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Improving credit file

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Hi,

In order to have some "history" with institutions for future mortgage application, I have accounts with Natwest (current), Santandar (ISA), and Nationwide (current) and apart from "old-mortgage-style" student loan, I have no debts.

The only credit agreement I currently have is my mobile contract. I had a CreditBuilder which worked well and stopped late last year.

I am tempted to obtain a proper credit card - unfortunately my spend is pretty low (I am a saver!) so fee-free would be best (e.g. Satander 123 is no good for me at this time).

Neither current accounts has overdraft facility (I didn't want this facility) however does having an unused overdraft facility improve your credit rating? Or would I be better off applying for a credit card?

Also - is it a good idea to apply for a credit card where you might apply for mortgage with in future? E.g. Nationwide or Halifax rather than Amex. Please note, although my bankruptcy dropped off my credit files completely since last year, I understand in the eyes of lenders, this "thing" will be with me for the rest of my life.

Many thanks in advance! :beer:

Comments

  • Hi the chances are that you need to look at a credit builder card. have a look at the MSE eligibility and see what the soft search brings up

    Paid off all Catalogues 10.10.2014
  • newuser78
    newuser78 Posts: 187 Forumite
    Many thanks for your reply.

    I thought my credit file isn't that bad (Noddle says 3/5 and nothing "bad" is shown anywhere in the report).

    Do you suggest that I get Cashplus CreditBuilder again for another year?
  • I am new to this forum and to forums really of any kind. I am really trying to post this as a new thread and not a reply if someone can first answer how to do that. My post is the question that my credit score shows under 600, rating as poor by one credit bureau and very poor by another. I have cleared up all debts in full except for one I disagree with but haven't officially disputed for a mere $700 from it seems at least 5 years ago for charges from a cell phone provider for what they claimed were "mobile instant messaging charges" made by my daughter from her cell phone on my account. Does this seem that my credit could be listed as still so bad from this one account many years ago? My home and car are paid for but it does affect my insurance rates, mainly homeowners insurance. Thank you.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 35,242 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    You'll need to seek advice in a US forum. You fellows do things very differently over there.
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