We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
First ever credit card... which one?
Options

emmalouise1777
Posts: 16 Forumite
in Credit cards
Morning all,
I'm about to look into getting my first credit card (at the grand old age of 32), and as it's my first time, I really have no idea where to start.
I won't need a balance transfer, but would like a card that would be best suited to paying for things such as trips abroad on (and paying them off before the trip).
I have no debts or loans except for my mortgage. Any tips would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
I'm about to look into getting my first credit card (at the grand old age of 32), and as it's my first time, I really have no idea where to start.
I won't need a balance transfer, but would like a card that would be best suited to paying for things such as trips abroad on (and paying them off before the trip).
I have no debts or loans except for my mortgage. Any tips would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
0
Comments
-
If you just want a card which you can pay off almost immediately, you won't go too far wrong with a Diners Club card
I've never had any problem with it being accepted abroad.0 -
How about aqua reward
pros
- bad\new to credit - so unlikely for you to be rejected
- cashback
- no foreign spending fees
con - they quote 34.9% apr
If you bank with halifax/bank of scotland their clarity card has fee free foreign spending and atm withdrawals(but you pay caah interest rate on withdrawals).0 -
aqua advance also has fee free foreign purchases, but instead of cashback they reduce APR so after 3 years its down to 19.9%0
-
Try this eligibility checker https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/
also read for the type of card you want/need
You say about paying them off before the trip but don't say if you will be paying them off in full each statement or whether you will part pay over a few months. If you are meaning the latter then you need to consider the APR, if you mean the former, then reward cards may be a better option.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Budgeting & Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, Credit File & Ratings and Energy boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
If you can't be the best -
Just be better than you were yesterday.0 -
if you intend to always full the monthly bill in full, then almost any card will do
if you intend to use the card abroad then try to get one which allows purchases abroad without a overseas fee (e.g.Halifax clarity)
if you want to gain cashback or benefits/rewards then it depends what you want.
in any event, if you have never had a CC before you may have to take what you can get : look at the MSE CC section on the main site and see what suits you and try that otherwise try your own bank0 -
Thank you everyone, I will look into all these suggestions at the weekend!0
-
halifax clarity/creation purely for the travel benefits of 0% worldwide commission on purchases. Say goodbye to bureau de change0
-
-
The Creation 'Everyday' card is the one with no overseas usage fees. Other Creation CCs have fees.
I am aware of the difference in the interest rate. Also cashback for purchase £300+
Apart from that, does creation Everyday card work exactly the same as Halifax Clarity e.g No charge for cash withdrawal abroad, no fee for foreign purchase ??0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.2K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards