Best CC for a student (that's isn't necessarily a student CC)

[Deleted User]

Hi there,

I'm looking to build up my credit history as I'm hoping in another year or two I can start looking at houses and obviously want to maximize my chances of getting a mortgage through. Whilst I have no need for a CC as I am always in the + and able to save away a minimum of £400 pm, I've heard it's the best way to increase my credit history.

With that in mind I've looked at a few different credit cards and found that most of them say things like "suitable for someone earning over £20K per year" etc. As it currently stands I get ~£7500 from student finance, going up to about £11K next year if everything goes well, get £4K from PIP and £2.5K from my university.

I understand there are lots of student credit cards out there but they don't seem to have any benefits (such as cashback or rewards systems) and most of them also require a student bank account with them, I am with Santander who do not offer this. I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a CC with rewards that I stand a chance of getting approved for based off the fact I am a student with an income of ~£14K?

[Deleted User]

Try the eligibility checker. However, your options are likely to be very limited.

Alarae

Not sure you will have much luck with most providers if I am honest as your student loan/grant and the university bursary are not considered income by most lenders.

Alarae

For some reason I can't edit my above post, but try for the Aqua Reward. It is sub-prime and a card I initially took out as a student to build credit.

0.5% cashback on all purchases up to maximum cashback of £100.

Dobbibill

You are best to start looking at credit cards for bad credit - no previous credit can be viewed the same as bad credit by companies just because they have no idea what type of risk you are likely to be.

Have a read of this, there are eligibility calculators for them but remember this is only a guide and not guaranteed, you won't know for sure until you apply.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards

You will be limited for rewards (I think Aqua are the only one's on this list who do any) but you have to start somewhere.

Weybridge78

Capital One. Got this while at uni.

Mrs_Ryan

I'm a student and I have an Aqua card. My income is solely from benefits (just over 11k) and I had no issues.

System

I would look at your main bank (doesn't need to be their student offering) if they do any decent products.

Otherwise, Aqua Reward with cashback and overseas commission free spends.
There are some application links with free Amazon vouchers floating about too, just Google them!

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the advise, it's really appreciated!

Decided to go for the Aqua Reward as it seemed to be the best match (wanted cashback and the lack of a non-Sterling transaction fee was appealing given that I'm trying to secure a placement in Europe) and I've been approved subject to them approving my ID/ proof of address. Thanks again!

[Deleted User]

Successfully managed to get an Aqua Reward card at the advertised rate of 34.9% and a cash limit of £600.
:money:

[Deleted User]

Cash limit or credit limit? Whatever you do, don't start taking cash out on it