Unable to get any credit cards (bad credit)

Zahari13

Hey guys,
new to this forum. basically my credit score is bad for example CE score is 640 and Equifax is 232. Im trying to get a credit card such as capital one to help improve my score. I have telephone bills that are always paid on time for the past 3 years yet my score hasn't budged once. The problem is i used MSE eligibility tool and it said i had a 100% chance in getting a Capital one card. I went on their site and done it again and it said 100% chance. Went through the application and it said congratulations your card is on the way etc. After a week i received nothing and called them only to be told my application got declined. I mean WTH im being told one then then told another. You cant "guarantee" something then take it away. Its completely wrong and now its dented my score even more. Credit scores are a joke. I am in a stable job and making payments on time. Anyone got any tips?

[Deleted User]

Credit scores are fictitious, rather than a joke. They have no meaning, so your first tip is to ignore them.

What do your credit files show?

Zahari13

I've had bad dealings with my previous bank. I defaulted on an RBS credit card. but i paid it off and its settled. this was 5 years ago

[Deleted User]

Are you on the ER? What other accounts show on all three of your files? Mobiles etc?

How old is the default?

Zahari13

yep im on the electoral roll. its 5 years since.

[Deleted User]

And the other questions?

Zahari13

sorry. mobile,phone bill, closed phone bills, and car finance which i've paid in full everymonth

[Deleted User]

How old is the default?

molerat

Have you checked all 3 credit reference agencies for any lurking nasties ?

Dobbibill

As said - ignore the score.

Do you not have a bank account being reported to the CRAs?

Check all the details thoroughly on all 3 credit reports. Address formatting has been known to cause problems (especially if you live in a flat) so go through every bit of the reports. Noddle will give you the Call Credit report free.

Have you tried any other credit card applications - another 1 will prob have little impact - but make sure your credit files are definitely accurate first.

Zahari13

i've checked all 3 and they say the same thing. its been 5 years.