How To Avoid Getting A Bad Credit Record

Step 1: Getting organised

Make sure that you pay all your bills on time including all utility bills, loan and mortgage payments. Paying all your bills on time will ensure that no county court judgments are placed against you.

Step 2: Minimum payments

If you can't afford to make the full payment of your credit card make sure that you at least pay the minimum payment. Never ignore a demand- this is one of the worst things you can do to affect your credit record. If you are a bit short when you need to pay, you can always call up the credit card company and try to personally negotiate terms for a lower new minimum payment instead.

Step 3: Electoral role

Make sure that you are on the electoral role, that you are registered to vote in your local area and that your address on the electoral role is up to date. Companies like Experian, Equifax and Call Credit report to credit companies using this information. It is unlikely you will be given any credit if you aren't on the electoral roll.

Step 4: Check your record

You can check your credit record by using one of the three credit agencies in the UK. Equifax, Experian and Call Credit all have websites where you can make sure that all your information is up to date and correct. If you find an error, get it sorted immediately. To find out how to check and repair your credit record see the VideoJug film “How to check and repair your credit record”