Hassle free credit card (for peace of mind)

blizeH

Hi guys,

I'm 24 years old and never had a credit card before, I honestly don't know the first thing about them. But I've just purchased a new house, and am led to believe that credit cards offer superior protection over debit cards, so for ordering all of my stuff, furniture and any other electricals or improvements I'd get a credit card.

Definitely want:
- Something that'll let me setup a direct debit to transfer the required balance automatically from my bank account, so I don't have to worry about it.
- Something that'll let me do the above without any fees or charges!

Would be nice:
- Cashback!
- A site with a nice easy to use interface that'll show me my balances and transactions.
- A nice looking card ^_^

The Co-Op one looks quite decent, although I'm not a co-operative member at the moment. The Amex Platinum one is annoying. I don't actually take home quite the amount required, but will easily spend the minimum amount required, and then some! Rubbish.

no_more_cards_for_me

If you have never had credit before then its unlikely you would get a superior card such as the Amex. The cashback is a big advantage in the first 3 months but reverts to a 0.5% after that.

I like the Amex as it is actually very straightforward with some of the best account presentation for transactions, cashback and monthly spend of all the card providers. Lightyears ahead of something like Barclaycard which is far from intunitive.

All cards can be set up to settle the balance in full each month, effectively you are using it as a charge card for the month then settling in full. Perfect way to use a card .

WIth no credit history the best bet is your bank, try and avoid the sub prime lenders, however if your going to do as you suggest then the interest rate is irrelavant.

blizeH

Thanks - that's a shame though, I was offered some great mortgage deals for example (one was 1.79% I think) but can't get any decent credit card stuff, boo!

Is it even worth me applying for the Amex Platinum? It sounds perfect from what you described

blizeH

Thank you for your application.

We are unable to provide a decision at this time. We have recorded all the relevant information and will finalise your application as soon as possible.

We'll send you a note in the post within the next 10 days to advise you of the decision.

I guess that's a no then. Rubbish.

preable

No points in applying as if you never had a credit card before most likey reject you

blizeH

It's so annoying though - I've only ever borrowed for silly things like laser eye surgery which I've had on interest free credit and always paid back without the slightest hitch, I managed to save up for a fairly considerable house deposit which means my LTV was about 70% and I had a pretty amazing choice from mortgages available to me, and yet a credit card? No chance.

Thinking I'll just stick with debit card, and hope there's no problems with any of the stuff I order

preable

There shouldnt be just use reliable shops like argos ect.

blizeH

Argos noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Nice avatar by the way The thanks is for that, not the Argos recommendation

(edit) I'm probably being a bit harsh on Argos here, sorry. Also how many more times can I say Argos in such a short post? Argos.

no_more_cards_for_me

blizeH wrote: »

Thinking I'll just stick with debit card, and hope there's no problems with any of the stuff I order

If you have the cash then it's a good way to go. Whilst you don't get the S75 cover it sould like most of what your buying is new so should be Ok.

Personally I think if you can avoid credit cards altogether then its no bad thing.

preable

hahaha maybe not argos then sites likfe dfs for a sofa would be reliable but a site like wesellsofasforcheap.net wouldnt be releable lmao

no_more_cards_for_me

preable wrote: »

wesellsofasforcheap.net

Link not working :rotfl: