How at 44 I look like an 18-year old

More than 20 years of an unblemished banking record with First Direct has resulted in me having no credit record, forcing Virgin Money to refuse me a charity credit card.

The credit reference firm Experian, which Virgin checked, says I "look like an 18-year old who has never had a bank account." While, at 44, it is nice to look like an 18-year old, I need to sort this out. My best banking behaviour has had calamitous credit consequences.