I need your help

Celena9x

Hi there

Hopefully someone can advise me on the best thing to possibly do! I'm a homemaker who lives with her full-time working partner, I'm unable to work unfortunately due to personal health problems (added to the fact I can't apply for benefits) so my income comes through my partner. I've never had any problems paying off personal credit cards, never made any defaults or missed any payments, and my credit rating on CreditKarma, Experian and Clearscore are all good.

I have some credit cards that are reaching the end of their promotional period. Unfortunately Barclaycard (of which I'm paying interest on atm) haven't sent me any offers for over a year or two now, and although I have a Tesco credit card that constantly gets 0% offers, I don't have space to make any transfer. I called Barclaycard as sometimes they offer lower interest rate promotions but the person on the phone said that I don't have any offers. However, my interest free period on my BC has ended a year ago so I've been paying interest on that for ages, and my Tesco is now coming to the end of it's promotional period.

I've done an eligibility checker on various sites and they've all said I wouldn't be accepted for any cards (even though I have good credit, am present on electoral roll etc) and am guessing it's because of my lack of personal income. I do add on there my partners income too, which is fairly high, but I still get 0% chance. I'm wondering what else I can do in this situation as I imagine being hit with the interest from the card (as well as the already outstanding BC) is going to be annoying for both of us.

I know in my situation there's not much I can do, but I figured someone who has been in a similar situation (or got income through their partner) may have some advice or idea of what steps I can take.

boo_star

Either get your partner to apply for lower rate finance or pay off the higher interest finance first.

BoGoF

Unfortunately you are a classic example of why credit referencd agencies scores/ratings are utter nonsence. As you have discovered very few lenders provide credit to someone with no income. Not quite sure how you have cards in the first place......unless you previously worked when you got them.

As above, you are going to need your partner to apply in his own name.

Ergates

Credit cards are a very expensive way to borrow money over the long term. If a new card isn't an option see if you could take out a loan instead, as the interest rates will be considerably lower. You may find that you're not offered loans either - for the same reasons - but it's worth investigating.

Also, have you spoken to the Citizens Advice Bureau regarding benefits? If you're not able to work for health reasons, there may be some benefits you could apply for.