Hi Kittylette.

The fact that you have store cards and a catalogue account means you have a credit history, however small, so I find it unusual that you are struggling to obtain credit if you have not had late payments,defaults or CCJ's. I recommend you get a copy of your credit report to make sure there is nothing on there you are unaware of.

Some lenders will not lend for home improvements unless you actually own the property, crazy I know but it may be one of the reasons you are struggling, or ytou could be applying to a prime lender, offering the best rates, but where it can be difficult obtaining credit unless you fit their criteria perfectly.

One option available to you is to use a broker, they tend to cater for the whole of market, ranging from prime to sub prime. The APR offered may be high but it is likely they should be able to help. Try UCC (The Unsecured Credit Company), you can apply via moneysupermarket.com.

Hi

Not sure who your bank is, and how long you have banked with them, but they really should be giving you some form of credit card/loan etc., even if you have no credit history.

To get loan/credit card etc. you require a) proof of who you are and that you are not 'flighty'; b) proof that you have been trust-worthy in the past.  Your bank should be able to satisify themselves as regards a), and the main effect on b) is that they should only give you a small credit limit.

If the facts are as you say, you really should badger them on this issue and take them all the way to the ombudsman as they appear to be treating you unfairly and depriving you of normal banking facilities.

Whilst they are not obliged to offer you credit, they still have a duty of care and should have sound reasons (which again they need not disclose!) for not extending a small amount of credit.  Have you actually checked your credit file?

You could also consider joining a credit union, search the site below, they usually charge lower interest rates for their members and could give you that step up in building a good credit history. They are a co-operative of private individuals, who save and lend to each other.

http://www.abcul.org

/page/index.cfm

Can I suggest some of the easier-to-get credit cards. With more flexible underwriting criteria, you should be accepted if you don't have bad credit. These cards are useful to build a good standing for people with no credit as well as people who have bad credit. Unfortunately, both are as bad in the eyes of the finance houses.

It helps if everything else is straight forward, such as you are on the electoral register and are employed rather than self-employed.

Hope this helps

Yes, I thought the same as bertie.

The last thing you should be doing is spending money on improvements to the fabric of a rented property, especially borrowed money. 

Oh I see now, posted same time as above.

Hiya,

its actully council rented, so no chance of them doing any of it within the next 5 years!

I just want new furniture, wooden floors ect - not major rapairs.

I have applied to my bank - they wont even give me a credit card. 

Hi

As a landlord, I would except your landlord to be paying for the improvements rather than you!  If you do pay for improvements, then presumably your landlord could give you 2 month's notice or even charge you more for increased standard of housing!

Speak to your landlord and agree an increase in the monthly rent if he does the improvements for you.  That will save you having to borrow the money.  Your landlord will probably be able to get better rates than you.

As for improving your rating, there are many cards about.  Get them and use them.  Some have rates up to 70% - but this is not a probably if you pay them off in full every month rather than using cash.

Hi have you tried your own bank for their credit card - care with apr's though spend little and pay it off at the end of the month so you dont have to pay interest an you will build up a credit file and score get rid of the store cards they can prove to be expensive

hope this helps

HI have

Hiya

 We are a young family, we rent a house and it needs some improvements.

We applied for a loan (we can afford the repayments) but noone will give us credit as we have never had any before.

I have a couple of store cards and catalouge accounts, but apart from those we cant even get approved for a credit card to build up our credit rating.

 What can we do, where is it best to try?

Thanks