Will applying for a credit card harm my chances of getting a mortgage?

shopaholicno1

We are looking to apply for a mortgage around 11 months time.

My credit file is ok, but a negative factor according to clear score is I don't have a credit card.

Is it worth apply for one? If so, how often would I use it to gain some benefit for my credit file? Or my husband has an Amex, should he get my name added to that instead?

My major concern is would applying harm getting a mortgage in some way too.

ACG

You mean the company that gets commission for referring you to a credit card company is telling you that not having a credit card is a negative factor....

Call my cynical.

If you have a bank account, on the electoral roll and maybe have a mobile phone - that should be plenty to pass a credit check to get a mortgage assuming you have no bad credit.

Chances are that it will not make too much difference one way or the other. In the short term (say 6 months) it would likely cause more harm than good, over 6 months if used and paid off then then it will help. But I doubt that will be a deal breaker one way or the other.

shopaholicno1

That was my hunch too-this is how they make their money off this "free" service, after all. I really don't want to have to have one.

I have a bank account and am on the elecrol roll, I am on a pay as you go mobile, as I barely use it to warrant a contract.

Credit file is in good order, with no bad credit issues. Hopefully this will be enough.

Thanks

Rich2808

A credit card is useful for large purchases as you benefit from limited insurance. Some offer benefits like cash back or loyalty points or incentives.

If you don't have a card then there will be no harm in getting one - and one application for a first credit card is unlikely to agree a mortgage application.

Why not check out via this websites free eligibility checker which ones might be more likely to offer you one.

But if you don't feel the need you are fine not having one.