Firstly, nothing over six years old should be showing on your credit file. I have found in the past that hire purchase companies looking to finance a car are not as fussy about the odd ccj as anybody else, but that may have changed since the credit crunch.

Secondly, you can get a bank account, with a debit card, from very many high street banks. These are specially designed for people like yourself who have bad or no credit history. They sometimes do a credit check in order to prove your identity, but not for any other reason. Halifax do one called easycash, natwest do one, they nearly all do one. I am with Think banking, which a lot don't like because they charge £12.50 per month. However, they manage all your regular bills, by taking the money from your salary and holding it in a separate account. I get paid weekly, so they divide my monthly bills by four. What they do not do is to charge anything at all if they have to return an item unpaid. Compared to the amount I was getting conned for from Alliance & leicester, £12.50 per month, English people to talk to and lots of good advice, is well worth it. Alliance and Leicester will do you an account with a visa debit and cheque book, but as I say, I would never recommend them to anybody. Try getting your money out if you have your card stolen!

Hi,

I am looking at applying for credit for a car loan or pcp or whatever is easiest to get.

My credit history is not brilliant

I have one ccj but the account is satisfied this is 5 years old. On my experian credit report i have a lot of old store cards all setlled over 6 -7 years ago but still show.

I have a debt management plan, and always pay on time.

I have moved alot and am not as far as am aware on the electoral role.

I earn over £26,000 and its embarassing that i dont even have a current account with a debit card. I darent ask for one.

My ex left me in a very bad money situation which is why i now have a management plan i think i owe about £6000.

I am tempted to come out of it and pay each one indvidually, to see if that helps.

Any suggestions on where is best place to get up todate credit report and score. And how i can start to rebuild my life and credit! I can afford to pay things - am just worried will never be given the opportunity again!

Any help much appreciated