Does taking out a credit card really increase your credit score?

JustAGuyWithQuestions

I have read both that it does and doesn't. I'm unsure what to believe. I took one out (my first) in mid 2021 but haven't used it at all. Will this affect my credit score at all? I'm not versed in credit cards and was apprehensive about taking one out (due to horror stories I've heard over the years). 

SusieT

Since only you will see the credit score it makes no difference what it is. 
What you need to have is a good credit history, which is what a financial institution who would be considering things like a loan, card or mortgage will be interested in.  Therefore, use it for the weekly shop or petrol, stay within the limit, pay it in full every month and you will build a good credit history showing future potential lenders that you can be trusted to repay on time.

PRAISETHESUN

Lenders don't care about the score the CRAs provide (in fact they never see it!), but instead care about your credit history. Without any credit history, lenders have no idea how you behave so are usually hesitant to lend to you, or offer atrocious rates.

Getting a low limit credit card is a very easy way to generate some credit history. Don't use it as an excuse to overspend, but instead move any spending you'd normally use your debit card for onto the CC and pay the balance off in full each month. As long as you always pay in full, then there's no interest to pay. Over time this will build up a history of paying off debt on time, which will make you more attractive to lenders. 

Ebe_Scrooge

"Does taking out a credit card really increase your credit score?"

No - in all likelihood you'll see your score drop, as the score dished out by the credit reference agencies drops in response to any change in your credit status, whether good, bad or indifferent.

But as the previous posters have correctly pointed out, the score means absolutely nothing in terms of your ability to obtain credit, and a properly-managed credit card is probably the simplest way of beginning to build up a positive credit history - which is what really matters.