Credit card when unemployed?

zebra12

Hello,

I am hoping to apply for a credit card to give me more protection when I shop, and possibly to build up a credit rating for the future. I'm currently unemployed due to disability, are there any cards which you would recommend for those who are unemployed?

I was considering the barclaycard initial as I currently bank with barclays, but it seems from reading up online that they don't offer credit to unemployed people.

Thank you

[Deleted User]

Possibly aqua or Vanquis.

The_Corrupt_Banker

Capital One gave me a card a few years back when I was unemployed, £500 limit. Might be worth a look.

KxMx

As long as you don't over spend, and always pay statemented balances off in full every month, give Vanquis a try.

I am on ESA and been with them for a few years now, no problems apart from a few mistakes which were totally my fault!

Alternatively you could go into your local bank branch and speak to someone there, rather than relying on generic online information.

millym

I'm also on ESA/DLA and started off with a £500 limit with Capital One. These days I have cards with 0% interest on purchases/balance transfers, and combined available credit of many thousands of pounds, all whilst on benefit.

It all depends on your credit history though. No history, or negative info on your credit report will make it very unlikely that you will get a card, and need to start with maybe a catalogue and take it from there.

As others have said, your own bank might be a good place to start, if you've been with them for a while. I think there is also a tool on this forum to check which cards you are most likely to get?

Also, I wouldn't put unemployed as your employment status if you are unable to work, but maybe 'disability retired' 'long term sick/disabled' or whatever best describes your circumstances.

KxMx

Many applications don't have a disabled/illness option, in which case unemployed would be the correct one to select.

I checked with a provider recently who didn't have a disabled option and that was their advice.

zebra12

Thank you all for the replies and suggestions.

I hadn't heard of Vanquis so will definitely have a look at what they have to offer. Santander seem to have quite good benefits so I don't think I'll be eligible with them, but will still give them a call and see what they say.

My credit rating came out as just below average on a fairly basic questionnaire I filled in. Probably about right though; I only have a handful of direct debits come out of my account regularly each month.

zebra12

Capital one offers a credit building card but states you must have had some type of previous credit. I've never had a credit card/ bank loan before unfortunately.

millym

KxMx wrote: »

Many applications don't have a disabled/illness option, in which case unemployed would be the correct one to select.

I checked with a provider recently who didn't have a disabled option and that was their advice.

Interesting, I was advised that since I won't work again, retired was the nearest option, but as you point out, checking with the provider first will keep you right on that count.

Wish I could remember which card had the disabled option. Maybe Barclaycard Platinum so Barclaycard might be worth a try?

If you ever get mail from CC providers inviting you to apply I would think they would be a good option. Might be coincidence, but I've never been turned down when applying for one of these 'you've been pre-selected...' offers.

OP, do you have any catalogues or a mobile phone contract? If you've no credit history, you're unlikely to get a card just now. Your best bet is to apply to a catalogue, after about 6 months, get another one, then maybe in a year's time try for a card.

Too many searches on your credit report can have a negative impact too You have to start small, and take it slowly. Lenders want to see how you manage credit, so it's like a catch 22, hard to get credit because you have no credit history.

zebra12

I don't have any catalogues but have had mobile contracts (one at a time, but with a couple of different providers) for a few years now.

I am anxious about applying, and the negative affect of a rejection. Maybe applying for one card and if rejected looking into catalogues would be a good plan.

Luke

zebra12 wrote: »

Hello,

I'm currently unemployed due to disability, are there any cards which you would recommend for those who are unemployed?

Thank you

I'm a big fan of credit cards but applying for cards when unemployed is a daft idea you will get a low limit £250 - £500 and very high interest rate.

Stick to your debit card.