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Which Credit Card to get for one transaction on low current income?

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Hi guys,

I'm going on holiday to Croatia this summer with my girlfriend. We want to hire a car, and to do so you pretty much have to have a credit card.

This will be my first credit card and I only expect to use it once. I'm currently working part-time and have recently been turned down for another card (American Express/Nectar smash and grab thing I saw posted on MSE), I assume cos of my lack of salary (been without one for a year cos of travelling). I've had a scout around MSE.com, but haven't really been able to find any info applicable to my situation.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a Credit Card which I could get with my current low income and without any real credit history (apart from DDs, etc). If I could maximise the cashback via quidco, that'd also be a bonus! Pretty skint at the mo!

Thanks!

Gibbsy

Comments

  • ---lee---
    ---lee--- Posts: 921 Forumite
    If your not looking for any special features from your card, it can sometimes help to go for one offered by your bank. As they can see how you conduct your finances, they are more likley to lend.

    The APR will not matter as long as you intend to repay in full each month.

    Otherwise, you could try something like Barclaycard Initial which appearts to be designed for people with little or no credit history.

    http://www.barclaycard.co.uk/products/apply/initial.html

    Don't apply for too many at once (say no more than 3 in 3 months) otherwise you may damage your credit rating.
  • aj3001
    aj3001 Posts: 730 Forumite
    Only problem with BarclayCard Initial is the limit would be pathetic, when you say you have a low income, how low is low? To me, £6kpa is low, to my ex-girlfriends dad, £60kpa is low

    Bank maybe your best option, they will give you the highest limit
  • suzzi2704
    suzzi2704 Posts: 141 Forumite
    I would recommend the Post Office credit card. You won't get charged for using it abroad and you get 8 months interest free to pay it off.

    The requirements are that you are a British citizen, that you are over 18 and that you earn over £8000 per year.
  • Thanks for the advice guys. I spoke to my HSBC and had a chat to on eof the advisors about my situe. Seems I'd better get my incomings above my outgoings and get out of my overdraft before I apply as likelihood is I won't get one. Still, I have time to get things in order before Christmas, so no panic just yet! Started 2nd p/t job today and stepping up the search for a 'proper' job tomo!
    Cheers

    Gibbsy
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