First credit card, 0 credit rating, currently on career break..

justpassingthrough24

Vortigern wrote: »

Aqua Reward Mastercard seems to be the recommended travel card for those with a limited credit history.

Definitely liking the look of this one. Can I use it here in the UK as well as abroad? Interest free just as long as I don't withdraw cash?

Between this one and the barclaycard initial now. Thanks everyone for the replies

eDicky

justpassingthrough24 wrote: »

Definitely liking the look of this one. Can I use it here in the UK as well as abroad?

Of course, it's a UK card, with no fees for overseas purchases. Aqua Reward has the added benefit of 0.5% cashback on purchases, including overseas, but apparently the contactless function doesn't usually work outside UK.

justpassingthrough24

eDicky wrote: »

Of course, it's a UK card, with no fees for overseas purchases. Aqua Reward has the added benefit of 0.5% cashback on purchases, including overseas, but apparently the contactless function doesn't usually work outside UK.

Thank you, silly question I know I'm new to all this.

I've read around that aqua can be quite unreliable and freeze accounts when trying to pay their balance to avoid the interest fee and fines. Is this a problem with all cards or are aqua known for being a little sneaky?

[Deleted User]

No.

That's nonsense, generally told by people who like the spending aspect of their cards, but aren't so keen on the paying back bit.

bigadaj

justpassingthrough24 wrote: »

Definitely liking the look of this one. Can I use it here in the UK as well as abroad? Interest free just as long as I don't withdraw cash?

Between this one and the barclaycard initial now. Thanks everyone for the replies

It is likely to come with a low limit.

With hindsight then it's always useful to get these things sorted whilst you are in employment. There's no duty in the uk to tell any financial provider of a change of employment, redundancy etc, so if you get a mortgage, credit card or other forms of credit when you are working then if you take a career break to stop employment then you can carry on, so long as you are solvent.

It's a different story in the US, there you need to tell your bank about all these things, just different systems and processes.

justpassingthrough24

bigadaj wrote: »

It is likely to come with a low limit.

With hindsight then it's always useful to get these things sorted whilst you are in employment. There's no duty in the uk to tell any financial provider of a change of employment, redundancy etc, so if you get a mortgage, credit card or other forms of credit when you are working then if you take a career break to stop employment then you can carry on, so long as you are solvent.

It's a different story in the US, there you need to tell your bank about all these things, just different systems and processes.

Definitely in hindsight should've applied when I was in full time employment. Didn't even think about my credit history until a month or so ago!

I'm happy with a lower credit limit. The idea of rewards, accepting poor credit histories and being able to use it abroad is the winner for me.

As I build my credit history I'll try and apply for another card. The Amex rewards really stands out.. I currently have an 80% chance of being accepted even while technically "self-employed".. is it better to wait til I'm back in FT employment before applying for Amex?

Thanks again for all the advice!

justpassingthrough24

Update.. just got turned down for the aqua credit card

First application I've ever made.. I've heard it's bad to reapply for another card straight away? Should I wait a day or longer before I try another company?

I selected that I expected my financial situation to improve the next year, which is true as I'll be back in full time employment. I thought the rewards card was good for those with no/poor credit history? Don't understand what they want

Vortigern

You could get another application in now, before your credit file is updated. The update will only show a credit search, not a rejection.

Probably best to apply for a no frills credit builder card.