credit card free wannabee

Luis

Hi Sarah, long time no speak x

I never had a credit card until this year, as a) knew I didn't want to be at risk of going mad on it, and b) didn't need one.

However, my circumstances changed - I needed to buy something on credit, and found that I had no credit rating / history, having never had credit (don't get me started on that one).

So I got the credit card to create some credit worthiness, and lo and behold, 6 months later, here I am with a -£3,500 balance. Luckily, I am in the position of beng able to pay that all off this month, but I have to say that life without a credit card is easier, less risky and less of a worry. As soon as it is paid off, it will be gone.

Luis x

nearlyrich

I think that you have to be very disciplined to use credit cards properly, I never spend more than I can pay off by a DD of the total balance from my current account. I use my CC for work expenses, in the region of £1000 per month for hotels, fuel, entertaining etc. It makes sense to have a rewards card, I change the card to suit, at the minute I use a cashback card but I have used a Tesco card and before that a GM card when I paid for my own car.

Not having a card would be a nightmare for me, my sister has one now but previously she had to ask me to pay her breakdown cover etc. I shop online, book train tickets etc.

KatrinaC_2

I know I couldn't survive without at least one of my cards; as other people have mentioned it's useful to have a card to put business expenses on. I'm also frightened to be without an instant form of credit - I have no savings at all at the minute and if an emergency occurs which means I need to get instant access to money (a family funeral back up home requiring a train ticket, the car breaking down, a broken window...) then it's a temporary measure.

Kat

skintchick

To answer the original question - put your windfall in savings, pay the 0% ccs as you are, until the offer runs out, then pay off in full using your windfall, which should by now have earned some interest.

You're in almost the same position as me, except mine's a 0% car loan not a cc, and tempting as it is try pay it off, it makes no sense to do that because it is free money (!)

Thefunkygibbons

I could not survive without my card

I find it much easier to have one credit card bill at the month end with all the spending on it

Having said that, I do look at the on line account centre weekly to see how the balnce is building up, so no surprises

taplady

I have been without my CC for 6 months now :j no choice as I'm on an IVA.However I must say its very satisfying knowing you're living within your means and just using cash you are much more aware of what you're spending.

The downside is that we now have no safety net in case of emergencies.We did have one but both cars needed repairs and it all went ! :mad: so we have to replace it ASAP or we're stuck!

If I could live my life again I would never have a CC ! they are too easy for some of us and I hope my children never get one either!