Barclaycard Initial Questions 14 July 2018 at 12:52PM edited 30 November -1 at 12:00AM in Credit Cards 7 replies 1.3K views

NoirLA

Hi I have some questions about the Barclaycard Initial credit card.

1. Is this a prime or subprime credit card?

2. Are they known to limit increase regularly or harshly?

3. Is Barclaycard a good credit card provider in general?

4. Is it one of the credit cards that anyone could obtain like with Vanquis or only those with an established credit record?

Thank you for answering these in advance.

Carrot007

Subprime, it's virtually in the name.


Depends on your use and lots of other factors. (use the entire limit in a few months then pay in full seems to be a good way of getting a limit increase in my experience).


Depends, people have different views. They are ok, expect them to be horrible if you get into issues paying.


See answer to one.

NoirLA

Carrot007 wrote: »

Subprime, it's virtually in the name.


Depends on your use and lots of other factors. (use the entire limit in a few months then pay in full seems to be a good way of getting a limit increase in my experience).


Depends, people have different views. They are ok, expect them to be horrible if you get into issues paying.


See answer to one.

Have you missed payments before then? If so were they unpleasant?

The card itself is subprime category but the lender must be prime. I saw lots of offers for 0% so hopefully I might be offered one eventually as they have an offers section on the internet banking that I have never seen on other subprime websites.

Dobbibill

NoirLA wrote: »

Hi I have some questions about the Barclaycard Initial credit card.

1. Is this a prime or subprime credit card?

It's a subprime CC with a High Street provider

2. Are they known to limit increase regularly or harshly?

After 4 - 6 months.

3. Is Barclaycard a good credit card provider in general?

Good in terms of high limits and existing customer offers. Standard in general ie - nothing to shout about, nothing too harsh either.

4. Is it one of the credit cards that anyone could obtain like with Vanquis or only those with an established credit record?

Thank you for answering these in advance

The title in itself indicates that while you are credit scored by BC, it's aimed at those with little/bad/no credit history.

The only way to find out if you will be accepted is to apply. A standalone application whether approved or declined will not have a huge impact on your history.

Use it sensibly and it should be fine and serve the purpose.

luvsmoothies

Had one a few years ago: increased limit after 6 months, and then upgraded me to Barclaycard platinum after 12. I find them good to deal with, but I know some people have had bad experience.

T-G-C

I've recently obtained this card too, however I am already excited to be a customer of theirs, as unlike other subprime cards, I have heard about ongoing rewards like upgrades; generous increases and lower interest rates after time has passed by.

Responsible use is the key element. Unlike whole subprime lenders, they do have a credit limit increase mechanism on-demand, meaning it may not be necessary to wait the full 6 months, although it could be best to wait naturally, than force their hand early and potentially reset the increase timer. The on-demand increase system is automatic, so if you are declined, it's unlikely you will be naturally increased either for some time after.

pcoventry

luvsmoothies wrote: »

Had one a few years ago: increased limit after 6 months, and then upgraded me to Barclaycard platinum after 12. I find them good to deal with, but I know some people have had bad experience.

I went from Vanquis onto BC Platinum and have no regrets.

pcoventry

T-G-C wrote: »

I've recently obtained this card too, however I am already excited to be a customer of theirs, as unlike other subprime cards, I have heard about ongoing rewards like upgrades; generous increases and lower interest rates after time has passed by.

Responsible use is the key element. Unlike whole subprime lenders, they do have a credit limit increase mechanism on-demand, meaning it may not be necessary to wait the full 6 months, although it could be best to wait naturally, than force their hand early and potentially reset the increase timer. The on-demand increase system is automatic, so if you are declined, it's unlikely you will be naturally increased either for some time after.

You have to wait a month before trying again - I read about this earlier in my online account