Is my new bank account affecting my ability to get a credit card

Lindsay1988g

Hello Everyone,

I used to have credit card but the monthly payments were getting very expensive so when I came into a bit of money I paid them off in full and then cancelled them. Since then I switched current accounts. From Barclays to Halifax if that makes a difference and Barclays werent doing anything for me despite being a customer for 15 years.

The problem herein lies, is that I am trying to get my credit score to the best possible ready for a mortgage. I have registered with a credit checking site, Noddle and also reviewed all hints and tip for boosting my score. I dont have any debt, except for finance on a car, registered on the electoral roll and all the norm, so the only thing I am thinking that could be keeping it low is because I have no debt.

So I thought I will get a credit card, make a purchase or 2 a month and pay it off and then that should help me. But, now I cant get a credit card for love nor money. The only thing I can put it down to is that when it asks how long you have been with your bank, I am being honest and adding in 6 months. Do you think this could be the reason why? And if so, how long do you think I should hold my bank account for before I try again?

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Doubtful. Your existing car finance will affect you far more.

What cards have you applied for? How long ago did you have cards?

And remember to ignore your credit score. It's meaningless and may lead you to make the wrong decisions.

bigadaj

Have you tried for a card with Halifax?

The length of to,e you've held a current account can be of importance, you can of course hold as many current accounts, so keeping your longest one intact rather than switching it is a good idea.

Otherwise have you applied for the initial or poor credit cards, they would allow you to build up your file and so long as you pay it off every month their horrendous interest rates wouldn't affect you.

Otherwise things like a mobile phone contract or even a catalogue account can demonstrate responsible use of credit.

Anthorn

Depends on the lender. As bigadaj says, the length of time you have had a bank account can count and you could be penalised if a bank account is new. It's best to keep a long-running bank account and not close it for that reason. These days lenders look for a prime credit history and that means some longer-running accounts as well as the usual no defaults, no CCJs, no late or missing payments, etc.