Best Credit Card

SteveK_3

I am in the process of separating from my wife of 20 years. Things are quite amicable at the moment. All our debts have been paid, except the mortgage. My wife is keeping the house with the 2 children.

I need a new credit card but cannot decide beween the Tesco Clubcard, or the new Barclaycard 17 month free. I hve read that Tesco Cust. Serv. is really bad, but it would come i handy for the points to use for the great deals they offer.

Any advise would be appreciated.

chattychappy

Sorry to hear of the circumstances.

I think it just depends what you want/need.

Since it sounds like you have no significant consumer debt, any BT type deal would be wasted.

I'd go for Tesco, particularly if you shop there as you get the vouchers and a 0% introductory deal on purchases. I've never dealt with customer services. Both Barclaycard and Tesco have well-designed and easy to use online systems.

If you intend doing any foreign spend, you should look at a second card for that (and as a backup anyway). Halifax Clarity, Post Office and Zero (if you're an existing Santander customer) are the ones to consider.

chattychappy

I should have added that if previously you've not had credit cards in your own name and/or will have to put down a new address (ie not on electoral roll), then you might have trouble getting a credit card right now.

If despite separating, you are still at your old address then I'd apply before moving out.

Jammi

SteveK wrote: »

I need a new credit card but cannot decide beween the Tesco Clubcard, or the new Barclaycard 17 month free. I hve read that Tesco Cust. Serv. is really bad, but it would come i handy for the points to use for the great deals they offer.

There quite a number of credit cards that you can choose from, offering various rewards for simply using them. A successful application will however depend on your current credit profile. A good place to start would be to look on a comparison website and have a look at the various rewards they offer. Choose a card that offers a beneficial reward. That ensures you use the card regularly and avoid any dormancy fees, or possibility of account closure due to non use of the card.

In my opinion Customer Service reviews should not be a deciding factor in choosing a credit card. Most people- myself included- service their credit card accounts with minimal customer service contact. And even when contact is made it is for standard queries requiring simple solutions. I would certainly never open or close an account based on routine customer service experience.

ironlady2022

Hi
It depends what you are looking for, as your circumstances are changing as in you're moving out. I suggest a 0% purchases credit card if you need to furnish your new place, etc then this will not hit your income so hard. I agree with chattychappy, apply before moving out as when you do, the new lender will want ID as you will not have been living at the new place for 3 years. Then it's even harder trying to get bills sent to your new address, changing address on driving licence is about weeks in itself!