18 yr old given store card despite having no credit history - help!

MZie_2

Hi,

My sister was given a Debenhams credit card when she was just 18 and had no credit card rating. My sister had asked for a store card, but was given the mastercard instead (she was able to use this anywhere). At the time she was working as a full-time waitress and being paid below the minimum wage.

Her card had a £1,000 credit limit which she has maxed out, and is struggling to meet repayments esp. as the card has a 29.9% annual interest rate. As a consequence, she is unable to afford to go back and study and I'm worried that she will not be able to get credit in the future when she really needs it for something like a mortgage.

Surely she should have never been given the card in the first place, as there was no way that she could have afforded to pay the card off? Is there anything she can do about that?

Thanks

Jakg

She's 18 and legally an adult - if she couldn't afford to pay it off thats her fault.

Theres nothing she can do - shes an adult, she should be able to manage her own money.

Sorry to be harsh.

td_007

MZie wrote: »

Surely she should have never been given the card in the first place, as there was no way that she could have afforded to pay the card off? Is there anything she can do about that?

Your sister was an "adult" where she took out the card and there is nothing that says the creditor should only give a card only to people with credit history. Unfortunately, this is not what you would like to hear, but your sister has to pay it back on way or other. It will be worthwhile to spend time and energy trying to find a way to paying it back as cheaply as possible (transfer to 0% card etc etc) rather than looking for a way to avoid taking responsibility.

exel1966

MZie wrote: »

Hi,

My sister was given a Debenhams credit card when she was just 18 and had no credit card rating. My sister had asked for a store card, but was given the mastercard instead (she was able to use this anywhere). At the time she was working as a full-time waitress and being paid below the minimum wage.

Her card had a £1,000 credit limit which she has maxed out, and is struggling to meet repayments esp. as the card has a 29.9% annual interest rate. As a consequence, she is unable to afford to go back and study and I'm worried that she will not be able to get credit in the future when she really needs it for something like a mortgage.

Surely she should have never been given the card in the first place, as there was no way that she could have afforded to pay the card off? Is there anything she can do about that?

Thanks

Yet another B/S made up story, Go get a life TROLL !

p00hsticks

If not having a credit card history prevented people from getting a credit card, then no one would ever have one ! They've given your sister a realatively low limit to start with - the fact that she has spent up to that limit is really down to her I'm afraid - no one forced her into it.

KonkyWonky

Normally people complain that they can't get a card because they have no/bad credit history. Its a big bad world out there!

jd87

Most store cards are credit cards these days. Nobody held a gun to her head and forced her to spend on it. Your sister is an adult. This will be a lesson to her.

al4x

they didnt force it into her hand did they?

it always amazes me how people think of it as free money!
my first CC has a grand limit on it

chattychappy

MZie wrote: »

As a consequence, she is unable to afford to go back and study and I'm worried that she will not be able to get credit in the future when she really needs it for something like a mortgage.

Well, that may indeed be a consequence - she has to continue to work to pay it off. But assuming she keeps up with the repayments it will help her get credit in the future when she needs it. Why do you suggest it wouldn't?

MZie wrote: »

Surely she should have never been given the card in the first place, as there was no way that she could have afforded to pay the card off?

No.

ElkyElky

She spent it, her problem.

davethorp

Probably better posting on the debt section of the board. Many people on this section, whilst being technically correct, are quick to judge and unsympathetic to anyone who doesn't manage their finances perfectly