First time applying for Credit Card - Need some advice

Revv_2

Hi folks,
I tried to read as many guides and posts on the forum, so sorry if this has been asked/explained before.

I have lived in UK for 15 months or so with the first year being a student. I am now employed (about 3 months so far) with 55K income per year. I have had a current account with NatWest since I have been in UK (with a debit card) and I am thinking of getting a credit card. I don't consider myself as someone who would get into debts massively as I am the type that tries to earn and save before spending it. However, I would like to have a credit card for "some" occasional cases.

I was wondering if you guys could help me out on these issues:

1) Do I have to necessarily apply for a card with NatWest because I have only history with them?

2) I once tried to open an account with HSBC, they practically refused to do so as they wanted to force me to close the NatWest account and the said that it their policy (I found it way out of the line and decided not to do any business with them :mad:). Do such policies apply to credit cards as well?

3) Natwest now offers MC. As a user, is there any practical difference between MC and Visa?

4) With my status, which credit card you guys would suggest?

5) I have read some posts about not applying for cards in a short period. If one would like to have two cards, what would you suggest? Applying for one and wait some time (lets say 6 months) and apply for another or just apply for both at the same time?

Many thanks in advance, and sorry of some of these are newbie questions.

Cheers,

Revv_2

.. Bump!

Could anyone please shed a light? Sorry if these questions ound too noobish

Thanks,

skintdad

the usual recommendation is to apply with your own bank 1st. if that is declined then try for a subprime card. barclaycard have an online preapplication which tells you which card you would be most likely accepted for. their platinum cards require 4 years well run credit card history on credit file so forget that one. gold 19.9% says fair history (no missed payments on anything for 12 months min) and initial 29.9% is a starter card. or try capital one, aqua or (last resort) vanquis. the last 3 have apr's above 30%

Revv_2

Many thanks for the reply.
I know that the APR and other basics are the same (I have nothing to tarnsfer so BT is not a tie breaker), but which CC from natwest (YourPoints World MasterCard, or Platimum do you suggest?

Thanks again

skintdad

Platinum as reward cards are usually harder to get and would require previous, well run credit card history. If you visit your branch they may be able to see if computer systems recommend an accept for credit cards or not. Not sure if NatWest work this way but some banks do