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

td_007

davethorp wrote: »

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

It not a question of being technically correct. It is more on how one got into debt. One cannot help it if for eg. one suddenly loses the job and then has to borrow to meet daily needs. Knowingly spending on cards when you know you cannot repay and then trying to get out of it doesnot call for a sympathetic approach.

sporedude

Boohoo, No sympathy from me, Ive got no job and I got £1,000 on a store card, Atleast Ive got the common sense not to use it.

abie

I used to work for Debenhams and unfortunatly they dont care wether you can afford it or not they benefit more from you not being able to afford it (late charges etc). As a member of staff we were told to offer it to everyone and the more we opened the more we got rewarded.
I have had a couple store cards in the past and have completly over spent on them and understand how easy it can be but have also worked hard at paying them off and then cutting them up. People need to learn to say no to these shops offering store cards, its not hard.

MZie_2

davethorp wrote: »

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

Thank you for this helpful reaction!

My original post was not only asking for some advice on behalf of my sister's plight, but also drawing attention to the situation which lead to it. There must be many who are easily plunged into a similar predicament. I fully appreciate attitudes towards debt and various enticing traps. She, and many others just becoming adults, do not. Being over 18 means (here) nothing more than crossing the barrier of "entitlement", not true "readiness" to enter a new attitude towards debt. I was enquiring to see whether credit-card agencies have a duty to lend repsonsibly, and was looking forward to a degree of enlightenment from fellow forum posters.

Why, then, have so many respondants sought to be dismissive, belittle, or be downright rude? I expected more from the collective wisdom of this forum

never-in-doubt

MZie, don't worry about the negative approach by some users - they will not be able to treat new posters this way for much longer with the new MSE rules and yes, you have a valid question.

The only answer, unfortunately, is what you see above by the majority in that as she is an adult unfortunately there is nothing that can be done. However that was all that was required, not the barrage of abuse and smart answers.

Hope she gets its sorted, maybe an idea for someone like you to get her a 0% card and transfer the balance to that so she doesn;t pay interest - but you do it with her and then destroy the card and just use it to BT and then concentrate on repayment, say £100 per month or at least the minimum payment.

Good Luck.

MZie_2

exel1966 wrote: »

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

Is this helpful? AT ALL? Are quotes like this what makes this forum useful? Do they encourage new members to post - questions, or responses? Is this how you're such a respected member of this forum, by being rude and unwelcoming?

never-in-doubt

MZie wrote: »

Is this helpful? AT ALL? Are quotes like this what makes this forum useful? Do they encourage new members to post - questions, or responses? Is this how you're such a respected member of this forum, by being rude and unwelcoming?

Don't react - ignore them! :beer:

Who told you he was a respected forum poster? First I heard of it - he's actually a plank but hey, just my opinion...... everyone is a troll to excel (look in the mirror boyo)

MZie_2

never-in-doubt wrote: »

MZie, don't worry about the negative approach by some users - they will not be able to treat new posters this way for much longer with the new MSE rules and yes, you have a valid question.

The only answer, unfortunately, is what you see above by the majority in that as she is an adult unfortunately there is nothing that can be done. However that was all that was required, not the barrage of abuse and smart answers.

Hope she gets its sorted, maybe an idea for someone like you to get her a 0% card and transfer the balance to that so she doesn;t pay interest - but you do it with her and then destroy the card and just use it to BT and then concentrate on repayment, say £100 per month or at least the minimum payment.

Good Luck.

Thank you, for your good advice. I'll see what I can do with her! It dismays me this can happen so easily (and let's face it there are worse things), but I guess that's the world

stephane_2

I am shocked at some of the comments have just read here. I completely sympathise with you & sister. One of the sad thing is that at 18 no one (almost) knows anything about money, debt and the potential consequences, it is not something they are prepared for and trust me I have had my fair share of mistakes in my youth. Unfortunately the debt is there and both have to find a way to sort it out and I would have to agree with NID and the suggested solution and am sure that your sister will not make the same mistake twice.

Fire_Fox

td_007 wrote: »

It not a question of being technically correct. It is more on how one got into debt. One cannot help it if for eg. one suddenly loses the job and then has to borrow to meet daily needs. Knowingly spending on cards when you know you cannot repay and then trying to get out of it does not call for a sympathetic approach.

That kind of a distinction is a load of rubbish, which you'd know if you spent any time on the Debt-free Wannabe board. Virtually everyone in debt is there due to a combination if poor money management and mishap. Would you flame everyone who is in debt and has a mobile phone, any kind of social life, the heating on in winter (barring pensioners)? :rolleyes: