DMP or Self-Manage?

StandSure

Hello all! Long time lurker, first time poster here ^_^
Basically I started off with about 21k worth of debt with 5 creditors. This has now been whittled down with the help of a Stepchange DMP to 2 remaining creditors, both now held with PRA group.

PRA group : £9875
PRA group: £4137
Currently paying £174 p/m through Stepchange 
Both debts are enforceable, I went down the letter route already and am content that these need paying back ASAP. Myself and my partner want to get ourselves on the property ladder but this is weighing on me, I know the DMP will have a negative impact while it is in place  
A mortgage advisor suggested a credit builder card for fuel to help boost my score a little, but I am aware that I'm not supposed to apply for any cards whilst on the DMP, even if the balance is cleared monthly.

My question is, am I better off coming off the DMP and just paying PRA group themselves now? How are they to deal with on your own? Are they likely to change payment terms on you without the support of Stepchange? Thanks all!

Suseka97

I'm surprised that an MA suggested you get a credit builder card.  It's the defaults that are impacting your credit file and that's what lenders will take into consideration, regardless of whether you have a credit card and are paying it off monthly.  Lenders have differing eligibility criterion and so you are best speaking to a 'whole of market' broker and one that deals with someone who has an adverse credit history.  He/she will be able to suggest a way forward and that will take into account the age of the defaults and your overall affordability situation based on your incomings and outgoings (debt payments included).