Should I get a credit card ?

pennyshahin_2

Hi I've always been wary of getting a credit card I would set up a direct debit to pay it of monthly I do a fair bit of shopping on line, I'm just not sure any advice please and if so which one

Tixy

Hi

Do you have any existing credit accounts at all? so have you built up any credit history?
If you have any other credit products have you always made payments on time etc?

Are you thinking of getting the card for the protection it provides? or so you can pay for the items a month later or to build up a credit history?

andys15

I would say dont bother. They are a royal pain in the butt. Most current account now offer visa debit cards. Yes CC have some perks, but it depends what kind of person you are. If you are strict and pay off every month then go for it, but I would say 70% of people who say they will pay in full every month fall into the trap of not paying it as stated.

JasX

If in doubt be sure to request one with a LOW cerdit limit, if tempted to ask for it to be raised probably better to cancel it.... look at the DFW board if in any doubt

no_more_cards_for_me

If you have managed this far without it then don't bother.

I use Amex purely for the cashback and DO settle it everymonth.

However I only use it for expenses and fuel and then only because of the 5% cashback in the first three months.

Credit cards are great if they reward you or for section 75 cover. Paid in full or utilised for 0% they are a useful tool. Long term borrowing on them is a nightmare and its easy to fall into debt.

Any

Why are you thinking of getting a card?

Do you have a discipline in you? If so, card is great thing. Builds up your rating (easier to get mortgage and loans and good rates if you have good rating), offers protection and is great back up (for emergencies such as accident on holiday etc - you have to pay straight away and insurance company will pay you later).

no_more_cards_for_me

Any wrote: »

is great back up (for emergencies such as accident on holiday etc - you have to pay straight away and insurance company will pay you later).

That's actually a really good point, if you visit the states for example. I know when I got ill in the States my credit card took a really battering whilst I was being treated. Insurance will eventually pay but you do need something in the meantime.

Any

no_more_cards_for_me wrote: »

That's actually a really good point, if you visit the states for example. I know when I got ill in the States my credit card took a really battering whilst I was being treated. Insurance will eventually pay but you do need something in the meantime.

Yep, happened to my friend, also in states.
They won't touch you unless you pay immediately.

no_more_cards_for_me

Quite true and I'd of been completed screwed without a card in that case.

There are good reasons to have a back up card in an emergency.

Danny_G

Theres no point in getting a credit card as:
-you will probably be rejected due to poor credit
-and the recession

+ Alistair Darlings yesterday budget is going to instantly make it harder to get credit!

Get the Tories in! lol

no_more_cards_for_me

Danny_G wrote: »

Theres no point in getting a credit card as:
-you will probably be rejected due to poor credit
-and the recession

+ Alistair Darlings yesterday budget is going to instantly make it harder to get credit!

Get the Tories in! lol

1) The OP makes now mention of poor credit so it dangerous to make assumptions on their behalf.
2) Whilst there are implications to the budget changes in various sectors, such as those for the leasing industry, there is not going to be a blind bit of difference in how hard it is to get credit cards.
3) Various banks are being told to lend more to both small business and consumers so in the longer term then some forms of credit may actually be easier to obtain. Unfortunately prime credit cards are more difficult to obtain than previously but this is to be expected in the current circumstances.

Danny if your going to say something at least try and justify it rather than spouting mindless rubbish.