JD Williams Account

Determined89

Hi,

I have a poor credit score due to outstanding previous debt. I am in agreement with the debtors and paying each month to those. My credit file was beginning to show signs of improvements, and I was able to get a JD Williams account. The amount that they gave me as a credit limit was £150. Now I have had the account for a good few months and never spend a penny. The outstanding balance is sat at £0.00 and always has been. Somehow two account were set up and one has no credit limit whatsoever. This account has no tick boxes to show a clear balance, but a 'U' in a box and a ? next to it for April. My credit rating plummeted last month (again) and I investigated it. There was an outstanding payment for my mobile phone contact and I queried this and challenged the amount shown as my bill is up to date and paid off. They responded by telling me that it was for an outstanding payment from in August last year as there was a late payment (bill dispute - not through missing payment) and that it has been marked against me. I don't understand why this has shown now? Those are the only factors that have changed.
I do not intend to spend on the JD Williams account at all, I thought that maybe by opening some kind of credit account and then having a clear balance would show that I am not as useless with money as my credit report would suggest. Am I doing the wrong thing?
Apologies for the rambly post and well done if you made it this far! I am just confused as to why it has took a turn for the worst all of a sudden! I am due another report in 4 days. I use Martin Lewis's Credit Club to check my report (mainly).
Thanks!

[Deleted User]

It's pointless having an account and not using it.

Bin it and get a credit card. Use regularly and clear in full each month.

Oh, and ignore your credit score. It's a fictional number that has no relevance to anything.

shortcrust

An account with no activity won't improve how lenders see you. You need to demonstrate that you pay back what you borrow. ZX81's advice is good - ignore the scores, get a starter credit card and use it.

Determined89

Thanks both! Getting account closed down tomorrow.

Samsung_Note2

Personally id use the account..buy a pair of shoes/jeans/jumper ect ect and simply pay it off on the next statement.

Even if its a £10 polo shirt its still going to give a nice green tick every month you use the account.