Student credit card...

GuessWhatAmyDid

I'm currently a student (beginning third year next month) and I have a £1500 overdraft which is currently maxed out due to pre-September rent payments and various other bills that needed paying after my loan had gone. I'm now looking for a credit card to tide me over until next month's payday (this month's wage is due out for bills, again) for essentials for the new semester. However, I have been turned down for all the ones I have applied for. Poor credit due to my overdraft, most likely (though Experian says my credit score is 'fair') I guess my question is, what to do from here? Also, are there any credit cards that are offered to those with a fair/poor credit score?

Thanks!

Tixy

Were you applying for student cards or 'normal' cards?
Which cards have you applied for and been declined by?

Did you try to apply for a student credit card with your existing bank?

[Deleted User]

Aqua, Vanquis, Cap One and Bcard all do cards at the lower end of hte market. But these have high APRs and aren't suitable for revolving a balance for any length of time.

If you've made a lot of applications already, this will also impact the chances of you getting a new card, so you need to choose your next one carefully.

GuessWhatAmyDid

Tixy wrote: »

Were you applying for student cards or 'normal' cards?
Which cards have you applied for and been declined by?

Did you try to apply for a student credit card with your existing bank?

Both, as far as I'm aware.
I've applied for cards from Lloyds (my existing bank) Barclays, Halifax, Capital One and Aqua. I tried to apply to Argos and Vanquis (if that's the name) but the online application form requires a landline phone number, which I don't currently have.

GuessWhatAmyDid

Deleted_User wrote: »

Aqua, Vanquis, Cap One and Bcard all do cards at the lower end of hte market. But these have high APRs and aren't suitable for revolving a balance for any length of time.

If you've made a lot of applications already, this will also impact the chances of you getting a new card, so you need to choose your next one carefully.

That's exactly why I'm asking where to look! Haha.
A credit card is the only real avenue I can currently take.

Herbalus

Lloyds offer a student credit card. Did you apply for that or another? If the student card, I would ask them why they rejected you. Their student card is your best bet in my opinion.

I would consider very carefully if it's worth applying for another. The reason is that every application leaves a search record on your credit file (lots in a short space of time will have an adverse affect on whether you're accepted or not), and if 5 companies turn you then it suggests there might be an issue with your file.

In terms of your credit file, there are a number of things that card companies like to see. Are you on the electoral role? What address did you use for the application? (I'm a student, but my address for official use/banking is my parents' address).