's any disadvantage to drawing my banks attention to this card? They won't put a negative remark on my account?

No. There are various pros and cons to having existing credit (ie it shows someone else trusts you, but also means you have an existing credit line you could use in addition to anything new you get). But they won't write 'ungrateful so and so' on your credit report.