Nearly six years on -- thought you might be interested

wolfers

I'm three months away from my bankruptcy falling off my credit file. I thought I'd share a couple of things.

First, a year ago I applied for an Aqua credit card. I got an Amazon voucher for applying and I get 0.5% cashback -- which worked out at £45 for the last year My credit limit started at £900 and they kept jacking it up: it's now £4,550 (odd amount, I know). I have a direct debit to pay it back in full each month, which I've always done. The APR is 39.9%, and you get free noodle (the enhanced version, which includes the credit score). I'd recommend it, incidentally, if anyone's wondering about whether or not to get an Aqua card. Great online account management, too.

A few weeks ago I decided to move house (from rented to rented). The new agent did a credit check. She said it was poor rather than bad. It wasn't good enough for the landlord to get insurance on me defaulting on the rent so we agreed I'd pay rent quarterly in advance, which I can afford to do.

I still think it's odd that former bankrupts have such poor credit ratings. My personal finances are in the best shape they've ever been and -- of course -- I have zero debts. I've never defaulted on rent or bills, even around the time of my bankruptcy.

Oh, I managed to get both an iPhone and an iPad on contract terms, so EE trusts me, at least.

Excited to see what happens to my noddle credit score in three months time! (I'm currently a 2 out of 5.)

Johnsmith2016

Brilliant, good for you.

Yes I agree, there does seem to be a massive discrepancy between people who post here after bankcruptcy, some report brilliant recover stories and others cant even get a mobile contract after 6 years ... Really odd.
I think the main thing is doing a few key things in recovery.
Credit file clean up after 12 months
Jumping straight back into getting credit and not being afraid of it.
Managing all credit 100% on time.

Nationwide mortgage lend 3 years after discharge, so as long as you sort your life out and get a decent 20-25% deposit I think people can recover in real terms for all their daily credit needs way before the 6 year mark comes .

Determined01

Hi, my noodle report went from 2 to 4 just 2 months after the 6 year period ended! Try not to be dis heartened at least you got the place and just try to be positive about the future....it can only get better!

A4445

I passed the 6 years last December....I did however get a BRU so that's on my credit file until October this year. I began the rebuilding last year. I'm fortunate that the BRU is only on Experian, Equifax and call credit are all clear!

I've still got a basic bank account, I did try to get a nationwide flex direct but was turned down recently, it appears the BRU is looked on more negativity than the bankruptcy on its own. Most current account providers search experian, I will try again in October it's only 6momths! I've waiting this long another few months won't make much difference!

Even with the BRU I've been able to get cards with capital one and vanquis. Aqua defenatly doesn't like the BRU they won't touch me.

I've also been able to get a Barclaycard initial, very and next accounts, they only searched Equifax so they don't even know the BRU exists. Hopefully by the end of the year I be able to get a cash back credit card and a normal bank account.

ferry

Thats a great update OP.
By comparison i only have a couple defaults on my file and i dont qualify even for the Aqua Card.
F x