Never had a credit card

littlecath

I'm 43 and never applied for a credit card. My parents were always against them and told me if I can't afford to pay for it then don't bother. This has always stuck with me. I have been a carer for my mum for about 6 years which means I am on benefits. I am single and have 2 children. Do you think there is any chance that I would get one now? I can't afford xmas otherwise.

worried_jim

It will be a slippery slope. Just say no.

Kim_13

Credit Cards are a powerful tool when utilised in the right way, to protect with Section 75 (making the credit card company jointly liable with the retailer if there is a problem with a purchase of £100 or more) purchases that you would have made anyway and that are paid off before it attracts any interest.

As worried jim says, borrowing for Christmas is a slippery slope and may well see you in the same/worse situation next Christmas.

Is there any possibility of picking up any seasonal work or selling some things that you no longer need?

You may find this article of use: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/christmas-savings

Dobbibill

Welcome to the forum.

Having a credit card for the right reasons is a brilliant asset - for the wrong reasons or to plug a gap where you cannot afford something is not good.

If you can't afford Christmas now then what makes you think you can afford Christmas plus interest after December?

Approach with caution - this is probably not right tool for your circumstances.

cheesetoast

I would think that "paying for Christmas" is the wrong reason to get a credit card. Even without the interest, if you can't afford it now, you're unlikely to be able to afford it after Christmas. Why not speak to your Mum, and see if she can help out? Be honest with her and tell her that you're struggling. Failing that, do Christmas on the cheap - spend time with the ones you love, and agree to give each other the gift of a debt-free January.

StopIt

A credit card should always be a tool in your financial drawer, but not for reasons like this.


Section 75 cover, the ability to manage money around the interest free period, and the boost to your credit files are all reasons to have one. Paying for things you cannot afford is not something you should consider one for, especially in your circumstance.


Is it worth posting an SOA in the budgeting or DFW board, even if you're not technically in debt to see if there's ways to change your spending habits to give you more money to spend on Xmas and beyond?

NineDeuce

Just dont bother with spending at Christmas. There is no law enforcing you to do so....

kamizide

I don't think this is a good idea for you, the money will eventually have to be paid if you cant afford it now how will you afford it in the future, just my two cents.

Ebe_Scrooge

To reinforce what others have said - if you can't afford Christmas without a credit card, you most certainly can't afford it WITH a credit card. Credit Cards are a very useful tool when used wisely, but the "prime directive" ( for those who are Star Trek fans ! ) is - " Never look upon it as free money you don't have".

You're most unlikely to get a CC if your only source of income is benefits - which is in your favour. Really, you don't need to spend hundreds on Christmas, much less get into debt over it. I know, I've been there.

Think of it this way. Which would you prefer - your kids' faces when they open an Xbox 6 or whatever, or your kids' faces when the bailiffs come knocking ?