Card for abroad for little credit history

PocaD

Hi there,

Firstly apologies if this is on the wrong forum or has been answered before!

I am 28 but only got my first credit card 2 months ago. I checked my credit report and although there was nothing bad in it I also had no real history (apart from bank accounts and mobile phones) so I applied for a Capital One Classic card and have been using this and paying it off in full.

I am going to Australia in January 2011 and am not keen on taking cash or travellers cheques. It looks as though the best thing to use abroad would be the Halifax Clarity credit card. As I only have 2 months of proper credit history I am doubtful whether I would be accepted for this (although I have banked with HBOS for around 9 years) and I know any time I apply it will show on my credit report for 6 months.

Does anyone have any advice on whether I should take my chances and apply (maybe in early December) or just get a prepaid card instead?

Thanks in advance,

PocaD

stephane_2

No harm in trying but I would apply early December to ensure that you get the card on time. If you have banked with hobs for that long you might be able to get it now, have you been into your local branch and asked, you might be pre-approved

PocaD

Thanks stephane,

I will go into the branch and ask, no harm in trying, as you say! I used to get a lot of overdraft charges with them (few years ago when I was stupid with money) so I don't know if that would affect anything. Otherwise I will apply in early December and wait and see.

Thanks very much for your advice, appreciate it!

PocaD

adindas

Like has been said better you apply in branch, so they could assess/interview you directly. Do not apply online.
If you get rejected becasue of iccurate report of CRA it might effect on your credit rating. This is the way this stupid CRA work.

I applied online (this was my mistake, that you should not repeat) and you know it got rejected due the stupid CRA (experian)which is not accurate about my data. I appeal by sending the following evidence:
- I already have reward a/c and I pay 1,000 a month
- I have websaver with quite high amount with halifax.
- I also hold a few other credit card with avarage lmit is about £4,000.
- I never miss any single payment.

So you see it got rejected due to the inaccurate (stupid) CRA record. It is only succesful after I appealed.

So consider it apply inthe branch so they could interview you directly.

ADINDAS



QUOTE=PocaD;discussion/2748652]Hi there,

Firstly apologies if this is on the wrong forum or has been answered before!

I am 28 but only got my first credit card 2 months ago. I checked my credit report and although there was nothing bad in it I also had no real history (apart from bank accounts and mobile phones) so I applied for a Capital One Classic card and have been using this and paying it off in full.

I am going to Australia in January 2011 and am not keen on taking cash or travellers cheques. It looks as though the best thing to use abroad would be the Halifax Clarity credit card. As I only have 2 months of proper credit history I am doubtful whether I would be accepted for this (although I have banked with HBOS for around 9 years) and I know any time I apply it will show on my credit report for 6 months.

Does anyone have any advice on whether I should take my chances and apply (maybe in early December) or just get a prepaid card instead?

Thanks in advance,

PocaD[/QUOTE]

PocaD

Thanks for your reply, adinas. I think I will be going into the branch this week and ask them directly. My credit report (the one I've seen anyway) isn't inaccurate but because I have very little history I have a feeling they'd reject my application on the basis of that.

Cheers,

PocaD

adindas

You are welcome.
I think that is the best option, as they will tell you if there is a problem and you could explain to them.

At least you have chance to make decision to proceed or not proceed the application at the time.

If you got rejected, believe it will sevely damage your credit rating.

ADINDAS

PocaD wrote: »

Thanks for your reply, adinas. I think I will be going into the branch this week and ask them directly. My credit report (the one I've seen anyway) isn't inaccurate but because I have very little history I have a feeling they'd reject my application on the basis of that.

Cheers,

PocaD