Eligibilty checker says 30% - worth the risk?!

sparklyjojo

Hi all!

I'm just looking for some opinions.... I need to get a credit card for my work expenses. They don't always pay me back very promptly, so I need a 0% on spending card, so that I'm not charged any interest if they don't reimburse me in time.
The thing is, I'd really REALLY like to get the Santander 18 months 0% card. Because it's the longest 0% spending card you can get (I've recently paid off Barclaycard and Tesco credit cards, so can't apply for them again just yet), I have the 123 bank account - and would just love to have all my online banking and credit cards in one place -so that I could easily transfer the payments from my current account to my credit card, and only have to remember one set of log in details, etc! The trouble is, the eligibility checker says I only have 30% chance of getting the card.

What I want to know is, if I apply for this card and get rejected - is it likely that it will reduce my chances of getting my second choice card (M&S 15 months 0%) - which I currently have a strong (80%) chance of getting?
This month I have become debt free for the first time in 10 years :j:D and just have 1 credit card (Halifax Clarity) - which I just use when abroad, and this currently has a balance of £0 . I work full time.
Really appreciate any thoughts or opinions on whether it's worth risking an application for the Santander 18 month credit card.

Thanks all!:)

Tixy

If you haven't made any other recent credit applications, and don't need to make any soon for any other products, then I would likely try the application.

Its unlikely a single credit application would have a significant impact on a second application very soon after.

sparklyjojo

Thank you Tixy.

I have recently taken out 2 phone contracts in my name. Do you know if these will count as credit applications? If so, the application for the Santander card would be my third application within the space of 2 months.

I've never missed a payment on any of my (now completely cleared) debts, and have no overdraft or CCJs or arrears etc. So I'm a bit confused as to why I only have a 30% chance of getting the card......although I know different credit card companies are looking for different things, and it's not necessarily about whether you have a good credit rating or not. I find it all so confusing!

Thanks again for your reply.

JKSandy

The mobile phone contract will most likely appear on your report.

Why don't you call Santander and query; say your thinking about applying do they have any offers for a current account holder; might give an idea whether you will be accepted.