Hassle free credit card (for peace of mind)

blizeH

Hah! Thanks guys. I might try applying for the co-op card too, but if I don't get that then I won't bother. A bit disappointed by the Amex thing really, tempted to give them a call and plead my case, from my point of view I'm very sensible with money and wouldn't give them any greif, but then again from their point of view my record is probably covered in question marks as I've never had a card before. D'oh.

/goes for a look on wesellsofasforcheap.net

preable

Try a halifax credit card they are probs the easyist to get credit with :P

BugsyBrowne

blizeH wrote: »

I guess that's a no then. Rubbish.

I bet your decline letter is in the post as we speak..
Try one of the sygma cards mate..

paulmcerlean

Amex as a first card? Zero chance.

Even Sygma might be hard (as I have found out with no adverse data)

Your bank is a perfect bet - especially if they provided the mortgage, even if not, they should be able to give you a card on the basis of your account history.

Rufus_348

blizeH - if protection is your biggest worry note then note that under law (i.e. section 75) only purchases over £100 will be covered in any case.

You could get a Visa debit card and then you get more protection with their Visa Chargeback scheme?

If you're really serious about getting a decent reward credit card though you will need to get another credit card first. AmEx Platinum is hard enough for experienced cc holders to get hold of, nevermind first time people and I doubt asking nicely will help much...

blizeH

It's so annoying though, I think my biggest problem is that I just don't understand it - could they not look at my credit rating, my situation with my house (LTV, deposit etc) and go from there? Or do they just base it purely on recent credit card transactions? But if that's the case that still doesn't really explain why they'd look at my situation and decline me.

The Visa chargeback sounds interesting, I'm thinking if I can have that, there's absolutely no point in me applying for another credit card anyway, if it doesn't have cashback.

Any experience with the Co-Op one? Or is that a similar story?

paulmcerlean

blizeH wrote: »

It's so annoying though, I think my biggest problem is that I just don't understand it - could they not look at my credit rating, my situation with my house (LTV, deposit etc) and go from there? Or do they just base it purely on recent credit card transactions? But if that's the case that still doesn't really explain why they'd look at my situation and decline me.

The Visa chargeback sounds interesting, I'm thinking if I can have that, there's absolutely no point in me applying for another credit card anyway, if it doesn't have cashback.

Any experience with the Co-Op one? Or is that a similar story?

Well it does explain why they'd decline you - they have no proof from your credit files that you know how to manage a credit card. There is a difference between a variable credit limit agreement like a card and a fixed repayment loan like a finance agreement for surgery or a mortgage.

I am not sure why you think this is unfair - it is a different kind of risk metric, and as one of, if not the most prestigious credit card lenders, they only want proven custom. They spell out their criteria quite clearly. You'd have been better using the search footprint now left on your file, on a more realistic card such as one from your bank (the one you really need to go for as a first card) or from a less demanding lender. Co-op is a good card, but again, it may be difficult unless you bank with them as you have no previous card history.

blizeH

Damn, thanks paul - I guess putting my salary down as £100k wouldn't be such a good idea when applying for the Amex anyway then!

I'm tempted by the co-op one but frankly don't know if I can be bothered now. I had my heart set on that Amex Platinum Cashback one

preable

Well it all depends if you need a credit card or not. If you dont really need it use a debit card as all transactions over £100 are coverd

blizeH

Thanks mr awesome Chelsea avatar, I think I'll stick with my trusty Visa debit then