Haven’t used this forum in a long time (and not sure whether if credit score really belongs in this part of the forums but… oh well). Really, pleased to see that Monzo is doing really well and I am loving my account so far.
As a matter of fact, the main reason I opened up a Monzo account is due to the fact that my credit score was extremely low (so low that I can open up a bank account anywhere else or even apply for a credit card), so I was ecstatic when I heard that Monzo would accept people with a low credit score.
However, I was wondering how I could increase my credit score? I feel it is vital for me to do so now, since it would be best for me in the future.
I’ve actually tried to find out my credit score before. But those websites don’t seem to show me my credit score for some reason. Perhaps, I should call them up?
Here’s a good thread with some information on how credit scoring works that might help. There are some questions about how much data Monzo reports to the CRAs further down though, worth a read.
In my opinion the best way is to use something like LOQBOX: https://www.loqbox.co.uk
In simple terms - you buy thin air on credit and after the “credit period” they give back you your money.
Meh…anyways…read about it on the website.
I don’t show up on any of these either, despite being 28, paying household bills for at least 7 years and being a homeowner. I think it has something to do with never having debt and moving house every 10 months on average in the last 10 years. That’s my theory anyway.
There are tons of guides on the internet, few from Monzo also. However, what actually worked personally for me were these things:
Registering to vote.
Trying to keep one permanent address, if you keep on moving places use your friend or parents’ address for financial correspondence.
Don’t open so many accounts (even bank accounts).
Keep the least possible credit checks (hard checks) in a 6-month period.
Get a credit builder credit card, I signed up for Capital One Classic.
Spend from the credit card every month even though you don’t need credit and pay back on time (Never go above 50% credit limit)
Lastly the most useful which jumped my credit score for consecutive three months was LOQBOX. You can start from £20/month LOQBOX, and the biggest benefit is you get the money back so essentially it is like a savings account.
(However, they charge £30 for withdrawing your funds at the end of the year or ask you to open an account with one of their partners, I would suggest paying the £30 or you can refer 6 more friends to LOQBOX and it will become free, but don’t open a new bank account).
Photoshop, or similar apps, would be the perfect solution.
Ignore your Credit Score though, and concentrate on building a reasonable credit history.
No missed or late payments on credit accounts, no red marks on your credit report, and, over time, you may then have a Credit Profile that attracts offers from reputable lenders.
Ensure that you are on the Electoral Register. That seems a biggy too, most likely for sign of stability.
Longevity of account is always a good sign of stability.
When I took advantage of all the CASS incentives a couple of years ago, my Credit Score dived dramatically. It did not concern me.
I ensured that my credit accounts were all in order and my credit report reflected that, hopefully, I was still a good risk.
I now no longer play the incentive market and so many of my accounts now have a life longevity and associated history that companies can consider when deciding whether I am worth the risk.
Remember though, the lenders do not know the level of any savings or current account balances, so you could have £50k tied up in investments and still be declined if they thought you would struggle to repay the associated debt.
Crazy in one way, but would you really want CRAs and Lenders to see exactly how much money you have, and where?? I certainly would not.
