first CC, no history

dm19

You might be able to get a student credit card. I have one with HSBC, but Halifax might be better since you don't need a student account with them. The APRs are often much lower than credit building cards, but you won't be able to get limit increases. Mine is capped at £500 and they can't increase it

Anthorn

OP that's Lloyds for you. They wouldn't give me an arranged overdraft facilty either even though I was only asking for 300 quid and I would probably never use it. I closed the current account within a few minutes of being declined. The very nice lady at the counter asked, "Why?".

On your credit history you should be looking for credit accounts and not specifically credit card accounts. A mobile phone contract, mail order account and store card will create and build a credit history just as well as a credit card. Where a credit card account comes in is that it helps to get other credit card accounts. Depends on whether you want more credit cards.

Try an account at JD Williams, Argos card, 1 month rolling sim-only mobile contract. If it must be a credit card account try Vanquis, Aqua Start, Capital One, Lumia etc. Basically sub-prime cards which will build up a credit history as well as for example an Amex card.

Lastly you don't know that you'll be declined for anything until you apply for it. If in doubt, apply!