First ever Credit Card

Elsiebea

Having never applied for a credit card before I assume it may be tricky to do so (non existant credit rating).
I know nothing about CC's so wondered what the best ones around at the moment are, for emergency use and rare occasions and ofcourse to get a credit rating! Obviously to be paid off in full straight away.
I don't want ones that cost me just to own them etc

Any advice would be greatly appreciated
thank you

smj43

Because you have never had credit in the past, you have no history to prove you are good for it, so getting one of the best cards is going to be impossible. You need to start with a card aimed at people with poor/no credit history. Try Capital One Classic, that is the first card I got.

Willing2Learn

or Cap1 Secured or Vanquis or Aqua or Barclaycard Initial and take a look at this thread too:

The Sub Prime Credit Thread - Part VI

smj43

Willing2Learn wrote: »

or Cap1 Secured or Vanquis or Aqua or Barclaycard Initial and take a look at this thread too:

The Sub Prime Credit Thread - Part VI

I don't advise the OP go for these cards. I applied for Barclaycard and Aqua first but they both rejected me. This left searches on my credit file which made it even harder to get a card. BC and Aqua are harder to get than the other sub prime lenders (Cap1 and Vanquis). If I were you, I would go for the Cap1 Classic like I said. If they don't accept you, they may offer the secured card which Willing2Learn mentioned, where you pay a deposit in order to get the card. Just use it wisely and pay it off in full each month and in 6 months or so, your credit file should be looking good.

Elsiebea

Thank you I will look into that.

Willing2Learn

smj43 wrote: »

I don't advise the OP go for these cards. I applied for Barclaycard and Aqua first but they both rejected me.

You can do a 'soft' search first for the Barclaycard Initial, which won't leave a footprint on the credit report.

smj43

Willing2Learn wrote: »

You can do a 'soft' search first for the Barclaycard Initial, which won't leave a footprint on the credit report.

But it is not always correct. They told me I was likely to be accepted on the soft search, then declined me when I applied.

I have a BC now, but only after getting the Cap1 and using it well for a year or so.

Willing2Learn

Fair enough. Every applicant is different though. Lots of factors such as time with a current employer, how long with current account provider, how long at current address, postcode demographics, management of phone contracts, utility bills etc etc can have a major influence on whether an application is accepted or not. Just because you were declined or accepted doesn't mean the same will apply to the OP.

There is no harm in applying for a 'better' card first and seeing what way the wind blows. Also advisable for the OP to check their credit reports with all three CRAs before making any application to ensure accuracy of account data and public record information (electoral register etc)

stephane_2

Have you asked your own bank? This would be the first place to go. Every case is different, while someone might get declined for let say the Barclaycard Initial as their first card, someone else might get it. Also, some will get a mainstream credit card as their first card....nothing...ever is set in stone. Personally I've never had a subprime card and never will....

w211

As above, best to ask your own bank as they will have more of an idea how you manage your current account and if you have any savings with them.

I applied for my first credit card (Barclaycard) as soon as I turned 18, even though I put on the application that I was working part-time and earning £3,000 a year, they gave me one which came with a £1,200 limit.

Elsiebea

I went to my bank today and they phoned through to try and apply for me and I was refused because I have no credit rating. i thought this was odd as I've never been in trouble with my bank, never had charges etc.
A friend has suggested I try for an amazon one as I use that site alot.