First Credit Card advice please!

Lili_Oubliette

Hi all,
New to forums and credit cards. My credit score is excellent (just - 969) and I would very much like to keep it that way, or even improve it. Now I'm aware that eligibility is based on more than just your credit score, especially if you don't have any recent credit history, so I'm looking at credit-building credit cards. I recently made an application to Tesco for a card that was rejected before I'd even submitted the application (?), despite eligibility showing as 90% likely to be accepted. So taking this into account, I've just used the MSE Credit Club card eligibility calculator and it's thrown up this result for credit building cards:

Why would they all be showing 0% chance of approval? Is it still worth applying or will this affect my credit score?
I have no debts, I work full-time and my outgoings are <50% of my salary. I've never defaulted or had CCJs.
Any thoughts or guidance would be appreciated. I don't need a credit card as I have sufficient income for my needs (and some treats now and then) but would like the option of using one, especially if it makes me look more appealing for other credit types (mortgage etc.)
Thanks in advance,
Liz

jay1804

Have you check your credit files (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to make sure everything is correct (Bank accounts, Utilities, phone contract) and that your Electoral roll information is correct.

Maybe try the cards eligibility calculators (Aqua, Capital One, vanquis).

Lili_Oubliette

Thanks for the reply Jay.
Credit file looks fine, although not showing current utilities contract, only closed account (switched suppliers). It does show the Tesco application search but obviously no linked credit so that clearly shows a rejection.
Will the cards eligibility checker show on credit file if I apply? Don't want to do this when it shows 0% acceptance, as above!

[Deleted User]

The eligibility checker doesn't leave a search. 

Remember that when you successfully get a card, your credit score will plummet but that's fine.  You're looking to impress lenders, not the CRAs.

A credit card, sensibly used, is good for your history but bad for your score.

cymruchris

Try one of the entry credit cards sometimes labeled as sub-prime cards because of their extortionate interest rates. Don't worry about the interest rates though, as long as you spend on it, then pay in full each and every month without fail. (Best way is to set up a direct debit to collect the full balance.)

These include Vanquis, Aqua and Capital One. Each have eligibility checkers directly on their websites. If all of them come back as 'approved' after the soft search - don't apply for all three. Pick one, and submit the full application (which hopefully will be approved) get the card - start using it - pay it off - then after 6 months apply or another. 

If none of the above 3 come up as approved, then there are some other things you can try - so let us know how you get on - and we can give more advice once we know the outcome of your applications. 

Slappermum

Get a credit card from the bank with which you have your (main) current account.