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Credit scores are a con!

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon

So, I've got into debt in the past, and spent a few years sorting it out, I dug deep, worked hard, and paid it all back.

So, recently, I decided to have a look at my credit score, and was pleasantly surprised, until I looked at the negatives.

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

And, then as if by magic, the credit score site has reams and reams of adverts for credit cards!

So, the fact that people are paying rent or mortgages, phone bills, mobile bills, utility bills, car payments, tv licences etc etc is not as important as having a credit card.. you have got to be kidding me?

I bet if I dug far enough I'd find out the credit scoring companies are probably owned by the same folks who own the credit card companies!

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

"

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help."

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

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By *rightonsteveMan  over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy. "

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy. "

Because to actually GET credit, proof needs to be demonstrated that you can "manage" credit properly.

If you've never had credit, you can't quantify yourself in terms of companies saying "Let's give this person money".

You can't get credit because you've never had credit...that's the problem.

Getting a credit card solves that problem, if you manage it properly, which demonstrates you're credit worthy enough for lenders to say "sure, lets give that person money".

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up. "

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

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By *tarbeckCouple  over a year ago

york


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?"

Our credit score is terrible so my son tells me even though we own our own our own home and have never owed anybody anything , seen to many people get into trouble with credit cards , if we carnt afford it we don't buy it xx

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

My score went down after I paid off my credit card and stopped using it despite no other debts and bills always paid.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?"

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?"

It is simply proof that you can hold a line of credit without spending it.

Of course the credit scores are compiled by the credit agencies, who else would you expect to run them.

Definition of a bank, an institution that insists on giving you an umbrella in the summer, and demanding it back when it is raining. They are not there for your benefit.

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By *rightonsteveMan  over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

I think the others have explained for me.

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low."

No, your credit score is supposed to be an indicator of how likely you are to default on a debt.

I'm not sure if I've just not explained myself very well, so let me say it again, how can not having a credit card be an indicator that my credit score should be lower than someone elses?

The only reason I can see is that it benefits the credit card companies to pressure me into having one!

Think about it, here's me, managing my money efficiently, paying my bills on time, in "cash" (through the bank system), never defaulting, saving to buy items that I cant afford straight away, and then there is Joe Bloggs, using a credit card to buy things (entering into debt) and maybe not even paying the whole debt off in one go, taking several months to do so... no tell me, who's more credit worthy?

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By *rightonsteveMan  over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low.

No, your credit score is supposed to be an indicator of how likely you are to default on a debt.

I'm not sure if I've just not explained myself very well, so let me say it again, how can not having a credit card be an indicator that my credit score should be lower than someone elses?

The only reason I can see is that it benefits the credit card companies to pressure me into having one!

Think about it, here's me, managing my money efficiently, paying my bills on time, in "cash" (through the bank system), never defaulting, saving to buy items that I cant afford straight away, and then there is Joe Bloggs, using a credit card to buy things (entering into debt) and maybe not even paying the whole debt off in one go, taking several months to do so... no tell me, who's more credit worthy?"

The guy with the credit card. It's clear enough to me. It's 'credit' worthiness not 'ability to be good about paying for stuff' worthiness.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

It's a game.

It's a shit game, but it's nit exactly difficult to play.

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon

"It is simply proof that you can hold a line of credit without spending it.

Of course the credit scores are compiled by the credit agencies, who else would you expect to run them."

First line makes no sense, as if I have, and use, a credit card (enter into debt) my credit score (which measures the likelihood of not going into debt) goes UP?

And as to the second part of the quote, my point is that its funny that these score agencies push us to have a credit card, which is more likely to end up with people getting into debt!

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low.

No, your credit score is supposed to be an indicator of how likely you are to default on a debt.

I'm not sure if I've just not explained myself very well, so let me say it again, how can not having a credit card be an indicator that my credit score should be lower than someone elses?

The only reason I can see is that it benefits the credit card companies to pressure me into having one!

Think about it, here's me, managing my money efficiently, paying my bills on time, in "cash" (through the bank system), never defaulting, saving to buy items that I cant afford straight away, and then there is Joe Bloggs, using a credit card to buy things (entering into debt) and maybe not even paying the whole debt off in one go, taking several months to do so... no tell me, who's more credit worthy?

The guy with the credit card. It's clear enough to me. It's 'credit' worthiness not 'ability to be good about paying for stuff' worthiness. "

And there's where the rub is, the score is supposed to reflect "'ability to be good about paying for stuff'", surely?

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By *rightonsteveMan  over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

Credit card companies want you to get into debt. They like people who pay off debt gradually......

I might stick to barter. It worked well for longer than credit cards have. A proven system.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

i wok in insolvency, i qualify fole

I love my job...when I help pople...

unfortuantely, these ame people are bombarded with so many call, from me, or other companies.

if i cannot help I refer to stepchange

debt is a bad word.....i have it myself, but i will never let me get into a horrid state....when I call people and they tell me debt levels/how long it'll take them to pay it off etc..I'd like tro help...

but thhere are people who..for some readon...just wont fucking listen...

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By *rightonsteveMan  over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!


"i wok in insolvency, i qualify fole

I love my job...when I help pople...

unfortuantely, these ame people are bombarded with so many call, from me, or other companies.

if i cannot help I refer to stepchange

debt is a bad word.....i have it myself, but i will never let me get into a horrid state....when I call people and they tell me debt levels/how long it'll take them to pay it off etc..I'd like tro help...

but thhere are people who..for some readon...just wont fucking listen..."

Someone has stolen some letters from your post.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low.

No, your credit score is supposed to be an indicator of how likely you are to default on a debt.

I'm not sure if I've just not explained myself very well, so let me say it again, how can not having a credit card be an indicator that my credit score should be lower than someone elses?

The only reason I can see is that it benefits the credit card companies to pressure me into having one!

Think about it, here's me, managing my money efficiently, paying my bills on time, in "cash" (through the bank system), never defaulting, saving to buy items that I cant afford straight away, and then there is Joe Bloggs, using a credit card to buy things (entering into debt) and maybe not even paying the whole debt off in one go, taking several months to do so... no tell me, who's more credit worthy?"

The one who paid it without defaulting.

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low.

No, your credit score is supposed to be an indicator of how likely you are to default on a debt.

I'm not sure if I've just not explained myself very well, so let me say it again, how can not having a credit card be an indicator that my credit score should be lower than someone elses?

The only reason I can see is that it benefits the credit card companies to pressure me into having one!

Think about it, here's me, managing my money efficiently, paying my bills on time, in "cash" (through the bank system), never defaulting, saving to buy items that I cant afford straight away, and then there is Joe Bloggs, using a credit card to buy things (entering into debt) and maybe not even paying the whole debt off in one go, taking several months to do so... no tell me, who's more credit worthy?

The one who paid it without defaulting."

Ok, and in the past I have had problems, but not now, and my credit score is now around average... but, and this is the absolute nub of my gripe... the ONLY negative mark on it now, comes from the fact that I don't own a credit card!

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

*why wouild someone with almost 5k debt, knowing it'll take them MORE than five years to clear the debt...it all comes down to the income and ecpendature

is it something that makes u defualt or somthing that makes your monthly wage deteriorate ..and make you worse in debt??

the parameters change a bit...but people who say "yes im struggling...and need ur help", U have to understand this gov legislation is not a 'law' but like the failed greendeal(it works when it works), but tings like the feed in tarriff were great years ago..ppl see the change..but those who said "call me back next week.." are the people who often try getting loans etc...so they can pay off...............loans.....

horrible cycle...im glad i help folk..

ask anyone...i'll help

ok..i might perv

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

How about the people who pay £700 a month rent, who want a £500 a month mortgage who get refused as they can't afford it...

Credit is for the banks, not for the people. So why would you expect a credit score to rate someone who doesn't pay money to the banks?

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By *rightonsteveMan  over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

I'm very mistrusting of banks at the moment and draw £100 out for the months casual spending. I'm having to keep a tight grip on expenditure for the forseeable future.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"How about the people who pay £700 a month rent, who want a £500 a month mortgage who get refused as they can't afford it...

Credit is for the banks, not for the people. So why would you expect a credit score to rate someone who doesn't pay money to the banks? "

the creditors make money fro you...either people can go into dro,bankrupcy, or iva's...

who the fuck wants a balif(england) coming to say theyre taking ur washing machine etc..

as i said...I'd always advise people get ANY help they can before it gets to court fees etc

*and I'm currently guilty but...am just being lazy lol...but for people who arse struggling SEEK HELP

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low.

No, your credit score is supposed to be an indicator of how likely you are to default on a debt.

I'm not sure if I've just not explained myself very well, so let me say it again, how can not having a credit card be an indicator that my credit score should be lower than someone elses?

The only reason I can see is that it benefits the credit card companies to pressure me into having one!

Think about it, here's me, managing my money efficiently, paying my bills on time, in "cash" (through the bank system), never defaulting, saving to buy items that I cant afford straight away, and then there is Joe Bloggs, using a credit card to buy things (entering into debt) and maybe not even paying the whole debt off in one go, taking several months to do so... no tell me, who's more credit worthy?

The one who paid it without defaulting.

Ok, and in the past I have had problems, but not now, and my credit score is now around average... but, and this is the absolute nub of my gripe... the ONLY negative mark on it now, comes from the fact that I don't own a credit card!"

So, you had problems when you had a credit card. Now, when you don't have one, you don't have credit card problems.

I am not sure why you want a credit card.

Perhaps, instead of blaming the system, you should look towards your own ability?

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By *uthTVDerbysTV/TS  over a year ago

Derby

Credit for coming on here and saying you haven't got any

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By *icketysplitsWoman  over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

OP, paying your bills every month shows you can budget and are living within your means. Credit is living beyond those immediate needs but still being able to manage.

Your current practice shows the former but not the latter.

I keep one card with a zero interest rate with a balance on it and pay off my most used card in full. It keeps the credit score high and I maintain savings at a level to clear all debt.

As has been said, it's a game.

If you need to improve your credit score because you need credit for something specific (like a new mortgage) then it's worth playing the game at a low level. If you don't need to borrow, ever, then it's fine to opt out of the game.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"OP, paying your bills every month shows you can budget and are living within your means. Credit is living beyond those immediate needs but still being able to manage.

Your current practice shows the former but not the latter.

I keep one card with a zero interest rate with a balance on it and pay off my most used card in full. It keeps the credit score high and I maintain savings at a level to clear all debt.

As has been said, it's a game.

If you need to improve your credit score because you need credit for something specific (like a new mortgage) then it's worth playing the game at a low level. If you don't need to borrow, ever, then it's fine to opt out of the game.

"

Yep, what she said...

To be fair, it's also about being accounted for, if I could run 25 miles in under 2 hours, I could run it every day alone and remain unknown, but if I got involved in races, then my times are verified and accounted for and I am a marathon runner.

If you don't need credit, then credit scores are of no interest, if you want credit then get accounted for, but stay out of debt.

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy.

In an ideal world, one would imagine the ability to pay bills would be enough but the ability to pay off debt is 'worth' more in the credit score do-dabs.

Get a credit card, but something, pay it off and your credit score will go up.

But you are just proving my point, to improve my credit score, I need a credit card... but you haven't explained how that's any better than reliably paying off my bills month after month?

Erm, is it not simple? A credit score shows your ability to handle a credit card. If you do not have one or have defaulted in the past, as you have, then your score will be low.

No, your credit score is supposed to be an indicator of how likely you are to default on a debt.

I'm not sure if I've just not explained myself very well, so let me say it again, how can not having a credit card be an indicator that my credit score should be lower than someone elses?

The only reason I can see is that it benefits the credit card companies to pressure me into having one!

Think about it, here's me, managing my money efficiently, paying my bills on time, in "cash" (through the bank system), never defaulting, saving to buy items that I cant afford straight away, and then there is Joe Bloggs, using a credit card to buy things (entering into debt) and maybe not even paying the whole debt off in one go, taking several months to do so... no tell me, who's more credit worthy?

The one who paid it without defaulting.

Ok, and in the past I have had problems, but not now, and my credit score is now around average... but, and this is the absolute nub of my gripe... the ONLY negative mark on it now, comes from the fact that I don't own a credit card!

So, you had problems when you had a credit card. Now, when you don't have one, you don't have credit card problems.

I am not sure why you want a credit card.

Perhaps, instead of blaming the system, you should look towards your own ability?"

Never had a credit card, never liked them never want one.

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon

And... thanks for the helpful mails, however, I'm not currently in debt, and don't intend to get into debt again.

I was in debt in the past, and sorted it, never paid much attention to credit scores until recently, and only looked out of curiosity.

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By *rightonsteveMan  over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!


"And... thanks for the helpful mails, however, I'm not currently in debt, and don't intend to get into debt again.

I was in debt in the past, and sorted it, never paid much attention to credit scores until recently, and only looked out of curiosity. "

You don't need a credit card with pics like that

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By *akeyousmile30Man  over a year ago

greenwich


"So, I've got into debt in the past, and spent a few years sorting it out, I dug deep, worked hard, and paid it all back.

So, recently, I decided to have a look at my credit score, and was pleasantly surprised, until I looked at the negatives.

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

And, then as if by magic, the credit score site has reams and reams of adverts for credit cards!

So, the fact that people are paying rent or mortgages, phone bills, mobile bills, utility bills, car payments, tv licences etc etc is not as important as having a credit card.. you have got to be kidding me?

I bet if I dug far enough I'd find out the credit scoring companies are probably owned by the same folks who own the credit card companies!

"

By applying for, obtaining and not using the credit card will improve your rating.

It's a big game and you have to play by the rules.

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By *thwalescpl OP   Couple  over a year ago

brecon


"And... thanks for the helpful mails, however, I'm not currently in debt, and don't intend to get into debt again.

I was in debt in the past, and sorted it, never paid much attention to credit scores until recently, and only looked out of curiosity.

You don't need a credit card with pics like that "

Thanks, but I think I need to loose the paunch! And my hairy back is a pain too

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

Apparently, although I'm paying bills every month without fail, and have been for years, the one negative that knocks a few points off my score is the fact that I don't have a credit card!

It's not a scam and getting a credit card definitely helps.

An old friend on here suggested I get a credit card to get my credit score up.

It was ok..but not that great.

I got a credit card (any card will do) my credit score is on 92 (last time I looked)..it goes out at 100. So I'm basically as good as you can get.

I use my credit card for fuel every month and pay it off every bill.

Credit cards really do help.

How?

And why, if I don't have one, is it a negative, I'm just avoiding the risk of getting into debt... the bills I pay every month, regularly, on the stated day, every time, should indicate that I'm credit worthy. "

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

They want you to have credit though and prove you can cope with the repayments. It's just how they score it. I agree it's slightly nuts but that's the world we live in.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

when I call i sometimes get that call thats starts saying shit like "foolish people taking on things they cant afford..blahhblahh"..I say, (in short and profdessional), well fuck you...what would u say to someone who's worked with BHS for 40 years...they thought their job was..forever..

get OFF yer fuckin high horse...YOU might need my help one day

(and I'm a futurologist on a few things), , automation within the next 10 years..peoples 'long' standing jobs will GO.its fact.

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