Rebuilding credit/life

wordsfan

Halifax and bank of Scotland same company, no Halifax branches in Scotland, same credit checks done by both.

Sounds like I need to wait a few months.

Thanks for the info

Candyapple

wordsfan wrote: »

Halifax and bank of Scotland same company, no Halifax branches in Scotland, same credit checks done by both.

Sounds like I need to wait a few months.

Thanks for the info

They are 2 separate banks. You don't need to have a Halifax branch locally to open an account with them.

If you really think that you wouldn't be able to get a full current account, try for a basic bank account:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/basic-bank-accounts

I still think you should at least try an application for a normal current account elsewhere. Just because one bank refuses to upgrade you, doesn't mean every other bank will do the same.

Here are some of the best bank accounts, the TSB one would be ideal:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts

Geoff1963

For a credit-score-building credit card, I'd recommend Capital One. They stood by me, when others didn't.

GeoffSpar8

wordsfan - I can't recommend enough getting all of your three credit files. They can differ enormously. I went from an enormous amount of debt - multiple CCJ's / defaults - you name it - and now have no defaults, no CCJs and able to obtain the best credit cards. It takes a lot of effort and sometimes a bit of waiting but getting the true picture of my situation and then having an action plan helped no end.

Good luck.

GeoffSpar8

On the basic bank account - I believe Barclays basic bank account still gives you a proper visa debit (non-electron but no contactless) debit card. I had this when I had a terrible credit file.

wordsfan

Thanks for all replies so far.

I've had a look at other accounts with my current bank (who I must admit I like and I like having a local branch) and its still Visa bank cards, I can't tell if they're electron though, it's electron I want away from.

The CCJ appears to have gone from my credit file which is good.

Seem to have a good credit background in terms of reliability but not in terms of income, which is not something I can greatly improve at the moment.

What I want to do is:

Be able to shop at a greater variety of retailers than I can currently.
Build my credit profile to give me more purchasing power.
Be able to take advantage of special offers when they're available (which at the moment I can't as I'll see an offer but not have time to save before the offer expires).