Credit card for a newbie to boost credit scoring

ffurdoow

Hello all, I am hoping to get a mortgage at some point. My credit score is "good" (it said 91 / 99 or something like that in experian). I have no idea what credit level I need to get a mortgage but I want to do everything I can to boost my score. I have a job and intend to use it only to boost my credit rating, paying it back immediately each month. Can anyone recommend the best type of card for this purpose (if there are any bonuses for having e.g. cashback etc then all the better). I also heard they push down your credit rating in the short term or something - is this correct? How long would it take before it went up again? Any advice welcome. Just want something simple, easy and that works with minimal fuss with the pure intention of boosting my credit score. Thanks from a clueless person!! 

[Deleted User]

Your credit score is a fictional number and plays no part in lending. As such, there is no 'credit level' for a mortgage.

What lenders what to see is a good history of managing credit.

Any card will do this. Repay in full once you get the statement.  Ignore the fluctuations in your score while you use it, as Experian reward stagnation, not credit usage.

dresdendave

An upvote for the previous reply. 
Ignore your credit score, no lender cares about it so why should you?
Just get any CC, set up a PIF DD and make a nominal purchase each month. This will start improving your credit history.
However, don't ever withdraw cash, go over your limit or miss a payment as this will defeat the purpose of you having a card.

cymruchris

In addition to the comments above, if you don't have a credit card right now, you might have what's called a 'thin credit file' - if there's not much on your records, it's possible you might struggle to get the best reward cards on offer. Banks like to see a history of good financial management before granting their best offers - so you might have to start with a credit builder credit card initially for a few months/year before you'll get access to better deals. That doesn't really matter though, as your aim is to get one, use it, pay it back in full, rinse and repeat. Try the eligibility checkers before making full applications, if you get any 9/10 or above results - then pick the one you think most suits you. If the checkers come back with lower results, then consider the credit builder options from companies such as Vanquis, Capital One and Aqua to name but a few. Again, they have eligibility checkers as well, so you'll have an idea which one will accept you before applying. (Although there is still a possibility they turn you down - even if they say you are highly likely to be approved). Let us know how you get on.