1. Demonstrate financial stability: Get a credit card to start improving your credit rating.Don’t miss any monthly payments, stick to the payment deadline and stay within your credit limit. You can also avoid any risk of accidental mistakes by setting up direct debits. 

2. Register on the electoral roll: The significant factor in boosting your score is getting on the electoral roll. If your name is not on there, you’ll find it much harder to get credit. 

3. Close unused credit card accounts: It’s better to have fewer, well-managed accounts, and long-standing accounts with good histories. 

4. Keep your balance well below your credit limit: Keep balances low on credit cards - high outstanding debt can affect a credit score. 

5. Stable address history: Lenders feel more comfortable if they see evidence that you have lived at one address for a considerable period of time.

6. Positive credit history: You will more than likely struggle to borrow money if you have never borrowed before as you will have little or no credit history.

7. Cut financial links with previous partners: If you hold joint credit cards, loans or bank accounts with someone with a bad credit rating it will affect your credit rating too. 

8. No CCJs or insolvencies: To improve your credit score you must not have insolvencies or county court data on your credit reports. Receiving any court judgements for debt will have a serious impact on your credit score. 

9. Check for mistakes:Review your report and correct any errors if you spot them. Look out for unfamiliar or suspicious entries in your report, such as an account you didn't open or new credit applications you didn't make - they could mean you're a victim of identity fraud. 

10. Try not to make too many applications: Too many credit applications in a short period of time can trigger rejections, as lenders might think you are desperate for credit. If you can, aim for no more than one application for credit in a three month period.