improving credit rating

A question about : improving credit rating

Hi,

I'm new to the forums as I am living back home with parents and my girlfriend also lives here with me. We are saving for a deposit for a house and her credit is fine she has no missed payments etc.

My credit however is worse and had an experian score of 524 in November 2014. I have since paid all but one of the accounts of. They were paid by calling and agreeing a settlement figure. I now only have one more to sort which I'm in the process of doing. I also had a ccj which I paid but it was just outside the 30 days. My credit score has improved and is now showing a score of 684.

My question is how can I improve it even more now? And will my rating have a major impact when we apply for a mortgage?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Best answers:

• Time is a factor.
  Save up, you should be able to save a lot when living with the rents.
  The experian score isn't seen by lenders, what matters is what's on or in your credit history.
  Run your bank account very well, maybe get a credit card and pay it off each month.
• Hi
  You do need it in writing that your accounts have been settled even if they are "partially satisfied" by you offering a settlement figure (if it wasn't the full amount owed).
  I am no expert but there is loads of advice on here which will help you in so many ways.
  There are also so many tips about how to save money and how to prepare your affairs to ensure you can get a mortgage.
• Yeah I figured time would be the main factor. I thought lenders used the credit agencies?
  My bank account is ran very well now I have a steady wage going in each month and I'm not in my overdraft or anything. I can't get a credit card due to my rating and I did read on here that getting credit isn't always the answer to improving it. Given my poor history I've just saved my money and paid the debts off now. I was mainly just wondering if there's anything else I can do to improve it quicker. Thanks for the advice so far.
• What I meant was banks/lenders don't see the score, they have an in house system that scores you based on the information you provide on the application form. Have now edited my post to show I meant the credit score.
• Ah right I see. I was clutching at straws I think trying to find a miracle cure to poor credit. I'm 28 now I was 24 when I got the credit and blew money as I was diagnosed with Ms and took it badly and I'm guessing time is my best friend in terms of it improving now.