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Credit card holders who no longer use their older accounts have been advised to close them down in order to boost their credit rating.

The Daily Telegraph explained that people who can prove that they will not default on their debts are more likely to get the best borrowing rates on the market.

According to the newspaper, the way customers handle debts and credit is key to whether they will be approved for further loans.

“Make sure you are registered on the electoral roll and, if possible, make more than the minimum payment on credit agreements every month,” journalist Melanie Wright, writing for the publication, suggested.

“You should also always close any old credit card accounts, even if they show a zero balance, as lenders will take these into consideration when working out how much credit to give you.”

Under the Consumer Credit Act, customers can contact credit reference agencies like Experian and request to see their credit history file.

Think of yourself as fortunate for having been selected to receive a pre-approved credit card. Other people have to apply for one, and not everyone who applies gets approval to receive a credit card. Another plus: usually, these pre-approved credit cards come with free annual fee for the first year. That means you will have free access to credit for one year. However, you should be wary of committing to any new credit cards until you are debt free.