Best first credit card for an 18 year old

Benshiolou12

Hi, I’ve recently turned 18 and was wondering what is the best credit card to start building up my credit history with?
thanks, Ben

[Deleted User]

Any one will serve the same purpose.

Try your own bank or a sub prime card as they're easiest to get.

sourcrates

But, Ben, make sure you pay it off in full every month, don’t get yourself into debt you can’t afford man, all too easy to let things slide and before you know it, your 5-10k in debt.
Be careful.

Emmia

sourcrates said:

But, Ben, make sure you pay it off in full every month, don’t get yourself into debt you can’t afford man, all too easy to let things slide and before you know it, your 5-10k in debt.
Be careful.

This is excellent advice - I'd not rush into getting a credit card if I had my time again. They're a very slippery slope as they let you spend money you don't have. 

jbrassy

I would suggest you get one of these cards which are best for people with no credit history:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards/

As others have said, it is important you pay these cards off in full every month since the interest rates are high and the debt can quickly pile up if you don't. The easiest way to do this is set up a monthly direct debit which takes the full amount automatically. You have to be disciplined enough to only spend on these what you can afford to pay off.

Having said all that, if you are sensible, having a credit card can be a really easy way to build your credit history and will be beneficial in the future if and when you want to apply for a loan or mortgage.

NoodleDoodleMan

All the above advice is sound.

Remember, a credit card is essentially a short term interest free loan - around 56 (?) days maximum in best case scenario.

Good idea to determine what you can realistically afford to pay each month to settle the statement when it drops in the letter box and have a credit limit to suit.

DCFC79

Benshiolou12 said:

Hi, I’ve recently turned 18 and was wondering what is the best credit card to start building up my credit history with?
thanks, Ben

Why the rush, just run your account, you obvioisly have a job (if you dont then is it wise to have a credit card) so dont spend more than what you earn.

ratechaser

If you are the polar opposite of me when I was 18 (ie able to budget and control your spending!), then personally I'd be going for any card that will give you some sort of reward on your spending.

 I suspect the most lucrative ones  (Amex, John Lewis) will have income requirements you may not be able to meet - and I may be wrong! But anything that gives you free money or rewards for spending on it would be my choice.

just remember - pay it off every month!!!! This can never ever be said too often! Good luck.

cymruchris

If you're good with money management - get one card, use it monthly for your regular spends, and then pay it off in full after the statement date by direct debit. That'll build a positive credit history over a period of time that will help unlock better deals with other providers in future. Using eligibility checkers see if you get 'Likely to be approved' by the likes of Vanquis, Aqua or Capital one. Use the eligibility checkers on their own direct websites - don't use the ones on multi-card comparison sites. 

jet01

I would add that it may be worth checking if you are eligible for a credit card from the bank who you already bank with before applying for sub-prime cards. 

dazza.mk

Also if you've only just turned 18 you may not be on the electoral roll yet, which would hamper the chance of getting some cards.