No Credit Score found

Saria

As my fiance and I are in the process of saving a deposit for a house, I thought that it might be a good idea to check what my credit score is, just in case.

I put in my details on Clearscore and just got a page telling me that they couldn't find a Credit Score for me. Which leaves me a bit worried!

Some background information:
I am originally from Belgium but moved to the UK in March 2012, though I signed a rental contract for an apartment with my partner in December 2011 I think (went back to Belgium to sort out things before officially moving to the UK in March).

I have had a National Insurance Number and a bank account with Lloyds pretty much since I moved here. I have been in employment since April 2012 (two different jobs) so have had payments coming into my account. And I have been signed onto the Electoral Roll as well.

So there should be some trace of me somewhere as I have lived here 3 years and I do have an account. I am assuming that the issue is that I don't really have any standing orders set up... apart from maybe my giffgaff account and the occasional thing like Now TV or Lovefilm etc. I pay for council tax, electricity and water/sewerage, but have always done this manually when it is due. Would this be the issue? But then I wonder, how could I do it any other way for things like water and sewerage, which you pay twice a year so no point setting up a standing order... And electricity is with a meter so payment would depend on the meter.

I am confused as to how I don't have a Credit Score and what I need to do to actually get one. Any help and advice is appreciated!

Saria

Any help or tips on what I need to do to build up a credit score/report?
I am at a bit of a loss right now.

[Deleted User]

Have you tried Experian? (You'll need a credit card for Noddle.)

You need to establish whether you exist on the files, though I would expect them to be empty if you only have a bank account.

Saria

Deleted_User wrote: »

Have you tried Experian? (You'll need a credit card for Noddle.)

You need to establish whether you exist on the files, though I would expect them to be empty if you only have a bank account.

Thanks, I just tried Experian and I did show up on there! Score of 886, so not too bad.
Though I already noticed an error where they say I'm not on the Electoral Roll when I am... Emailed them to ask about that.

Also, it gives me another negative which says: You have no settled non-mail order credit accounts.
Not sure what exactly they mean by this and if it is something I need to fix (how?)...

[Deleted User]

Ignore the score. Experian don't lend money, so their opinion is worthless.

And ignore the non-mail order account gibberish. Also pointless.

You just need to manage the credit you have responsibly. A credit card is the best way of doing this.

Saria

Deleted_User wrote: »

Ignore the score. Experian don't lend money, so their opinion is worthless.

And ignore the non-mail order account gibberish. Also pointless.

You just need to manage the credit you have responsibly. A credit card is the best way of doing this.

Thanks, wasn't sure how much the score really meant. I'm just happy I'm showing up on there at all!
And I might look into a credit card then, my bank keeps trying to make me get one, so maybe it is time to bite.

Thrugelmir

Consider using the new Help to Buy ISA as a savings vehicle. Utilising credit isn't a necessity when obtaining a mortgage.

DCFC79

If you get a credit card use it sensibly and make sure you get a direct debit set up for the whole amount or at least the minimum amount.

Saria

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Consider using the new Help to Buy ISA as a savings vehicle. Utilising credit isn't a necessity when obtaining a mortgage.

Thanks, I had already signed up for a HTB ISA. Trying to set up an account with TSB as well to get the 5% interest.

DCFC79 wrote: »

If you get a credit card use it sensibly and make sure you get a direct debit set up for the whole amount or at least the minimum amount.

No worries, I am very sensible with my money; I would never spend money which I don't already have. I know that's how people usually get into debt, and I don't want to fall into that trap myself.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

DCFC79

Saria wrote: »

No worries, I am very sensible with my money; I would never spend money which I don't already have. I know that's how people usually get into debt, and I don't want to fall into that trap myself.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Use the card for something like petrol.