Credit Card for Recent Graduate

woolm110

Hi all,

I'm currently in the process of finding a suitable credit card and wondered if you guys could help.

I'm a current Postgraduate student having already graduated once last year. I've checked my credit score and it's good but not amazing 3/5.

I have 4 bank accounts:

1 graduate account with HSBC (overdrawn but within interest free limits) - I also have the money to pay off the overdraft should I need to, currently earning interest in a savings account

1 Halifax current account (In credit)

1 Nationwide Cash ISA

1 Santander Savings account

I want to apply for a credit card but I don't want to get rejected and then that affect my credit score, I'm also currently unemployed (due to being a student) so don't know what to put for my annual income.

I've had at job for the last 6 and half years but recently had to leave due to leaving university and heading back home.

I've got no more money coming in until I start applying for jobs in October but my income for last tax year was 19k (13.5k for a student bursary) and my income from this tax year stands at around £1000 (no more coming in though).

What figure should I put for annual income when applying (can I put last years income?) and which cards do you think are best suited to me?

I like the look of cards from Barclays as I like the contactless payment system.

On a final note, I've never had a late payment for phone bills and always paid off store cards in plenty of time.

Thanks in advance

StuC75

Although you have recently graduated this doesn set you apart from anyother unemployed person looking for a credit card.

The employment status is more likely to count against you, and fabricating your employment status and earnings is likely to be flagged by nhunter..

What would you be paying the credit card off with until you get a job? and why not just use that method in the meantime?

woolm110

I didn't think I'd be able to put last years income down but thought I should check.

I'm currently using debit cards at the minute and would use money on these to pay off the credit card. The reason for the credit card is partly down to wanting to build a credit rating but also down to the fact that i'm travelling to America in September (and possibly again in December) and thought having a credit card would provide me with some extra protection whilst I'm out there, should I need it.

Do you think I should apply for a credit card now or hold off until I have a job and then apply?