First timer credit card

snake081183

Hi all, thinking about applying for my first credit card (but very weary of building debt). Up until now all I have had is my debit card. I'm in a full time job, decent pay with only 1 debt (student loan, nearly paid off).

Intention is too build credit and occasionally pay for big one-off purchases i.e. TV, holiday's etc, and just pay off the balance in full, to avoid any interest.

Also currently looking at applying for the halifax clarity card as going abroad next month. There seems to be a mountain of info out there. I know there is no one best way, but just looking for a little advice?

Thanks

(first post so bear with me)

bigadaj

You might struggle for a mainstream card now, what other examples of credit have you got, like mobile phone, loan, hometc.

If you have little of this then you might have what is known as a thin file.

Clarity card is fairly hard to get so wuldnt have though you'd get this first up.

Try your own bank as they can see records of your current account use and truly one mainstream application, if that fails then go for sub prime, such as vanquish, aqua, to various companies initial cards. These will have punishing interst rates but won't affect you so long as you always pay back in full.

JonB80

I think like bigadj that you'd struggle to get a mainstream card, maybe try Vanquis to establish your credit score and then at a later date try for a card such as Barclaycard....

JKSandy

Try your eligibility for a Barclaycard
https://letmechoose.barclays.co.uk/?source=hdtooltopbutton

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

snake081183 wrote: »

(first post so bear with me)

1. Welcome to MSE :hello:
2. Glad to see you know the difference between bear and bare; pet peeve of mine.

yangptangkipperbang

Fruit_and_Nut_Case wrote: »

1. Glad to see you know the difference between bear and bare; pet peeve of mine.

Nice of you to bare your soul on that point ! :rotfl: