first time CC for our son?

pchelpman

Hi all

Our son is now 20 and, after leaving college last July, has a steady job since November. He is training as a computer programmer in the dotNet family of languages.

He has a Barclay's Debit card and uses the occasional cash for purchases.

Where is the best place for him to apply for his first credit card?

We are giving ourselves headaches with all the googling research.

All recommendations gratefully received.

Many thanks.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Try for Barclaycard Initial, as he banks with Barclays already.

pchelpman

Now why didn't we see that?

Many thanks for that. Good spot. :beer:

RichardS

I would try and discourage him from having one, personally.

pchelpman

That was not what I asked but why?

The_MoneySavingKid

RichardS wrote: »

I would try and discourage him from having one, personally.

Why?

As long as he pays it off in full, what is the issue? He'll be able to build up his credit rating and get protection on larger purchases. It's oft not the credit cards that are the issue when things go wrong.

pchelpman

Spot on MSK. My thinking exactly.

jack290292

Yes own bank is best place to start. My Son requested his credit limit to be £500 which is fine as he pays off in full each month. He got his from own bank at 21.

thebritishbloke

Try the BarclayCard Eligiblity checker. It'll tell you whether he's eligible for a better card than the initial. As he already banks with them, they may be willing to give him a freedom rewards card instead (lower APR, plus vouchers!)

guesswho2000

RichardS wrote: »

I would try and discourage him from having one, personally.

^this is a terrible suggestion. What is better, is encouraging him to have one and make use of it responsibly.

It'll help his credit history in the long run and, like it or not, credit history is very important for the majority of us, since most of us need to borrow a substantial sum initially to buy our homes!

pchelpman

guesswho2000 wrote: »

What is better, is encouraging him to have one and make use of it responsibly.

It'll help his credit history in the long run and, like it or not, credit history is very important for the majority of us, since most of us need to borrow a substantial sum initially to buy our homes!

Exactly.

Couldn't have put it better myself. :T