I returned from a stint abroad to find that as far as credit history goes I am now a clean slate. I have no credit history at all - good or bad. I'm trying to find ways to build up a good credit history again.

Can anyone tell me which banks report positive use of their current accounts to the credit reference agencies and also which moble phone companies do so. I have a contract with O2 for my mobile phone and although I pay my bill every month, o2 doesn't seem to report to the credit reference agencies at all. In fact I heard that they only report anything if you actually fall behind with your payments.

Because of my lack of credit history I was unable to get even a Capital One credit card so far.

I've added myself to the Electoral Roll but my Equifax report does not seem to actually show this yet. I also have a home phone listed under my name and address but it is currently Ex Directory. Is having a home phone beneficial credit-wise even when it's Ex Directory?

What other measures should I be taking?

Is there a particular store card or credit card that even someone with no credit history could get to enable me to start building credit history?

Thanks a lot