Self employment and credit ratings

ladysharpey

Hi,

I'm new to self employment so don't have impressive earning records to show (yet!). I'm a bit worried about the impact this will have on my credit rating. My husband is self employed too, he earns well. We have a joint account, a joint credit card which we pay off regularly and a mortgage - will those things benefit my credit rating and is there anything I can do to support my good rating while I build up my earnings?

Thank you.

[Deleted User]

You don't have a credit rating. You have credit files that lenders will view and take a view on.

Self employment may be a concern to some, but not to others. However, stability is any role is generally seen as a good thing.

There is no such thing as a joint credit card. The account will only appear on the file of whoever's name it is in.

If the mortgage is joint, that will appear on both your files.

ladysharpey

Thanks zx81. I guess the 'ratings' word is commonly used to refer to the overall judgement of the files? (This forum is even called credit file and ratings?).

So I guess there isn't really an answer to my question. I thought maybe there would be things like having a credit card, buying fuel and shopping on it then paying it off every month that might help in my current situation. Not to worry.

[Deleted User]

Having a card and clearing in full each month is the easiest way to build a good credit history - but it's not clear from your post whether you have a card account in your name or not.

If not, try your own bank as a starting point. If they say no, you will need to try one of the sub prime providers.