is it worth getting a credit card to boost credit rating?

[James2593]

My previous borrowing history is almost non-existant. I've had a phone contract with O2 (may 2011 - may 2013) and currently have a £500 student overdraft with Halifax (which is not in use, the account is in positive)

I was thinking about getting a low limit credit card and buying the odd things on it (mainly fuel, shopping) and paying in full every month to avoid interest.

Experian list my credit score as 909 (good) with the only negative being my age (20).

Would there be any benefits to getting a credit card just to improve my credit score, or will a source of credit available have a negative effect?

There is nothing I need the card for, i'm thinking about in a few years time when I come to get a mortgage, a higher score will possibly help. Maybe even get a little cashback in the short term?

[James2593]

becker-on-ph said:

I don't think its enough to just get a credit card, you need to actually use it for it to positively change your credit rating. I think just getting a CC, will have a negative impact, as each credit check does. Whats important and positively raises your credit rating is paying back money you've borrowed, as this starts to show you as a good risk.

That's what I am planning to do, probably just buy fuel with it and pay it off straight away to avoid interest. Fuel costs are c.£200/month