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Original poster

How am I supposed to build my credit?

44 replies

TheWy · 01/02/2023 19:53

I'm on sickness benefits.

My credit score is 770/999

I have no CCJs on file. No missed payments.

I just have no credit.

I'm told to build my credit.

But even the 39.9% credit builder/poor credit cards won't accept me for one to build my credit up!

I can't even get a mobile phone.

I'm so sick of it. I have money left over each month.

I just don't know how to move upwards with my credit?!

My ultimate goal is to get a car on finance but I don't think it will ever happen. I can't even open a catalogue.

How am I supposed to build my credit?
OP posts:
runforyourdog · 01/02/2023 19:54

You may struggle to get credit just because you are unemployed. Have you tried an eligibility check?

Original poster
TheWy · 01/02/2023 20:00

Yes I fail them everytime.

I can't help being ill. I get a good amount income between my illness benefits and the kids.

I'm not asking for a mortgage. Just a chance to start showing I can borrow small amounts responsibly.

OP posts:
Lazydazey · 01/02/2023 20:19

Do the drop downs give you any further information? Do you have household bills in your own name and are you on the electoral roll ?

Original poster
TheWy · 01/02/2023 20:32

I'm on the electoral role yes.

I have meters for gas and electricity but have the water in my name, insurances, Internet etc

OP posts:
N1Co · 01/02/2023 20:46

How have you found out your credit score? I signed up with experion and can’t get further than the ‘we can’t confirm your identity’ message.

Yerroblemom1923 · 01/02/2023 20:48

Do you have a local Credit Union? They might be able to help.

fairgame84 · 01/02/2023 20:48

Have you tried vanquis? That's how I built mine back up after a bad spell. I used it to pay for petrol then paid it in full every month.
I can't remember if I was working or not when I applied as I had a period of not working and being on carers allowance.

Original poster
TheWy · 01/02/2023 20:59

fairgame84 · 01/02/2023 20:48

Have you tried vanquis? That's how I built mine back up after a bad spell. I used it to pay for petrol then paid it in full every month.
I can't remember if I was working or not when I applied as I had a period of not working and being on carers allowance.

It says I'm not eligible.

OP posts:
ShinySquirrel · 01/02/2023 21:04

I was in this position years ago. I managed to get a pre-paid credit card that had a small monthly fee. I think it was about £5. It was set up so the fee payment showed as a small loan, which then showed as being repaid.

I wouldn't have a clue what to call it but it was a product aimed at people with very very poor credit, just to get started with rebuilding.

FredaFox · 01/02/2023 21:08

I used aqua when I first started my journey of rebuilding my credit history
I'd guess it's because you are in sickness benefits and not employed which is causing the declines have you tried one of the credit card marchers on experien or money saving expert? They match you with cards based on income etc, they give % of probability of acceptance

pigsinoodies · 01/02/2023 21:12

I'm going to sound like my gran here but if you think you can afford credit then you should be able to save up for what you want instead.

Original poster
TheWy · 01/02/2023 21:12

FredaFox · 01/02/2023 21:08

I used aqua when I first started my journey of rebuilding my credit history
I'd guess it's because you are in sickness benefits and not employed which is causing the declines have you tried one of the credit card marchers on experien or money saving expert? They match you with cards based on income etc, they give % of probability of acceptance

Yes they all say 0% chance

Including aqua and vanquis

OP posts:
ladymacbeth · 01/02/2023 21:14

What's the debt you've got?

DosCervezas · 01/02/2023 21:20

Your main income appears to be sickness benefits. Creditors will be reluctant to offer you credit for that reason. They might see it as irresponsible and also question your ability to repay and assume your benefit isn't calculated to allow for credit repayment allowances.

Original poster
TheWy · 01/02/2023 21:22

ladymacbeth · 01/02/2023 21:14

What's the debt you've got?

I don't have any. I can't get credit so don't owe anything. No mobiles in my name. No cards. No loans.

OP posts:
pigsinoodies · 01/02/2023 21:23

TheWy · 01/02/2023 21:22

I don't have any. I can't get credit so don't owe anything. No mobiles in my name. No cards. No loans.

Show quote history

Do you have utilities or broadband in your own name?

Original poster
TheWy · 01/02/2023 21:26

Yes water and broadband

OP posts:
ladymacbeth · 01/02/2023 21:27

Is there nothing on the 'debt to income ratio' drop down? The smiley face suggests you have poor debt to income?

LipsSoScarlet · 01/02/2023 21:28

Don’t they have an option anymore where you can click to find out ways to build your credit score? I used that and got accepted for a Capital One credit card to help me build my credit back up and my credit rating was a lot worse than yours at the time.

ISeeTheLight · 01/02/2023 21:29

Have a look at loqbox. www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards/
Mentioned about 2 3rds down on this page.

Coffeepot72 · 01/02/2023 21:31

I don’t think bad credit is the problem, I think it’s lack of income?

SecretVictoria · 01/02/2023 21:33

N1Co · 01/02/2023 20:46

How have you found out your credit score? I signed up with experion and can’t get further than the ‘we can’t confirm your identity’ message.

If you do online banking, some banks have it on their app.

NickyOy · 01/02/2023 21:33

After having a debt management plan which I paid off I was left with really bad credit rating. I got a studio account which helped build my credit. You only need to buy something very occasionally and oay it off the next month to help boost your rating. They gave me the account when nobody else would. It used to be called studio cards.

pigsinoodies · 01/02/2023 21:35

TheWy · 01/02/2023 21:26

Yes water and broadband

Can you get a mobile account on the back of your broadband account?

Both your water account and your broadband should show on a credit search and should be helping you, providing the payments are being made on time.

I've seen some people with far worse credit history than you seem to have getting credit without too many problems so I'm surprised you're hitting a brick wall.

Danikm151 · 01/02/2023 21:38

If you are applying for lots of credit in a short space of time that can be a reason. Multiple hard searches can be a bad thing

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