First credit card - scared of rejection!

Phil_Harmoniker

Hi all,

I'm completely new to this whole world of credit. I'm looking to get a credit card for the purpose of establishing a credit history in preparation for any loans/mortgages I may require in a few years.

I checked my Experian credit score and got a report. Obviously there's not much on it - I've had a phone contract for 10 months and a £200 overdraft facility on my current account for over 2 years. Neither have ever had a negative balance. The score was 964.

I understand every card application leaves a record on my credit history, so I understand it would be best to be successful first time, right? Basically my question is: which cards can I reasonably expect to get? I don't need a low interest rate or 0% intro as I intend to pay off the full balance every month.

Of all the cards I've looked at, I most like the look of Sainsbury's Nectar and Cashback cards (I do a lot of shopping at SBs), but I imagine I might not be successful. Is it worth a shot? Is one rejection going to affect any subsequent applications?

I bank with RBS, and an advisor suggested that I would be very likely to be accepted for an RBS World card, but the rewards are frankly pretty lame (less than £50 in vouchers annually in my case).

I think I'm almost certain to be succesful with an Aqua cashback card, which gives £100 cashback per year, but can I try my luck for a sweeter deal?

Thanks for any help!

Phil

samtoby

If you credit is ok I would go to your bank if I was you. They can often pre- approve as well.

BugsyBrowne

As above try your bank first as the best cards out there are designed for people with an excellent history of managing credit which this bracket you don't fall into so you'll need to start with the crap and work your way up.

RichL74

Nationwide or Barclaycard soft search will give you some other indications if you are likely to be accepted - never 100% guarantee - just dont lie on the questions they ask you on the form, dont put down that you earn £59,000 a year if you only earn £19,000 for example.

trikidy

Aqua is the best ATM for cashback.

Phil_Harmoniker

RichL74 wrote: »

Nationwide or Barclaycard soft search will give you some other indications if you are likely to be accepted - never 100% guarantee - just dont lie on the questions they ask you on the form, dont put down that you earn £59,000 a year if you only earn £19,000 for example.

Thanks Rich,

I gave this a go and it quoted me 9.9% APR with £2800 limit! I thought that was very generous. If that kind of deal is within my grasp, I'm tempted to apply for the Sainsbury's card now. If I would fail, would this be dangerous for my RBS application?

Phil

RichL74

That's what they offered me and I got the card.