Which card is best as an emergency credit card???

NJB485

Help!! I'm looking for a credit card which I can keep for emergency use only. I don't have any cards at the moment which is why I need some advice!! I need to know which don't have annual fees (incase I don't use it) and those with low rates (preferably). Any balance I do occur will be paid off within 2 or 3 months (6 at most)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

BenL

I would hold a Post Office Credit Card for emergencies.

You can use it fees free anywhere in the world.

My emergency card has been Nationwide but they are just in the process of adding some new fees on for outside europe use so no good if i have an emergency outside europe.

HockeyDuo8083

I have a Capital One card which has no fees as my 'emergency card'. It's only got a £300 limit but i know that if I get in to bother anywhere it would be my back up. It does have a high APR though so I would pay the balance asap.

HTH just shop around and use this site for Martins info.

bryanb

BenL wrote: »

I would hold a Post Office Credit Card for emergencies.

You can use it fees free anywhere in the world.

My emergency card has been Nationwide but they are just in the process of adding some new fees on for outside europe use so no good if i have an emergency outside europe.

As I understand it NW are only passing on the charge made by Visa. Presumably others will follow suit.

nzseries1

If you have no credit cards, I'd say you're more likely to get declined for the Post Office card. Capital One are a much better bet for you I think.

dazza.mk

OP,

As this is for emergencies and will be paid over several months personally I'd go for the lowest standard rate possible (unless you are aware of a reasonable amount of travelling abroad in which case Post Office / Nationwide would be a good choice).

Which are Barclays Simplicity 6.8%, Capital One Fixed Rate 9.9%.

Although as previous post, as you say you don't currently have any cards it may be that you have limited choice due to limited credit history?

Moggles_2

I agree. If this would be your first credit card, you may have a limited credit history, so from the lender's perspective you're something of an unknown quantity. They are likely to see your lack of a payment history as too great a risk. You probably need to be more concerned about actually getting a credit card, rather than looking for the best card to meet your present circumstances. The bank which holds your main current a/c, may be a good place to start.

For tips to improve your chances of credit card acceptance, have a look at the *Credit Rating: how it works and how to improve it guide*, especially Martin's *Manage and Improve your credit score* article

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score#improve