Debt

[natalie_1982]

Do you have to be taken to court to get a CCJ against you? And what can you do (apart from actually paying your bills, winning the lotto, etc etc) to raise your credit score?

[Mrs_Pegasus]

A CCJ is a County Court Judgement so yes it will have been brought up in a court so in essence, yes they have taken 'you' to court. The CCJ stays on your credit rating for I think 4-6 years, it used to be 10 which really messed up peoples chances of getting credit. Even if you satify the CCJ before it goes to court it will still show on your record and can effect your chances are getting further credit. Paying your credit on time will enhance your rating and in theory raises your chances of getting further credit.

[WoWo]

But a CCJ is not the only way to get a bad credit history, not paying on time can do that. Oddly enough the best way to raise you score (although such a thing doesn't exist) is to get more credit and make sure you pay on time.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Banks do have a 'credit score' or 'risk rating', which is based on your credit record. Its always wise to request your record from both experian and equifax on a regular basis so any incorrect information can be settled in timely fashion.