> Q1 What can i do to improve my credit rating - every credit card has a payment plan on due to the IVA so i can use them even though 1 is in credit.

There is a useful, detailed article on this topic over at MSE:

which explains far more than I ever could. Be wary of spending any money on "improving your credit score" - your history will be on file for some time and the credit that you do get is likely to be expensive. You should also consider whether you actually *want* more credit...

> Q2 Myself and my partner would like to get a joint bank account to use as a holiday savings fund . will my bad rating affect my chances of doing this - i don't want to be sitting in the branch with my partner to be told this!

For an account which doesn't involve any credit (i.e. a savings account with no overdraft), then you are not likely to be credit checked. For a current account with an overdraft facility, then yes, it affects your chances - and it may also lead to your partner's credit history being associated with yours, which can negatively affect his/her chances of obtaining credit as well. In my humble opinion, it is safer for both of you to keep your savings separate and share the cost of the holiday when the time comes.

You may also wish to keep in mind that the interest on your debts will be greater than the interest you receive on a savings account, so, while you may be keen to go on holiday, if you keep money in a savings account that could have been used on clearing any residual debts, you will pay more in the long term than by clearing the debts first.

The same applies to having a credit card that is in credit - you're not receiving any interest on that money, so see if you can use it to reduce any other debts you may still have. If your account is in credit, seek to cancel that payment plan as there's no earthly use in building up further credit while still battling with debts elsewhere.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert and this is not financial advice; it is my opinion and you take it or leave it entirely at your own risk.

Regards,

Keith

Note: This post has been moderated. Please ensure you read the Moneysupermarket.com User Community Standards and Terms of Service before posting. Thanks.