Newbie Alert! Looking for some advice

NoraRudders

Hi hi - very new here.

I've been looking into getting a credit card for a while as I have very little credit history and whilst I doubt I will purchase things on finance plans (I'm just not comfortable with them), I would like to have the option if needed - hence I need to build a good credit rating. So! Having done some research, I will probably need a credit building card and buy things regularly and pay them off each month in full as much as possible. I think I have that figured out, but if I'm wrong please say so.

So what I need some help with now is the following:
1 - My partner and I are buying a house, should I wait until after so that I class as a homeowner? Or will this not make much difference?
2 - Are there any good banks/companies/cards that could be recommended for first time credit card users? Ideally with a good customer service team for when I inevitably need help? 
3 - Similarly, are there any that should be completely avoided? Even if just because I need to build my credit first?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

Ebe_Scrooge

Welcome to the forum!  In answer to your questions:

"...buy things regularly and pay them off each month in full as much as possible".  Almost right - but pay off in full WITHOUT FAIL EVERY MONTH.  Doing this is the way to build up a solid credit history, and also avoids paying any interest - rates are particularly high on the credit-builder cards.

Check to see which cards you're likely to be accepted for here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/search/

It's no guarantee, but gives you a starting point.  It's also worth approaching your own bank - with a thin credit history, they can at least see how you've been managing your money in recent times, so may offer you a card.

It's best to wait until after your house purchase has completed.  Not so much that it will increase your chance of a credit card, more a case of you don't want to be taking out a new line of credit prior to purchase, which may affect your mortgage application.

But in general yes - use the card for everyday purchases that you'd be buying anyway - food, petrol, whatever.  Wait for the statement to arrive, and pay the bill in full every month.  Rinse and repeat every month.  Set up a Direct Debit to pay in full, so you never forget - but do pay attention to the first statement that arrives, to make sure the DD is in place.  If all is well, the statement will tell you that the full amount is due to be taken by DD - if it doesn't, make sure you pay the first statement manually, then check that the DD is set up when next month's statement arrives.

Used sensibly, a credit card can be a very useful tool - as well as building up a favourable history, it gives you Section 75 protection on purchases between £100 and £30,000.  But only use it for things you can afford, and things you would buy anyway - never look upon it as a sudden windfall of free cash.  Every time you put a purchase on it, ask yourself "Could I buy this thing right now with money I've got sitting in the bank?".  If the answer is "No", then don't buy it.