Help! ... which card?

Curry_Queen

Call me naive if you like but I've always viewed credit cards as a one-way street to debt ... that is until I found MSE of course, and read some of the articles in how to actually benefit from owning one ... cheers :money:

I've just spent the last hour or so looking at various options and searching threads to try and find some answers, but I think it might be easier just to come straight out and ask, and hope someone may be able to help

What are the chances of someone in my position being able to get a cc in the first place, and which ones should I be looking to apply for?

• I've been completely debt free for over 3 years
• I'm almost 40 and never owned a cc in my own name!
• I would be looking to pay most, if not all, the balance every month (barring any sudden unexpected expenses)
• I don't work (disabled) but have guaranteed income that I can prove

Does anybody have an advice they could offer please? Oh, and please don't suggest anything from the Halifax as I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole

grumbler

Curry_Queen wrote:

• I've been completely debt free for over 3 years
• I'm almost 40 and never owned a cc in my own name!

You should clarify what was before. As far as I understand you have some credit history in the past. Is it good or not?

Curry_Queen

They were general bills that I'd got into arrears with (utilities, mail order etc) plus some joint financial stuff I was commited to paying before my marriage broke up. You could say I had some adverse credit history, and I'm not sure how that would affect me now, although I did manage to get a new current account 6 mths ago (with debit card/cheque book) and I've also opened two savings account since without a problem.

Galstonian

Get your credit files and check whats on them. You could still be financially associated with your wife, there may be inaccuracies. Get the facts first.

grumbler

Galstonian wrote:

... financially associated with your wife...

Why are you sure that wife, but not husband?

Galstonian

It looks like a male dancing pig?

Please accept my apologies for making assumptions.

grumbler

Curry_Queen wrote:

...You could say I had some adverse credit history...

I think you are unlikely to get a card with sensible credit limit at the moment. You should try to get any credit card - just to refresh your credit history. Debit card is not enough for this unless you actively and correctly use overdraft. The best thing is to apply to your bank first (hope it is not Halifax, though I personally do not have anything against it). Use the credit card for purchases and pay minimum or full payment by Direct Debit (so you will never miss payment). If your first card gives some cashback you can start earning something straight away. Meanwhile keep on reading this board and in a half of year you will have some positive credit history and enough information for applying for better card. Good luck!

grumbler

Galstonian wrote:

It looks like a male dancing pig?

I tried to look thoroughly and do not see any male attributes! For me it looks rather like a girl piglet. :rotfl:

Curry_Queen

Thanks! I sort of guessed I'd be stuck with a limited choice at this stage but I think it's worth pursuing to get my rung on the ladder so to speak. I'll more than likely just use it to pay my monthly bills (saving my own money in my high interest account ) then settle the balance before any interest is due, so it's not really that important what rate I get saddled with to start with.

No, I don't use overdraft facilities either, and I definitely don't use the Halifax (that's who I left last year!) I've learnt a tremendous amount from this site and slowly working my way around the sections making appropriate adjustments to my finances as I go

BTW, I was just reading about the Capital One card, which more or less guarantees you a card even with adverse history, so I wondered if maybe I should apply for that first and see how I go?

Curry_Queen

Behave you two!!! :rotfl:

I'd have thought my name was the biggest give away, unless you know of any male Queens :rolleyes:

grumbler

Curry_Queen wrote:

...I'll more than likely just use it to pay my monthly bills (saving my own money in my high interest account)...
...the Capital One card ... maybe I should apply for that first and see how I go?

1. Be prepared that you will not be able to pay most of bills with credit card (unless you want to pay cash advance fee and interest from the day of transaction).
2. You can start with Capital One, but I think it is better to leave it for second attempt in case you are refused by your bank.