First credit card for a dentist bill

cvp201095

Hi everyone! 

I've been hit with a pretty hefty (£1250) dentist bill and am considering getting a credit card for the first time to pay for it or maybe part of it? I won't be using the credit card for anything else (I don't need to or want to) and earn enough that I'm confident I'll be able to pay it off over X months, I just don't want to pay for it in a big chunk. I'm very lucky and have people I *can* borrow the money from, which would obviously be interest-free. But I could do with the boost for my credit rating (it's average as I've never borrowed).

Would people advise doing this or not? If you do, do you have any credit cards you recommend?

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

You may or may not get the limit you need. But if you have no history, you're unlikely to get a 0% promo so will be paying interest,

While that may boost your pretend CRA credit rating, it shows you as being higher risk to lenders and reduces your credit worthiness.

Build a decent credit history by using a card and clearing in full each month.

JGB1955

Does your dentist accept payment by credit card?  I know that ours doesn't.

IntoTheForest

Check and see if your dentist will arrange an interest free payment plan. 

As for putting it on a credit card it depends on the deals available to you. Many people with little credit history wouldn't be able to get an extended 0pc period. Subprime interest rates are high so you should never carry a balance on these. They are only good for putting normal expenses on them and paying off in full each month. 

cvp201095

Ok thanks all. Seems that a credit card isn't the best idea. Thanks for the advice  

cx6

As above - approach your dentist first. Even if they charge a bit of interest it is likely to be less than a credit card (unless you can get a 0% purchase card)

[Deleted User]

JGB1955 said:

Does your dentist accept payment by credit card?  I know that ours doesn't.

Ours do, modern practices do, how else are they going to take payment of £1250 - not cash obviously and if they can take debit, they can take credit.

I would say OP, apply for a 0% spending card and see what you get, one application isn't an issue, worst case you get a lower balance in which case see if dentist will accept part payment