Credit Card as no Debit Card

Heddwen_2

Hi

My bank (Barclays) will not at the moment allow me to have a Debit Card facility on my cash card. I can use the card to set up Direct Debits for monthly bill paying and at the cash machine.

However I cant use it in shops or over the phone or internet to make payments. I have been banking with Barclays for just 6 months and my old bank Lloyds gave me a visa Debit card immediately, but I decided after 4 yars to switch banks for better customer service and help.

Which leads to my question as I have never had no experienced a Credit Card. All I want one for is the convienience of paying by debit card. I cant go wild spendingon it as am on a budgeted low income so intend to draw the correct money spent on the Credit Card via cashpoint from my Barclays account and put the money spent on the card into a pot and pay off the bill when it arrives at the end of the month via the giro payment slip they send with the statement at my bank. Therefore hopefully paying of the total bill (or as close as) each month. I dont really want to pay by DD to the Creditcard as my way I keep a tight tab on its use!

Which credit card is better for me in this instance?

Hope this makes sense?!

Any advice on a better alternative welcome!

Thanks

Rafter

Seems strange that Barclays won't offer you a debit card?

Have you asked them recently?

If it is because you are on a low income, it is unlikely you will get a credit card either.

If you are planning to pay the amount in full each month then go for a card offering good 'cashback'

If you plan to borrow sometimes, look for the lowest rate or APR or even a 0% deal.

Good luck.

R.

Heddwen_2

Hi

Barclays did advise me on opening the account that as I have not built up a customer profile they couldnt see if I was a risk for a Debit Card, thus hey would contact me after aprox 6 months and re-assess my account history! Fair enough I thought as with my past wobbly credit score and spending habits it would give me the opportunity to get back on track and curb the temptations to spend. However althoughI have definately leant this and un-learnt the bad habbits ofDebit Card conveinience I am now becoming hindered when wishing to make a one off payment. My mother inlaw and friends are getting irritated as I have to keep paying them the cash and asking them to make payment by their cards or cheques. I am now reluctant and embarrassed to ask anymore.

Barclays will not allow a cheque book either (I dont really like cheques but prefer Debit cards as payments are direct from accounts and only happen if there is sufficient funds).

Cheers! Keep up the suggestions!

student100

If you ask Barclays again and they still won't give you a debit card (even a Visa Electron or Solo card which should be available to people on low incomes) then switch banks. There must be a bank who is willing to give you some sort of debit card.

Jonni2bad

Hi student100,

You might be interested to read my recent similar question and the responses here...

http://forum.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=Debt;action=display;num=1104158502

Do you have a current or basic account? If you have a basic, then you might wish to consider changing to a Natwest Step or Co-operative Cashminder account, as these issue solo cards as standard (both basic accounts).

I did not want to swap banks just yet, so have opted for the Capital One credit card (apparently every man and his dog WILL get one if they apply) for use in the same way you have described.

It's APR is high at 29.9% - but I'm not planning on having any amounts outstanding at the month end... You may have to pay a deposit up front, so if you don't have spare cash to do so it might not be for you.

catalonia13

Heddwen, I've just posted a reply on the link on #4's post, sorry, meant to put it on here!

Heddwen_2

Thanks

Just took a look at Jonnis post and am considering applying for a Capitol One card. My husband already has one but hopefully that won't affect my application?

Guess what I received in the post today? An invite as a present customer of Barclays for a Barclaycard but my mother-in-law tore it up as she told us to steer well clear, didn't even get the chqance to reqad the offer properly!

AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!

One other question if I get aproved for a Cpitol One and we go to the CCCS will they expect us to destroy any Credit Cards or will they see my point of view?

Cheers!

Jonni2bad

One other question if I get aproved for a Cpitol One  and we go to the CCCS will they expect us to destroy any Credit Cards or will they see my point of view?

Cheers!

Good question. I don't believe that the CCCS would expect you to cut up your cards, but I'm sure they would advise you to use it VERY wisely if you must have one.

Again, as far as I am aware, all applicants for the Cap One card will receive one, but you will probably have to put a deposit up front and will be set a low limit (I'm still waiting to find out mine!).

If you use it wisely - i.e. make sure you ALWAYS pay off in full each month, or at the very worst make sure you pay the minimum on time, then it will in fact increase your credit rating, as potential future lenders will see you are operating the card/account properly.

If there is ever a month when you would not normally need to use the card, and you don't have any outstanding balance, then consider using it for a very small purchase - that way you can pay it off easily and you have another monthly repayment shown as being made on your file. Small issue, but every little helps when you need to 'repair' your credit rating.

Heddwen_2

Hi again Jonni

Thanks for that further info, how much of a payment upfront did Capitol One suggest and limits?

Interesting it helps to repair a credit score history!

Good luck for your card!

Cheers!

;D

Heddwen_2

Hi

:P I hate forms ant they do it over the phone? :-/

vanoonoo

oh dear - I have a feeling I am gonna get shot down in flames for this one but I'll go for it anyway.

Heddwen, with the greatest respect, based on the information you have shared on this site with us over the past few months, I would be very surprised if you were given a credit card AT ALL and would be totally HORRIFIED if you actually used it. You are a prime candidate for DEBT CARDS as they should be called. All you are doing, by getting a "credit" card is spreaading your debt even further. Until you can demonstrate to yourself that you can live a cash life in budget for a minimum of 6 months dont even consider a debit/switch card, and I would suggest a year before you even begin to contemplate "credit" (debt) cards.

this will sound patronising and as though I am bullying you and although I dont mean for that, I do mean to impress upon you the level of concern I have over the way that you are forever trying to remanage your debt rather than pay it off. I am aware that you are saying all you want to do is be able to order things or have other options for paying for things. but at themoment, I dont think you are diligent enough with your budget to allow yourself the luxury of a "credit" card. ifyou husband has one then that should be enough for emergencies, get a card issued to you in your name but on his account. additional cardholder I think its called. but really, gut reaction is. DONT GET ONE. curb your spending FIRST.