britons should increase card paymentsBritons looking to avoid a bad credit score, or even being bound to a lifetime of debt, should "take control" of their credit "destiny" by increasing the amount they pay each month, Moneyfacts has advised.

The advice website has said that the problem for many Britons struggling in the face of potential bad credit is not the lending itself but minimum repayment levels.

With these being less than three per cent in many cases, borrowers can be tempted to pay off a fractional amount of their debt in a way which will never really see them make headway into the outstanding sum.

"Simply by increasing the amount they pay each month, even by a small amount can knock years off your debt," noted Moneyfacts analyst Lisa Taylor.

"But don't make the mistake of assuming you are restricted to paying either the minimum repayment or your balance in full.

"A great way to stay in control is to set up a standing order at a repayment amount you can afford, changing it as and when your circumstances change," Ms Taylor added.

With the UK's cumulative personal debt now standing at over £1 trillion, many may now be taking heed of such advice in order to improve their financial situations.

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