Hi I checked my credit file as i got turned down for a mobile phone contract switch over from my partners account. I checked with Equifax and my score was 264 very poor. It was very poor on the basis of 1 debt, everything else is good. The debt in question is a credit card from Lowell Portfolio? Never heard of these people and the balance is for £404.00 and i have no clue what this is for. Would appreciate some advice on what to do? The apparent start date was 05/03/2012 and default date 31/12/2012. Thanks in advance Dani

Thank You! Was just getting worried after i read all of the comments. Im simply using it to build my credit as no other reputable company will touch me with a barge pole!! Any other ideas that can add to building credit scores? Thanks for the quick reply x

Hi All Just thought i would do my research on the Vanquis Credit Card as have just opted for one and is on the way in the post. I have a very poor credit score of 345, i messed around a lot when i was very young and took out contracts and never bothered to pay for them. I have managed to clear off quite a lot of debt and had a look at my credit report today and all thats left is £290 from a provident loan i took out a while back. I also have 2 CCJ's dated from around 2008. One of which has been paid in full but still remains on my report and one i have outstanding that i feel i should not pay (long story). Anyway i took this Vanquis card out as it was recommended on moneysavingexpert as a good credit rebuilder. I understand the interest is very high. My plan was to take it out spend maybe £40-£50 on it and then pay it back the next day always making sure i have the spare cash ready to pay it off before using it. Im new to APR and all this sort of thing and to be honest dont understand any of it. If i do what ive just explained will i be charged interest etc? I dont want to be left in a worse off situation but i really need to rebuild my credit. I have two young children and we have to take all finance out in my partners name which is also affecting his credit rating. Everything gets paid in time but lots of things out in finance cant be good? Would really love some advice. Thanks Daniie