Whether your score is high or low, you can take control of your finances and improve your score. The first step is to understand your credit report, credit score and what factors contribute to these.
The best way to build and protect your credit score is to responsibly manage your finances and debt. It means always paying on time and using a small percentage of your available credit. If you have a thin file (empty looking financial history), the easiest way to build credit is with a credit card. Spend a small amount every month and always pay it back in full – this will show up on your credit report, proving that you can manage your credit responsibly.
If you manage your finances sensibly, aren’t too reliant on credit, and you can prove your identity (e.g. being on the electoral roll), you’ll be in good shape to get the credit you want.
For more information, take a look at our simple rules to improving your credit score, explained in our GUIDE: View our Guide