My first credit card - advice?

I have had a maestro debit card with Yorkshire Bank for a few years now but I'm finding more and more online stores do not accept it (or paypal, my usual goto alternative)

So... It's time I get a Visa or Mastercard.

I don't intend to ever go into debt so that aspect isn't important, I obviously want to avoid charges and get high interest rate or bonuses or whatever is on offer. I have no real loyalty to Yorkshire Bank, but if they offer what I want and they're going to be significantly easier to get a new card with then I have no reservations about sticking with them either.

Comments

  • CKhalvashi
    CKhalvashi Posts: 12,131 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 29 November 2013 at 6:47AM
    Yorkshire may be easiest if you have good reputation with them.

    Take a look at the cashback cards section of the site, for a Visa/Mastercard.

    CK

    ETA: I didn't see the debit part in the first post, and assumed it's credit.

    This part will be more relevant.
    💙💛 💔
  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Powerfrog wrote: »
    ...I obviously want to ...get high interest rate ...
    If you want a credit card like the title says, then why high interest rate?

    If you want Visa it doesn't necessarily have to be a credit card. If you find difficult to get a credit card, it's much easier to open another current account with Visa debit card.

    Also it's worth noting that some companies charge extra for CC payments.
  • AndyBSG
    AndyBSG Posts: 987 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    If you're getting a credit car purely to make buying stuff on card easier than with Maestro then there are other alternatives.

    For instance, most of the big banks nowadays have Visa debit cards.

    Alternatively you could get a pre-pay credit card.
  • datlex
    datlex Posts: 2,252 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    If you are disciplined try applying for a card where you regularly shop so you benefit from it.
    Paid off the last of my unsecured debts in 2016. Then saved up and bought a property. Current aim is to pay off my mortgage as early as possible. Currently over paying every month. Mortgage due to be paid off in 2036 hoping to get it paid off much earlier. Set up my own bespoke spreadsheet to manage my money.
  • Hmm I didn't know you could get visa debit cards. I'll look into that.

    I use amazon a lot so I'll look if their card suits my needs.

    "If you want a credit card like the title says, then why high interest rate?"

    I meant like the things savings accounts offer, I know there are some accounts that allow you to use the funds whenever you want but also offer a little bit of interest. I usually have a few thousand in my bank at any given time just because I don't spend that much and like having security. (I am so against the idea of being in debt I don't even see it as an option.)
  • Wilkins
    Wilkins Posts: 444 Forumite
    Powerfrog wrote: »
    I usually have a few thousand in my bank at any given time just because I don't spend that much and like having security.

    :eek: I hope you are getting interest on that.
  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Powerfrog wrote: »
    I meant like the things savings accounts offer, I know there are some accounts that allow you to use the funds whenever you want but also offer a little bit of interest. I usually have a few thousand in my bank at any given time just because I don't spend that much and like having security.
    MSE article: Best Bank Accounts >> Top In-Credit Accounts
    Open Nationwide FlexDirect account or Santander 123. Both come with Visa debit card.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 349.6K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.9K Spending & Discounts
  • 242.5K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 619.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.3K Life & Family
  • 255.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.