Credit card to boost credit rating recommendations

[magicmallow]

Hi all
I want to get a mortgage in the future and am thinking of ways I can boost my credit rating - never had a credit card before, and plan on paying it back in full each month to avoid debt, it's purely to boost my credit rating.
Does anyone have any recommendations or tips - is this worth doing? if so which one/s are worth getting etc?
Are cashback ones worth it? Best deals? Things to avoid?
Having avoided them like the plague in the past I am just doing it to get a credit rating and am very apprehensive!
Many thanks!

a credit card is a credit card, they are all the same. As you note, get one and pay off in full each month. Set up a direct debit for the full balance so you can't miss a payment, and check it happens for the first couple of months as banks can stuff up.

also live within your means and be careful what you buy. A bank balance full of takeaway coffees, endless clothes shopping and similar foolishness will make it harder to get a mortgage.

Barclays do one, which I have. I was in the same situation, my credit score was poor (due to not having any credit so no loans no credit card, no mobile phone contract) and our mortgage advisor told me to get a credit card to boost it.

Mine has a limit of £250 which I use about £150 a month (use for fuel) then pay it off, it’s really bumped my credit score quite quickly.

I’m sure moneysavingexpert has a list of credit cards for this purpose.

I had to do this too.
Make sure you get one that has no annual fee. So long as you are paying off in full every month then the interest rate should not be an issue.
Cash back cards are available from American express (not accepted as widely) with no fee but I've not seen one from the banks for Visa/Mastercard purchases without an annual fee.

I really like Barclaycard as the app was a excellent. I buy things like my train ticket. Go on the app two days later and clear it of. As long as you Pu it all off it’s fine.

Also remember the consumer protection you get. Put big items on it and holidays, as long as you have money aside to pay it.

Just beware that getting out a credit card will make your rating drop initially. I did this for a mortgage but it made my rating go down coz it was within 6 months of applying.

Any cashback one will do. If you do a lot of shopping in one particular shop, eg Tesco or M&S, that might mean you get slightly more rewards, will be in the form of shopping vouchers, but if you shop there regularly, it's as good as cash.

Getting a credit card is definitely worth doing even without the mortgage application. There are so many advantages that have nothing to do with spending money you don't have.

Thanks everyone. Really helpful advice. Thank you!!!

Does anyone know what type of card would be best for building my credit rating or would any do?

I am really lost looking at all the different types on Money saving expert!

So there are 0% interest cards, cashback cards, prepaid cards etc?