How many cards (for building history)

Michelle_93

Hi,

I'm new to credit and am trying to improve my rating.

I currently have a Capital One credit card which I hardly use it and always pay in full.

To improve my credit history, should I:

• Stick with just one credit card to build up my credit history?
• Or should I apply for another sub-prime card (or a Next Directory a/c) and run them both?

Thanks in advance,

Michelle

Maestro.

One is enough to build history. You can have more if you want though, no law against it.

wizzywig27

Maestro. wrote: »

One is enough to build history. You can have more if you want though, no law against it.

Think at my peak I had four, two Capital One, Aqua and Vanquis

planteria

i had 24 at one stage. i closed 2 today, leaving 7.

if the one you have gives you enough limit to do all of your monthly spend, it probably suffices. if not, i would apply for another card to have alongside.

and always have a DD in place to take the full payment each month.

[Deleted User]

Michelle_93 wrote: »

Capital One credit card which I hardly use

Changing that would be a good start. Use the card for all of your normal spending (making sure you always have enough in the bank to clear the balance in full each month).

I use credit cards for pretty much all of my spending. In fact the only thing I don't pay by card are a few direct debits and when I absolutely have to withdraw cash from an ATM - generally only for beer tokens.

planteria

Lazyloki wrote: »

I use credit cards for pretty much all of my spending. In fact the only thing I don't pay by card are a few direct debits and when I absolutely have to withdraw cash from an ATM - generally only for beer tokens.

absolutely the same here. Amex Cashback, backed by Barclaycard Cashback.

Herbalus

Also worth bearing in mind that if you lose a card or it gets blocked abroad, another is handy. But use them both (even once a month for your less-preferred card otherwise there's no point.

Razorbite

Lazyloki wrote: »

I use credit cards for pretty much all of my spending. In fact the only thing I don't pay by card are a few direct debits and when I absolutely have to withdraw cash from an ATM - generally only for beer tokens.

I always use a points generating CC for my beer(and get cashback) in my local:beer:

[Deleted User]

Razorbite wrote: »

I always use a points generating CC for my beer(and get cashback) in my local:beer:

Yeah, I know it can be done but unless it's somewhere I can run a tab for the evening and pay in one go, I will normally use cash. Just less hassle.

Also in the past I've made the mistake of mixing up my cards/PINs while three sheets to the wind. Damn first direct and their almost identical looking credit/debit cards!

Razorbite

Lazyloki wrote: »

Yeah, I know it can be done but unless it's somewhere I can run a tab for the evening and pay in one go, I will normally use cash. Just less hassle.

Also in the past I've made the mistake of mixing up my cards/PINs while three sheets to the wind. Damn first direct and their almost identical looking credit/debit cards!

I pay for the first pint/round with the CC,get £50cashback on top, and then use the £50 for the evenings drinking. Free points and saves a trip to an ATM.:j

cautiousjon

Razorbite wrote: »

I pay for the first pint/round with the CC,get £50cashback on top, and then use the £50 for the evenings drinking. Free points and saves a trip to an ATM.:j

How do you get cashback from a credit card? I have never heard of that before. Is it just something that your local pub/bar offers?