New credit card - confused with payment options

weebit

If this is purely to build up your credit rating, then the solution is simple. Each month, just use the card to buy between £50 and £100 of stuff, set-up a direct debit to pay the full amount and you will never go over your limit - even if you make further purchases in the time between your statement being produced and your payment being taken.

cts_casemod

Its time for an update on this:

So I set the Direct debit for all accounts to collect the minimum payment. This ensures I have enough money on the account should something awkward happen.

As to the payment, both lenders have sent text messages when the payment is due, but its basically the same time every month, so I set a schedule to pay the balance in full and when the time comes I just log in and make the full statement payment using a debit card. They allow plenty of time (I think its 20 days before the DD is collected) so in effect, after I clear the debit the DD is never taken and I have full control, should I not be able to pay the balance in full.

I'm happy with this arrangement, so hopefully it should clear out any doubts to others wanting to pursue the same.