www.iva.co.uk

I'm in the latter stages of my IVA, can I apply for a credit card to start building my credit score up? I've certainly learned my lesson with credit cards so won't be using it, solely just to build up my score! Thanks in advance

You can try but it is pot luck if you are accepted.

It may be advisable to wait until you have made your last payment or have your completion certificate.

I agree but you could try Capital one - they do a soft search to tell you if you are likely to be accepted or not and it won't affect your credit rating or show up on your record.

A good way to avoid any searches coming up on your credit file is to use an eligibility checker - when you log into noddle for example, there is a cards matcher section - this allows you to put in some personal details and it will give you the options that you are most likely to be accepted for.

We are going through exactly the same process, we have 3 payments left of a six year IVA and used clear score to check our credit files and look at possible credit cards.. They show you the probability of being accepted which is good.. I took a punt and completed an Aqua application and was accepted, I now have a card with £300 limit which allows me to start re building my credit history.

It is worth a go but ensure the credit limit is low and stays low, pay it of in full each month and you will see over the months your credit rating improve.

Even with the soft search eligibility checker it still appears random as to your chances of success. It wont particularly do any harm to apply.

Paul

All done and accepted. Thanks for all your help and advice!

Great news!