First ever credit card... which one?

emmalouise1777

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.

Wet_Weekend

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.

mwarby

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).

mwarby

aqua advance also has fee free foreign purchases, but instead of cashback they reduce APR so after 3 years its down to 19.9%

Dobbibill

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.

CLAPTON

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 bank

emmalouise1777

Thank you everyone, I will look into all these suggestions at the weekend!

nb0825

halifax clarity/creation purely for the travel benefits of 0% worldwide commission on purchases. Say goodbye to bureau de change

eDicky

nb0825 wrote: »

halifax clarity/creation purely for the travel benefits of 0% worldwide commission on purchases. Say goodbye to bureau de change

The Creation 'Everyday' card is the one with no overseas usage fees. Other Creation CCs have fees.

adindas

eDicky wrote: »

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 ??

eDicky

adindas wrote: »

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 ??

Yes - the same.