How do you get a credit score?

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Newbie
My son age 21 has been thinking about borrowing (loan) for a car, due to ULEZ restrictions.
He has been with Nat west since age 16.
Never been overdrawn, worked at same job 2 years. Never borrowed before or taken out a credit card as not needed. He has little outgoings, lives at home . He has got some savings. Never been in debt and I'm proud he is money savvy.
However he cannot get a loan as he doesn't have a credit score???
Bank advised him to get a credit card and use it often for 6 months.
Is there a better way to be approved for a loan? TIA
He has been with Nat west since age 16.
Never been overdrawn, worked at same job 2 years. Never borrowed before or taken out a credit card as not needed. He has little outgoings, lives at home . He has got some savings. Never been in debt and I'm proud he is money savvy.
However he cannot get a loan as he doesn't have a credit score???
Bank advised him to get a credit card and use it often for 6 months.
Is there a better way to be approved for a loan? TIA
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Tell him to keep an eye on his three credit reports (reports, not score). The credit score the lender is referring to is their own internal score, not the score he sees on his credit reports. A lender can look any or all three or his reports. Never pay for access, free access is available as follows:
Experian - use MSE credit club
Equifax - use clearscore
Transunion - use credit karma
Having a credit card is a positive thing if managed appropriately. It's a responsible use of credit (better than an overdraft) and makes it far easier to hire cars (although at 21 he wont be able to in the UK yet). Credit cards provide protection for large purchases (>£100) that debit cards don't.
Credit card is the best way to get a credit history because if you pay it off every month in full, it costs you nothing. You only pay for what you spent. Nothing more (unlike loans).
I'm a foreigner and I discovered that UK is one of the best countries in the world for banking... Free current accounts with incentives for switching and credit cards giving perks, at no additional cost. Credit cards are by far the best way to build your credit history.
If someone is financially savvy, it means they don't overspend, they know what they are doing with their money. They use credit card just like they would use their debit card (except ATM withdrawals). Only buy what you can afford, then pay the bill in full (preferably by direct debit) and that's it! You're building your credit history for free, possibly even earning some cashback.