Find out how using the right credit card can help strengthen your credit rating
Having a credit card application turned down because of a weak credit history can be a frustrating experience. However, certain cards – when used in the right way – can actually help strengthen a credit rating.
Why card applications get declined
Many applicants get turned away for having a poor credit history or not enough of one to begin with – this is because providers are generally unwilling to take risks on people who don’t have a proven track record of good credit.
It therefore makes sense to check your credit file before you apply for any credit card, as knowing what it contains can help you to decide which card to apply for.
For example, if your file shows you have good but not perfect credit score, you’ll know not to apply for a card that requires applicants to have an excellent credit rating.
Not only will this save time, but it will also prevent rejected card applications becoming part of your credit history. Frequent checks on your credit files over a short period of time looks bad to providers, and could negatively affect your credit rating.
How to strengthen a credit rating
If your credit history is less than perfect, you may want to look into credit builder credit cards. These types of card are specifically designed for people struggling with either a poor or limited credit rating.
Credit builder cards can help to create a positive loan repayment history, as the very fact that you’re seen to be successfully paying off a manageable debt each month gets noted on your credit file.
The cards do have some drawbacks – for example, they can have higher than usual APRs, while the credit limits are often lower than on standard cards. However, a higher APR is a small price to pay for a card that could significantly help improve your credit rating in the long-term.
Read our guides to find out more about how to improve your credit score.
