Credit card application advice please!

sparklysooz

Hi,

I'm currently working as a temp for an agency in London earning about 18k before tax. I'd like to apply for a credit card but am worried that if I tell them that I'm only employed temporarily and not permanently they will turn down my application. Should I tell a little white lie? Or will this get me into serious trouble? I already bank with Nationwide and would like to get a credit card with them as it's cheap to use abroad.

Any advice please? Thanks

jonesMUFCforever

The only advice I would give is to ask Nationwide.

Their own internal credit score system determined by how you run your Nationwide account will be the determining factor.

Basically if you are asked what your salary is - you answer £18k gross,
If they ask whether the job is temporary or permanent you answer truthfully.

Strapped

I agree. No need to volunteer info they don't ask for on the application form, but do NOT be tempted to lie; this is fraud and could land you in serious trouble. I'd pick up a couple of forms (or look at them online) to check what sort of questions are asked, as some lenders ask for more info than others.

sparklysooz

Thanks for your advice. I applied over the phone this morning and they asked whether I was in perm employment so I told them I'm working for an agency at the moment. They did say that it might be a problem. I'll just have to wait and see now. Thanks again.

Amalia_2

I have just applied for a credit card from HSBC where my husband and I have all our accounts. I am not working at the moment out of choice to take care of my two young children. My husband however is in full time employment and wage goes into our joint account, which I can manage as I please. I only have a credit card as a second card holder, and do not possess any other credit cards, store cards, etc. Before applying I have checked my credit history which did not have any adverse history. However the credit application has been rejected. What do I do now? I only wanted the credit card because we are paying way too much interest on my husband's card, so we were going for 0% on purchases.

gt94sss2

Amalia wrote: »

I have just applied for a credit card from HSBC where my husband and I have all our accounts. I am not working at the moment out of choice to take care of my two young children. My husband however is in full time employment and wage goes into our joint account, which I can manage as I please. I only have a credit card as a second card holder, and do not possess any other credit cards, store cards, etc. Before applying I have checked my credit history which did not have any adverse history. However the credit application has been rejected. What do I do now?

It may be worth calling HSBC's credit card department and asking why you were rejected and if you can appeal, based on your banking history/joint income etc with them

Otherwise, try another credit card company, but not more than 2 others in the same month to avoid to many credit searches close together.

Regards
Sunil

Moggles_2

Originally Posted by Amalia
What do I do now? I only wanted the credit card because we are paying way too much interest on my husband's card, so we were going for 0% on purchases.

If this would be your first credit card, you have almost no credit history, so from the lender's perspective you're something of an unknown quantity. (Unfortunately, being an additional cardholder is of no help.) You probably need to be more concerned about actually getting a card, rather than trying to find the best 0% purchases deal.

In these circumstances, your best bet is to approach the bank which operates your main current account, so I would definitely appeal against HSBC's decision.

Please be aware that lenders launch these 0% promotions, which are sometimes heavily advertised, to draw in new customers. Often they are flooded with applications and can afford to cherry-pick applicants.

There are no short-cuts to building a credit history, but there are steps you can take meanwhile to improve your credit rating. For tips to improve your chances of success, have a look at the *Credit Rating* articles on the main site, in particular, Martin's *Check and Improve your Credit Score* article, to make sure there are no other factors working against you.