First Time Applying for Credit Card - Help?!

CJones95

Kind of embarrassing to be saying this but having just turned 24, I still have no credit card so no credit score (I know, bad).

Can anyone lend any advice on which credit cards to apply for, for a first time applicant?

Many thanks!

MallyGirl

I have moved your post to the general credit card section so you get more views

[Deleted User]

Your own bank or a sub prime card such as Vanquis.

Check to see if you have your three credit files (not scores) and if anything shows

eskbanker

CJones95 wrote: »

Kind of embarrassing to be saying this but having just turned 24, I still have no credit card so no credit score (I know, bad).

That doesn't necessarily follow, credit files include all accounts which entail actual or potential credit, such as bank accounts that may go into overdraft, loans, insurance/utilities payable in arrears, phone contracts, etc. As above check your files: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/check-free-credit-report/

CJones95 wrote: »

Can anyone lend any advice on which credit cards to apply for, for a first time applicant?

If you have a non-existent/poor credit history, look through https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards/ and use the eligibility checker linked from there to ascertain what you're likely to be able to obtain.

PRAISETHESUN

I would start by requesting copies of your statutory credit reports from all 3 CRAs. You may be surprised to find that you have some history if you have bank accounts, phone contracts or home utilities. Otherwise as above use a few eligibility checkers to see what you might be able to get. You'll likely have to start with a sub-prime lender (Aqua, Vanquis, Capital One, etc) but as long as you manage these cards well then it doesn't matter what the limit or interest rates are - make a few purchases (stuff you'd normally buy anyway) and pay in full every month and on time and eventually you'll start to see improvements in the limits and types of cards available.

Ignore any reference to your "score" however as this is a marketing tool used by the CRAs which has no relation to your creditworthiness in the eyes of lenders. Instead you want to focus on demonstrating good credit history, shown by managing credit responsibly.

dresdendave

CJones95 wrote: »

Kind of embarrassing to be saying this but having just turned 24, I still have no credit card so no credit score (I know, [STRIKE]bad[/STRIKE] irrelevant).

Corrected it for you.

gionnetto

CJones95 wrote: »

Can anyone lend any advice on which credit cards to apply for, for a first time applicant?

Many thanks!

Vanquis is usually easier

maxximus75

If you go with your current bank, although you don't have any history showing with a credit reference agency, as they already have a relationship with you and can see what goes in and out of your current account, your habbits etc. This is called 'internal scoring'. It's worth a shot.


Go in and see an advisor. Ask if you have any pre-approvals. You may be surprised.


Make sure you are on the electoral roll and this certianly helps when obtaining credit products.


Good luck!

Pearman25

Make sure That are on electoral roll and its help when obtaining credit product.

Poppy1414

Hi vanquise or aqua do a soft check first

jay1804

Hi vanquise or aqua do a soft check first

Yes Aqua and Vanquis have eligibility checkers which does a soft search to your record and if you decide to apply then a hard search.