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Credit ratings

6 replies

Charlene1 · 10/04/2006 14:01

Since becoming a SAHM, I cannot get credit, as I am classed as "unemployed". I get Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit, which is more than someone unemployed gets. DP works full time, so we can afford repayments etc. I cannot get a cheque book, credit card, loan, HP, store card etc. in my own name, I always have to be a "2nd cardholder" or get nothing because my status is "nothing". On a mortgage, it would more than likely be DP only for the same reason. I have been told by more than one lender that if I worked for money for 1 hr a week, then I would be classed as employed and eligible for credit. Is this totally barmy or what? Am I the only one this has happened to? I feel forced to get a job just to get a cheque book.

OP posts:
CarolinaMooncup · 10/04/2006 14:17

It is a scary thought isn't it?

what happened to the chequebook etc that you had before you were a SAHM?

I've hung on to all my old cards etc for this reason.

Piffle · 10/04/2006 14:21

Does dp have an acount he can turn into a joint acc? That would enhance your rating..

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 10/04/2006 14:21

Hmmm are you sure you can't get anything at all - when we were first married and came back to the UK I got a storecard - yet I wasn't working, wasn't getting any benefits actually -and it was DH who was working.

Charlene1 · 10/04/2006 14:21

Always used DP's cheque book for bills etc. It would just be nice to not have to ask for cheques etc. when needed, e.g for one off bills, "essential" things from catalogues etc. like shoes, handbags, toys, that don't accept payment by my debit card. I don't like to use postal orders as it costs more.

OP posts:
Charlene1 · 10/04/2006 14:24

HRH, thought about getting a catalogue account or storecard just to build up my rating so they could see I can pay for it etc. but don't want the shame of refusal. Also getting too many searches and footprints on file which looks bad to people, even though they're supposed to ignore it if you're "shopping around for a deal" etc. - they don't. :(

OP posts:
Charlene1 · 12/04/2006 13:22

Piffle, we have a store card with me as 2nd cardholder, but he won't have me on a joint a/c as my "non status" will drag down his "good status" - experian's view, not his.

OP posts:
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