Keep older credit card or ditch? 5 September 2022 at 9:06PM edited 5 September 2022 at 11:30PM in Credit cards 16 replies 1.2K views

spinningsheep

Deleted_User said:

spinningsheep said:

Deleted_User said:

Good luck. Have you got a legacy 118118 card as the current version (their website is awful) seems to have a standard subprime APR and no other charges. Can you swap to this?

I called them and was told I would have to close the account and reapply in 6 months to swap to the standard APR card, so I'll be waving them bye bye. I can't complain, they accepted me for a card when others wouldn't touch me with a muddy stick and it's done it's job of building my history to the point now I have non sub prime cards I'm being accepted for, it's been a long journey but was worth it! 

Seems silly to lose your custom but that's their prerogative as a business. Did you ditch the Marbles card? Either of the Amex Avios (can convert to Nectar points) or Asda card will give you rewards for petrol; Marbles has a low limit and no spending benefits. 

So, I decided in the end to apply for a couple of cards that would give me rewards and points. Was accepted for Amex BA avios, Amex Gold reward and Amex Platinum Cashback. 

Idea is to use the Avios rewards to earn the welcome bonus for holiday next year.

Marbles increased my limit to £1500 so kept that one. 

Zopa changed my limit to £3000 and reduced rate to 18% when I enquired about closing it so kept that one too. 

Other old cards have stayed open barring 118118 and Keebo, safely tucked away, I just use them for petrol or a greggs to keep utilisation going.

I'm in a very different headspace when it comes to my relationship with money and credit now and FINALLY I'm in control of my finances, not the other way around  

cymruchris

spinningsheep said:

So, I decided in the end to apply for a couple of cards that would give me rewards and points. Was accepted for Amex BA avios, Amex Gold reward and Amex Platinum Cashback. 

Interesting - you applied for 3 cards with Amex - and they gave you all three? Or do you mean you were 'approved' for all three, but chose the Avios?

It's definitely worthwhile having a range of cards, and paying them all off in full where possible. You're on the right path!

I've got the Zopa - and they seem pretty reasonable, although don't operate a traditional direct debit - but a straight deduction off your debit card - haven't come across any other card provider doing that.

[Deleted User]

Just a small update - the Avios > Nectar conversion rate is being cut by BA later in the month.  

spinningsheep

cymruchris said:

spinningsheep said:

So, I decided in the end to apply for a couple of cards that would give me rewards and points. Was accepted for Amex BA avios, Amex Gold reward and Amex Platinum Cashback. 

Interesting - you applied for 3 cards with Amex - and they gave you all three? Or do you mean you were 'approved' for all three, but chose the Avios?

It's definitely worthwhile having a range of cards, and paying them all off in full where possible. You're on the right path!

I've got the Zopa - and they seem pretty reasonable, although don't operate a traditional direct debit - but a straight deduction off your debit card - haven't come across any other card provider doing that.

I applied for all 3 and was accepted. Credit Karma showed me 90% approved for all 3 at the time of application.

Zopa is my lowest APR of all cards, not that it matters as I clear the balance in full anyway but its good to know if I had to run a balance it wouldn't be too bad that month. 

spinningsheep

Deleted_User said:

Just a small update - the Avios > Nectar conversion rate is being cut by BA later in the month.  

Thanks for the heads up 😁

spinningsheep

Just an update, so, 118118 I closed down, as did Keebo, was pre approved for a Barclaycard via my Barclays app (bizarrely after closing my account I held for 25+ yrs and switching to Nationwide) arrived today with a £1200 limit.