Improving credit score advice - order of things, credit card/savings accounts etc

[Arthriticmiddlefinger]

In 2019 I had to go into a debt management plan as I had accrued over 15K in debt through a mixture of being irresponsible and having to pay tuition fees (wasn’t eligible for loans etc)

I paid off in full 6 months earlier than planned, in 2022.

I have since managed to save some money, have opened a stocks and shares ISA, have recently started paying into a pension.

The defaults however stay in my file for 6 years. I would like to improve my credit score and have looked at money saving expert and Experian for credit cards that would allow me to do that.

My question is what order of things should I do? I want to open some savings accounts to plan for different things (so, easier access with rainy day fund, lock some away with a higher interest, etc). Do I open the credit cards first? The savings account first? Any other tips on how to best take advantage of what is available? Am terrified of risking my credit score getting even lower because I made things worse. We’d like to buy a house soon so it’s tricky.

Opening a savings account won't impact your credit, so do that whenever you like.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage in the next 6 months then don't open any new credit accounts, including credit cards, now. If more than 6 months away then it should be less of an issue, and if you pay off in full every month then you can start to demonstrate positive credit behaviours.

Though all that being said, how soon do you intend to look at buying a house? Ideally, it'd be better to wait until the 6 years are up or you'll vastly reduce the number of mortgage products available to you, as well as likely paying a much higher rate for the privilege.

I too need to sort my credit score
It's majorly plummeting
Mortgage paid off last month along with phone and iPad contracts and I've lost nearly 300 points!
I have a credit card which I pay off monthly
Its pissed me off

Lenders don't look at your score from the likes of experion. They'll have their own scoring system based on things like your income/outgoings, current credit utilisation, payment history etc.

Maybe just open the 1 credit card and always pay it off in full. Savings don't rely on credit rating so shouldn't be a problem!