Credit problem

[lwatcay]

I've recently been trying to get a credit card and am having a lot of problems with it. I have never had any debt problems, but have not have a credit card before. I do have an overdraft and a mobile phone on contract.

I have even tried to get the Mastercard Classic which is specifically aimed at people with poor or no credit rating.

I am living in rented accomodation and know that someone who lived there in the past had debt problems.

Could this be the reason and is there anything I can do about it?

[jason1980]

You could try a capital one card as i had problems before, but a better option could be to apply for a cahoot credit card online, so long as you can send them in ID if asked, it might be a help.

[theo_wyvern]

possible that the previous residents problems are affecting you - may be worth speaking to a company who turned you down and ask why - if you point out that the credit problems on your address are not yours they may be willing to recheck

[x31mrk]

The solution lies in finding out where the problem originates. You need to obtain a copy of your credit record. You can get it from any of the credit reference agencies. I recommend Experian. Go onto their website and you can either request it online or download the form and post it in to them. Either way they will charge you �2.00 to get it.

Once you've got it, it will tell you where any problems are arising and if anything is registered against you, which it sounds as if there shouldn't be. If you need assistance in making out what it means a local IFA (independent financial adviser) should help or the Citizens Advice.

Previous tenants in your property should only be aproblem if coincidentally they had the same surname and initial. What about previous addresses, have any of your family had credit problems, for example when you lived at home?