New To Credit Cards

nmjams

Hi all, im a total newbie to credit cards and was just looking for some help.

i want a card that i can use once in a while to help spread the cost of things over a few months, for instance i need a new tire for my motorbike and dont have the cash to pay for it this month.

what credit card is best for me?

King_Of_Fools

It sounds like you want to fairly regularly borrow money you do not have in your current account to pay for things on an ongoing basis. If this is the case, then you would probably be better off arranging an overdraft on your current account - credit cards are an expensive way of borrowing.

The only time when it is good to borrow on a credit card is when you are in a special offer period. For example, you could get the Halifax 15 month 0% purchases card and use it to spread payments for the next 15 months without paying any interest but then it will revert to the standard interest rate and you would not want to use it for borrowing any more. You could apply for a new card, with a different bank, then assuming there was one available but you would have to keep doing that every time the offer finishes.

Spark

This is exactly how I am using credit cards. I never use my overdraft on my current account, as I have a credit card with a lower APR than what I would pay with my overdraft. I do not like overdrafts, you just need to have a surprise payment when you are allready using the overdraft and then you will be penalised even more.
I choose cards with as low an APR as possible and pay off one thing at a time before using it for buying again (very important as you can get into debt very quickly if you don't discipline yourself).
You can try this one :

http://www.barclaycard.co.uk/products/apply/simplicity.html

If you can't get it because you don't have a good credit history or any credit history you would be better off applying for a credit card with your bank, then build up your credit history with it for a while, then apply for cards with lower APRs.
Or you can do like King of Fools suggested, and try to apply for a card with a special offer of 0% on purchases for a few months, but after that period expires you will revert to a probable 20%(ish) APR.
Beware, if you miss a payment they can cancel the special offer any time and start making you pay interests.