Can people who are out of work apply for a credit card?

Andrea2528

Hi,

Is it possible to get a credit card when you're unemployed?

LandyAndy

I guess so if you can demonstrate how you might be able to make the repayments.

shazrobo

yes it is possible to get credit cards while out of work, and any other type of credit eg, car loans etc, so long as you can pay them back

lisyloo

It will be harder because usually you will have less income.
My in-laws have credit cards and they just have a basic state pension and pension credit to live on so a crd provider will take your income into account even if it's only benefit income.
If you have a good credit history there shouldn't be a problem but you may get a small limit.
Obviously if you have a bad credit history then you may be turned down.

Andrea2528

Hi,

Can you give advice on choosing the best credit card for someone who is new to them?

LandyAndy

The cynic in me says that if you are unemployed you don't need a credit card you need a job.

Apologies if there are extenuating circumstances.

Spark

Andrea, make sure that you will be able to make the repayments, think twice before considering having a credit card without having a decent income. It is so easdy to get in trouble with them.

Andrea2528

Hi,

Thank you for replying. The reason I want one is in order to be able to provide proof of age to do the matched betting. I haven't got any other documents to hand. I'd have to order something which can take a while.

Spark

If it will be Andrea's first credit card, there'll hardly be any credit history, unless Andrea has some storecard or loans, even settled ones.
Even if you paid your rent or your household bills on time and never had any other debt, you might be rejected for any loans or credit (or for a debit card, as I have found out many years ago).
You need to have a minimum income for most credit cards, and you need more than what you earn when you are unemployed to be accepted, and give your working address,etc.....
Of course you can lie, and I am sure that some people have lied on their application forms, but if they check you will be in trouble.....
The best bet is to apply for a credit card from the bank you have your bank account with. Then build up your credit history with that card.
At the moment the credit card companies are making it harder to get any credits, Aprs are going up and credit limits are going down, they are less willing now to take risks.
But..... http://www.creditsolveuk.com/creditcard.htm if this is of any help
Still, try to do without a credit card while you are unemployed. I doubt that matched betting will give you any worthwhile income in the long run.

Andrea2528

Hi,

Thank you for replying. Yes, I agree I'll need to find some type of work in the long run. I really want to work from home and I research the internet trying to locate it. If anyone has any good ideas, I'd appreciate it.

dmg24

Andrea2528 wrote: »

Hi,

Thank you for replying. The reason I want one is in order to be able to provide proof of age to do the matched betting. I haven't got any other documents to hand. I'd have to order something which can take a while.

If this is all that you need it for, you can get a copy of your birth certificate from the relevant registry office for less than £10. Then you just need to send this to the relevant bookmaker.