Which credit card for elderly mother, please?

10_66

I'm doing some checking around for my mother who could now do with having a credit card in her own name, she's never had any credit in her name before as everything was in my father's name. She is elderly, retired and has low income and the card would not be used very often. I've read Martin's credit card section and gone through the pre application check expecting Aqua to be the best option, but this came up with only a 50% chance of being accepted, and Capital One coming up with a 60% chance (I'm aware of the high interest rates on the cards that specialise in poor credit, but when used, the balance would be cleared in full each month). Obviously I don't want her to have to go through too many applications if not successful, so just wondered if anyone had any recommendations, please?

meer53

Why does she need a credit card now ? How old is she, when you say low income, is it just her pension ? If it is, i can't see success with anyone really.

10_66

meer53 wrote: »

...when you say low income, is it just her pension ? If it is, i can't see success with anyone really.

Yes, pension and interest on her savings.

meer53

10_66 wrote: »

Yes, pension and interest on her savings.

Why does she need a credit card ?

10_66

meer53 wrote: »

Why does she need a credit card ?

For the odd occasion when it would be more convenient for her to use rather than her debit card.

meer53

Depends how much her pension is really, interest on savings wouldn't be taken into account so i suppose all you can do is apply and see what happens.

bengal-stripe

Her best bet would be to apply to her own bank.

They (hopefully) will have known her for many years as a customer, who keeps her financial affairs in order.

viv0147

I suggest a Virgin Money Pre-paid credit card

dzug1

viv0147 wrote: »

I suggest a Virgin Money Pre-paid credit card

Does she really want to fund the card up front and keep a balance there? Doesn't sound a good idea. And I doubt if she'd want the bother of funding it just before use.

Suggestions:

Her late husband's card supplier (if he had one and if he died recently)

Her own bank

viv0147

dzug1 wrote: »

Does she really want to fund the card up front and keep a balance there? Doesn't sound a good idea. And I doubt if she'd want the bother of funding it just before use.

Suggestions:

Her late husband's card supplier (if he had one and if he died recently)

Her own bank

(The card would not be used very often) so the money could be put onto the card and then sit there until such time when it would be convenient to use simples

anoncol

Why does she need one?