Ok, shout at me!

Kazonline

I might be crazy, but I've just applied for an Asda card. I know that it sounds crazy considering my current situation, but I thought I'd best do it while my credit looks good (quite proud reading my free Experian report!!!).
I only want to use it so I can get free home delivery & use the £10 off codes. I find I spend far less by shopping online, and as Asda is quite a drive away it saves big time on the petrol.
I was also wondering about applying for the Amazon card, but I read on the CC board that it's Halifax owned ..... it's them I have my mortgage with and I'm 2 payments behind (carried since last feb, currently up to date) Shame because the £25 free offer would be handy.
Also considering going for the Tesco card because of points......
I've posted this on here as opposed to the CC board because some of you are more familiar with my situation.
I do emphasize that I'm not going to build ANY debt on these cards - simply use and pay and collect the rewards....
What do you reckon guys? Crazy or not?????
Kaz x
PS I'm going to sneak off to bed now and try to sneak on in college tomorrow to see if you approve, or if I get a severe talking to!

GreyPilgrim

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

(*takes deep breath*)

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was my shout.

You know as well as anyone that credit cards are terrific things if they're used correctly. I live off mine each month so that as much of my salary sits in the bank for as long as possible, I record each payment obsessively on my spreadsheet so that I know I can pay it off when the payment is due, and then I'm back at a zero balance at the start of the month with (whats left of) my latest salary in my current account.

If you're disciplined enough not to abuse it and build a nasty balance up (and especially if youre getting rewards for it) then go for it!

SunderlandBlackCat

An alternative to the Tesco Credit Card is Clubcard Plus. You can charge it up at customer services or via a standing order from your bank account (or both) & when you pay with it at a Tesco store or Petrol station or online you get double the points that the standard Clubcard does.

You can't get the applications in store any more but you can still get them if you phone Tesco Personal Finance.

Kazonline

Thanks both. I do intend paying both off fully EVERY month - and that CLubcard Plus sounds perfect for me SBC. Do you happen to know whether it can be charged by bank transfer too? (My local Tesco CS always has a long que)
Kaz x

Phoenix79_2

Not crazy at all! CC's can be an excellent tool if you are disciplined. I put everything on my Morgan Stanley card. It currently pays 3% cashback. I always clear the balance at the end of the month and at my anniversary date i get all the cashback. As Greypilgrim says, this enables my money to sit in my account longer and i can get a clearer picture of my situation rather than having money flying about all over the place

Try not to apply for too many cards in a short space of time. One per month is usually the way to go.

Smashing

Kazonline wrote:

I do intend paying both off fully EVERY month

Ah, now where have I heard that before..:D
Merely quoting for prosperity!

SunderlandBlackCat

Kazonline wrote:

Thanks both. I do intend paying both off fully EVERY month - and that CLubcard Plus sounds perfect for me SBC. Do you happen to know whether it can be charged by bank transfer too? (My local Tesco CS always has a long que)
Kaz x

I've got a standing order to transfer my monthly petrol spend to it & then I either transfer more via online banking if I know in advance I'm going to to do some shopping at tescos or if its just a spur of the moment visit I go to customer services. It pays a little bit of interest on any amounts in credit but not much so I try no t to have too much money on it at a time.

The Clubcard Plus Helpline number is 08457 10 40 10.

Edit: Just found a freephone number in one of Martins Articles 0800 406050

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1150365239,54619,

hypno06

For me it would be ok the first few weeks, then I just know that I would be tempted to use it "just this once" and then be on the slippery slope.

So, only you know how absolutely strong you are and can be. If you KNOW that you won't use it FOR DEFINITE to get more debt, then ok. JUST BE ABSOLUTELY SURE! You may find yourself regretting it in 6 months time, then you will be cross (to say the least).