will getting a credit card help my mortgage application?

FlickyK

So just so I can be absolutely clear, on balance, better to get a credit card now, as long as that's the only thing on my credit file than to have nothing?

[Deleted User]

Definitely better than nothing. But no reason why that should be the only thing.

A mature, low risk credit file would normally show a credit card or four, phone contracts, utilities etc.

All safe, solid things that show you're not reliant on credit but can manage it on an everyday basis and aren't afraid of it.

FlickyK wrote: »

It's weird I don't understand why borrowing every month and paying off is seen as better money management than saving money every month by living pretty frugally and having decent savings.

They're not mutually exclusive. It's just that the first option makes you wealthier and saves you more money.