Poor credit rating how to improve

Jammin89

Hi,
I've been trying to improve my credit rating and not had much success. I know I have 1 default which is partly settled but I have a poor credit rating. I was trying to get a credit card builder so I could use it on a regular basis and also pay off, I've been using clear score and they recommended a credit card that I had a 95% chance of getting apparently which no doubt will negatively impact my credit rating further. I thought getting a credit card builder would be the way forward. Please help.
I have added myself to the depoll the other day which I heard helps your credit.
I have 1 Barclaycard account which is the 1 that is a default the account is closed and it's partly settled. That was partly settled about 3 years ago.
I also have a basic Barclays bank account.
I've just set up a mono account the other day so I have a current account that I can make contactless payments from.
I did have a joint account which has now been closed.
Please Help. Hope this info helps.

[Deleted User]

Apply for a sub prime card, eg Vanquis. Use it and clear in full each month. If rejected, try again in 3 months.

Ignore your credit rating and over time you'll build a better history.

Craig1981

as above, Vanquis, Aqua, Marbles etc - the cards with APR of 39.9% and higher (this may be higher on application for individual circumstances too)

make sure however whichever card you apply for, you use monthly but have a direct debit in place to pay off in full each month to avoid interest. this then will not matter on how much the APR is.

check your credit reports with Noddle, Clearscore and Money Club to ensure the association with the person you have had the joint account with has also been removed

Jammin89

Thank you so much for your responses. I have been accepted for a credit card now. Hopefully I can build my credit rating soon.

[Deleted User]

You’re not building your credit rating.

Your building a credit history that lenders will use when you apply for products with them.

jimbo26

Time, and the credit card will gradually help to improve your history of managing credit. The default will drop off after 6 years.

A contract SIM or phone will also help.

No magic bullet, it will be a gradual process.