Advice on building credit score

[IAmLadyWhistledown]

Hello,

For the past six years I have had a default on my credit file. Nothing drastic but I had a car loan with my bank prior to having my DS which I couldn’t afford the repayments on SMP so I was advised to cancel the DD and ring Lloyds once I’ve got back to work and able to afford the repayments. Default then occurred and I was advised because I cancelled the DD it was my fault and they can’t reverse it. I couldn’t be bothered to argue the point with having a new baby, so still bitter about it now 😂

The default has now cleared this week but my credit score is at 574, I don’t have a mortgage, no regular payments etc, DP sorts all the bills and we are living with family to save for a house deposit which we are hopeful to happen next year, I am at university however qualifying in Dec 2025.

I just wanted some advice how to build my credit score so it’s at least high to get a mortgage please?

Thank you!

Get a credit card with a low credit limit. Aqua or Capital One will usually issue credit cards to those with poor credit history.

Use the card as you would use a debit card, but make sure you pay the full balance each month, as their interest rates are eye wateringly high.

This will start to build a credit history, and should help improve your credit rating.

Thank you very much.. Apologies a complete novice to anything that involves credit cards.. would it work the same way say I fill my car up with petrol once a month. Then just pay it off straight away, would this build a credit rating?

im cautious of it having the opposite effect and actually going down from opening an account..

Agree with a PP - get a card and pay it off in full every month without fail
Ensure that you're not up to your credit limit on any cards
Pay any bills by direct debit to make sure they're on time
Things like phones are included on a credit report
Make sure you're on the electoral roll wherever you're living
Don't go overdrawn, this will show up
After a certain amount of time the late payment will drop off

And yes, you can use it for petrol or whatever but you MUST pay it off, in full every month, set up a direct debit for the whole amount to ensure this happens.

Thank you very much!! I’ve had some luck with CapitalOne. 😄it just feels so good to finally have some control rather than the default hanging over me 😃