I opened up a Capital One credit card last February after paying off all our debts, but still having a bad credit rating. I'd heard through money saving expert's website that this was a good (but potentially expensive way) of getting back your credit score.

Capital One work by offering you a card, but with a stupidly low limit, enabling you to show that you are now 'worthy' of credit again, and can repay. Once I had applied I got a letter stating that my limit would be, wait for it..... £100. Woo! So off I toddled with my £100 card, and used it simply for putting petrol in my car each month. I was told in writing that if I used my card correctly, within 3 months my limit would be increased to something more suitable. I paid what I had spent on my card each month in full, on time, and with no problems, but after three months received a letter to say my limit would not be going up! I wasn't too bothered, as we at one point got ourselves into a mess financially when my first child was born, but since then we have paid everything off and don't owe anyone a penny. I didn't want to start owing anyone anything now, it was more the principle that they had told me it would be increased.

So has it built my credit score up? Yes actually, it has improved since I took this card out, and as I haven't paid a penny of interest on this card yet (because I pay the £100 balance off each moth - big spender I know) it has worked in my favour.

Other aspects of the card include ringing to activate the card when it first arrived. This was a problem in itself. The call centre was not based in the UK, and while I am all for opportunity, etc, etc, I couldn't understand a word of what the operator was saying to me. I believe they are based in India. I have also had problems trying to pay for something on line with this card. I was tring to buy a top for a little girl I know for Christmas, which came to £30 something, but even though I had the funds available, it kept declining. I once again had to call customer service and was again struggled to understand what I was being told.

After registering my account online about 3 months ago, I am now able to check my account online, accessing available funds, finding out when balances are due, etc. I find this helpful to be able to access, but I find the layout of the website basic and difficult to navigate around.

Interest rates vary on this card, although they are higher than your usual main lenders. However, if your wanting to rebuild your credit score, and pay the balance off each month, it won't cost you a penny. I would recommend only using this card in this way, otherwise it really isn't worth it.