Credit history - Lots of missing info?

cts_casemod

I was surprised earlier this year to have trouble asking British gas to replace the PAYG with a credit meter when I moved home. They said my credit history wasn't good enough, even tough I've been on credit meters ever since I pay my own bills.

I kept my credit rating fairly stable over a period of 5 years. I pay utility bills, phone, internet, etc. all in time. Only defaulted once in a paypal direct debit payment 2 years ago, which was paid 5 days later.

The surprise just got worse. In order to improve my credit history I signed up for a credit card and was surprised to be only able to access lumia and vanquis.

One thing I notice on my credit file on noodle is that the only bill showing up in my name is from my broadband provider (and the recent credit cards) and a bank history, despite having several direct debits out of my account. In the past i also had car insurance paid on installments and the same currently for the council tax.

Why are these things not showing up on my credit file?

[Deleted User]

DDs in themselves don't show up. Credit agreements do.

What exactly is missing?

cts_casemod

Deleted_User wrote: »

DDs in themselves don't show up. Credit agreements do.

What exactly is missing?

That depends what is classed as a credit agreement. I would guess all below, but better let the experts decide.

What I have:

Split council tax bill
Gas (Pay on receipt of bill, quarterly)
Electric (DD)
24 month contract for mobile phone/service
1 month rolling (sim only) mobile phone service
Broadband/Home Phone (shows up on my CF)
TV License (Split payments, DD)

What I had:
Last year car Insurance, upfront credit, split payments (this year I paid upfront)
Mobile broadband service (contract, 12 months)
All the others as above on a different address.

Would it be of any advantage to ask for a bank overdraft and if so would that also count?

I'm planning in getting a mortgage on the next 2-3 years and the current scenario concerns me.

[Deleted User]

The phone contract may. The others probably wouldn't.

What appears on your other two reports (Equifax and Experian)?

A credit card is the easiest way to build history.

cts_casemod

Deleted_User wrote: »

The phone contract may. The others probably wouldn't.

What appears on your other two reports (Equifax and Experian)?

A credit card is the easiest way to build history.

Problem is when you cant get it. My partner, for example, hasn't been able to for lack of history. I had to put her phone contract on my name.

The Experian record shows the same thing. It shows a couple of different credit searches than the noodle report doesn't, otherwise all equal. I haven't tried Equifax.

[Deleted User]

What cards have you tried?

cts_casemod

e i

Deleted_User wrote: »

What cards have you tried?

Started by barclaycard as they were sending letters for the last 3 years saying I was pre-aproved and the rates were good. Got refused so I ended up applying for whatever I could find (better dent the credit file once that every 6 months) Aqua accepted and later Vanquis called to discuss and accepted the application as well.

My partner only applied for aqua and was accepted first time, before they sent a letter saying they canceled the card. So now she doesnt know what optios she has to build up credit history. The last years have been a nightmare for her, everything needs to be done in my name because they don't accept her...!

I'm guessing since she doesn't have much of a credit history they thought I did two applications, as after cancelling her card they sent me a letter asking for proof of ID and address.

[Deleted User]

She could try Vanquis. They'll take pretty much anyone if they're breathing, and even that's not always essential.

cts_casemod

Deleted_User wrote: »

She could try Vanquis. They'll take pretty much anyone if they're breathing, and even that's not always essential.

That one got me laughing really bad :rotfl:!