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Credit score of 768 and confused

Hi there.

I'd just like some answers regarding my credit rating please!

My score is 768 and classed as fair, according to Experian.

I have 2 outstanding credits

One for an old account (defaulted in 2009) for 3k (I lost my job in the recession as I'm in the housing trade so I had to live in my overdraft for 7 months)

The other is a recent virgin bill for £125

I have no ccj's, I am registered on the elect roll and I have no credit cards, store cards etc.

So I want to improve my score but I can't get a credit card (even a bad credit credit card).

How would I go about improving my score if I cannot get credit?

Would paying off the 2 outstanding debts mean I would get a better score?

I have the cash in my bank now to clear both of the above debts.

Thanks guys!

Comments

  • Tixy
    Tixy Posts: 31,455 Forumite
    Having an unpaid default is likely to make it hard to get credit.

    If you pay off that default your chance of being accepted for credit should improve - although realistically you are probably still looking at subprime credit cards providers only being prepared to lend whilst the default it still on your file.
    A smile enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give
    or "It costs nowt to be nice"
  • Andy1985 wrote: »
    Hi there.


    How would I go about improving my score if I cannot get credit?

    Thanks guys!

    A good credit account to have is a mobile phone contract, if you don't have one and can't get cos of credit score. Orange should let you have sim only contract, and if you keep up your payments and show you can pay your bill for 3 months they will let you have a proper contract. This is what I did. But beware, orange (or EE as they're now known) are well known for putting pesky late payment markers on credit file. So you need to make sure you pay each month on time.
    Member #179 -The 'Save 12k in 2014' Challenge £1740/£5000
  • Andy1985
    Andy1985 Posts: 14 Forumite
    Cheers guys.

    One more....

    As it's from 2009 - if I arrange a payment plan with the debt collection agency, will the default drop off when it was declared a default.... Or when the default is satisfied?
  • Andy1985 wrote: »
    Cheers guys.

    One more....

    As it's from 2009 - if I arrange a payment plan with the debt collection agency, will the default drop off when it was declared a default.... Or when the default is satisfied?

    From Default date
    Member #179 -The 'Save 12k in 2014' Challenge £1740/£5000
  • JohalaReewi
    JohalaReewi Posts: 2,614 Forumite
    Andy1985 wrote: »
    Hi there.
    My score is 768 and classed as fair, according to Experian.
    Don't worry about this bit of information and don't ever pay for it.
    You are the only person that sees it.

    All the other stuff in your post.
    That is important.
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