MBNA card expired...won't renew !!

janet_oggy

I just realised last week that my MBNA Credit Card expired at the end of November. I contacted MBNA and asked them to renew it, but have got a letter today saying "due to the length of time your account has been blocked or since your last card was issued, we are unable to reopen your account facility to make new transactions"

I suspect that the reason for this is because I have not used my previous card for about 18 months and only kept it for emergency use (I obviously haven't had any emergencies in the last 18 months !!!)

I have no outstanding debts other than our mortgage, and have just checked my credit report on Equifax which confirms this, along with no other potential problems.

The only reason I want another credit card is again just in case of an unexpected emergency, and for peace of mind.

I appreciate that credit card companies provide cards to make money out of us, and obviously will not make any money out of me if I don't use the card, but wondered what is the best card to apply for under my circumstances ???

stephane_2

Maybe your own bank...but if you're not using it....probably don't need it. Use your savings instead for emergency.

Jules2012

HSBC done that to me as I never used the card, then I lost it and reported it, got a new card and it worked and still does.

janet_oggy

Cheers Stephane.... I am currently with Santander and did consider their 123 Credit Card, but if I am not going to use it I don't think I will get any benefit from that particular card.

You mentioned "savings"...what are they... we have a mortgage and 2.4 kids !!!!!

dalesrider

ALL credit card providers are getting keen on dormant accounts. Some will not reissue a card after 12 months of no use.
All you need to do is put one trans on there every few months and its not a issue.
Full DD and jobs a good un.

chattychappy

dalesrider wrote: »

ALL credit card providers are getting keen on dormant accounts.

Dormant accounts are seen as a financial crime risk (esp money laundering) because people often fail to check statements if they are not expecting transactions and forget to notify providers of address changes.

Maestro.

just be weary of getting a credit card from your own bank. I seem to recall reading that if you default on the card or run up a huge debt and are bad at paying, the bank basically can and will raid your current account to pay it off.

chattychappy

Maestro. wrote: »

just be weary of getting a credit card from your own bank. I seem to recall reading that if you default on the card or run up a huge debt and are bad at paying, the bank basically can and will raid your current account to pay it off.

True - right of set-off. But most people don't default/run up huge debts which they don't pay!

janet_oggy

Maestro. wrote: »

just be weary of getting a credit card from your own bank. I seem to recall reading that if you default on the card or run up a huge debt and are bad at paying, the bank basically can and will raid your current account to pay it off.

Appreciate your input Maestro, but as I said above, I will only be using it as a last resort..... in light of this, can anyone recommend a particular card to get/avoid for my circumstances ??

bengal-stripe

janet_oggy wrote: »

.....I will only be using it as a last resort..... in light of this, can anyone recommend a particular card to get/avoid for my circumstances ??

Nobody wants to give you a card you have no intention of using (under normal circumstances). It does cost the bank money to set-up and run your account,

Get a card and use it regularly, like a debit card, for food, petrol and other everyday expenses. Then pay the lot in full each month. If you keep your money in an interest-paying account until you take it out to pay the card, you even get a little bit of interest.

Presuming the limit is reasonably high, that should leave enough for an emergency fund.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

bengal-stripe wrote: »

Nobody wants to give you a card you have no intention of using (under normal circumstances). It does cost the bank money to set-up and run your account,

Get a card and use it regularly, like a debit card, for food, petrol and other everyday expenses. Then pay the lot in full each month. If you keep your money in an interest-paying account until you take it out to pay the card, you even get a little bit of interest.

Presuming the limit is reasonably high, that should leave enough for an emergency fund.

Even better, try to get a cashback card and put it to work for you.