Applying for Nationwide credit card - questions

firsttimestudent

Hi!

I'm planning to apply for a Nationwide credit card sometime soon. I do have a Nationwide Flexaccount (Visa Debit), which I fund each month with £800++, with a few direct debits coming out (and the rest gets transferred out to a high-interest savings account). The Flexaccount was opened in April 09. My main account though is with Natwest, which I've used since 2006.

a. When asked about my bank details, what is the best way for me to approach it? Put Nationwide's down (and a much shorter time with bank), or Natwest's? Which is advantageous?

b. Are they fine with Online applications, or am I better off doing it in branch? Based on my salary (£15000), it looks like I'm more likely to get the Classic Card as opposed to the Gold Card, if I'm accepted - is that right?

Any more advice will be much appreciated, thanks!

skyrider007

I'm a student and have a flex account with Nationwide. They refused to give me an account with a Visa Debit but instead gave me a Classic Visa Credit Card which I have applied in branch. The APR is quite high at 19.9% but I mainly use the card when I'm traveling abroad and it's always paid off in full by DD.

It's best to put down the details of the bank you have the longest relationship with as this will reflect in your credit files. They gave me a reasonable credit limit of £1,200.

Why don't you apply for one of NatWest MasterCards? Their APR is more competitive than Nationwide's and I'm sure you're more likely to be approved and given a higher limit than Nationwide as you've been with them for quite a while.

firsttimestudent

Thanks skyrider007.

I will try and apply for Nationwide's and see how it goes. Will report back on the outcome.

I actually just closed down Natwest's Mastercards recently - reason being to make way for this Nationwide card that I want to apply for. Nationwide's low foreign exchange loading appeals to me (as a backup for my Santander Zero), also their 0% for 6 month purchases look appealing as well!