Fixed Monthly fee Credit Card and credit score

StvC

So as the title suggests having had no credit for ages since a disastrous financial spell personally, in 2008, I need to build my credit score.
So I took out the only credit card on offer to me, it's only a £250 limit but is 0% interest in lieu of a fixed 3£ a month fee.

My question is - bearing in mind the card costs me 3£ a month whether it's hilted or cleared ever month. - would it actually be better for a credit score to NOT clear the full balance each month? Implying I am an attractive customer to fleece from would be new lenders?
Or would the total credit utilisation figures come in and score higher if my debt isn't maxed out?

Ben8282

You don't need to build your credit score. You need to establish a good credit history..
With such a low limit failure to clear the balance in full each month would create the impression that your financial situation is dire indeed.
And try to get rid of the card that you have ASAP.
Cant you even get, for example, a Vanquis card?

onlyfoolsandparking

I think as a general rule and being in your position ie no decent credit history the best move would be use the card for all your normal expenditure and pay off in full each month, no need to overthink things at this stage.

[Deleted User]

You shouldn’t be paying a monthly fee for any card really.

I would look into applying for something new that doesn’t cost anything and then clear it in full following every statement

StvC

Thanks all, I suspected as much just checking there wasn't some boosting hack you knew about, and believe me I tried. This was literally the only one I could get with my credit score. Combination of being abroad for several years and the time prior to that being riddled with defaults but my 6 years is almost up on the remaining blemishes, and I have different priorities now. But getting turned down for PCP car finance was a stinger when I needed a car of a certain age for work. Gotta sort the rating out with a mortgage applications round the corner too.
Paying in full every month is perfectly simple with my income and totally the right way by every other measure as you all point out.

[Deleted User]

But you’re not working to build your score.

Also if you’re only getting a CC with a paltry limit how do you expect to get a mortgage any time soon?