Which credit card? Post Office vs. Aqua

Jew

I applied for the Halifax Clarity, but they rejected me (my credit score is great, I think it was because I have an old, dormant Halifax account).

I think that either the Aqua or the Post Office credit cards would be good for me — for spending abroad, and occasional usage in the UK.

I would never take cash out with them (and would use a debit card instead).

Which is better? Which is more reliable? Better customer service?

Aqua seems to be something new... can it be trusted?


Update: I went for the Metro Bank debit card in the end — better for taking out cash from ATMs abroad! They made the card in branch while I opened the account. So easy! Plus, a free coin counter in their branches.

chanz4

not which is best, but which one will give.

guesswho2000

Aqua is nothing new, they've been around for years, but they've only recently started offering the cashback and fee free overseas use.

Which to apply for depends on your credit history - Post Office will require a good history, Aqua are a subprime lender, so may take on some adverse (missed payments, older defaults/CCJs).

Jew

guesswho2000 wrote: »

Aqua is nothing new, they've been around for years, but they've only recently started offering the cashback and fee free overseas use.

Which to apply for depends on your credit history - Post Office will require a good history, Aqua are a subprime lender, so may take on some adverse (missed payments, older defaults/CCJs).

I have good history, so either shouldn't be a problem.

The cashback seems nice... probably a bonus.

I would avoid taking cash out with both like the plague, so that's not an issue.

In essence, there's a PO near my house — do Aqua have an office somewhere if I run into problems or only phone/email?

leicsmarkyr

Jew wrote: »

I have good history, so either shouldn't be a problem.

The cashback seems nice... probably a bonus.

I would avoid taking cash out with both like the plague, so that's not an issue.

In essence, there's a PO near my house — do Aqua have an office somewhere if I run into problems or only phone/email?

The Post Office will not assist in the branch, they have no experience or knowledge as a general rule. So like Aqua you will need to call them and discuss

exel1966

The Post Office Card is operated by the Bank of Ireland so unless you have one of those nearby you're out of luck, however they do have a freefone number if you need to talk to them. Their exchange rate on transactions is one of the better ones out there, I can't comment on Aqua as never had one.

PO card internet access is very basic, but for a general overseas card I'd reccommend it having had one for a number of years. Only ever had one problem and that was when a retailer duplicated a transaction. To their credit BOI reversed the duplication with one simple call.

guesswho2000

Jew wrote: »

I have good history, so either shouldn't be a problem.

The cashback seems nice... probably a bonus.

I would avoid taking cash out with both like the plague, so that's not an issue.

In essence, there's a PO near my house — do Aqua have an office somewhere if I run into problems or only phone/email?

From what I can see, unless you're going to carry a balance, Aqua looks better with the cashback - you'd likely get a smaller limit with this card due to its target market though. Though you could get round that by making mid cycle payments to the card if you need to spend more.

Jew

Thanks guys! Perfect answers.

td_007

If you had applied for Hfx CC recently then it will show up on your credit file - will count against you though not necessarily stop you from getting another card.

Jew

It was a few months ago.

reclusive46

I'd personally go for the Aqua and get the cashback as a bonus.