Credit Cards for Single Parents?

UnDeuxGratuit

I'm recently separated from my Husband, previously I was a secondary cardholder and did not have my own credit card.

I would like a credit card but am struggling as on the application it asks for "salary" which doesn't meet my outgoings, but I have Child and Spousal Maintenance which means I can pay my bills.

Does anyone know if there are any credit card providers that ask for "income" instead of salary? Or are there any other single parents on here that can tell me how they get around this?

Primarily I would like a credit card so that I can benefit from cashback/vouchers etc. but I would like one to help level off the costs of Christmas and Summer Holidays, and have the reassurance of credit protection as at the moment I'm paying for everything on debit and I'm a bit worried should anything go wrong.

mulevariations

I would just use the MSE eligibility calculators and check what you're pre-approved for. 

daivid

Yes use the MSE checker to get a general idea, but then check with the providers own eligibility checker (though not all have them) as they can differ wildly. A provider you have (positive) history with e.g. a current account may be a best bet if you have limited credit history of your own. I'm sure all my applications have asked for salary and in another box other income so you may get something. If you don’t get anything great in terms of limit or rewards don't be disheartened take it and use it with discipline: spend within your limit and pay off in full each month then start looking for a better card after 6months (using eligibility checkers).

UnDeuxGratuit

Thanks, I tried that, but when you click through and apply to the credit cards they typically ask for "salary". I was hoping someone might have been in the same situation and managed to find providers who only ask for "income"

daivid

UnDeuxGratuit said:

Thanks, I tried that, but when you click through and apply to the credit cards they typically ask for "salary". I was hoping someone might have been in the same situation and managed to find providers who only ask for "income"

I think all ask for salary, and then for additional income. Check the small print for what counts for each, some benefits may count towards one or the other, other benefits may not count at all.

You could try a telephone application for a card that seems promising as you could ask a person questions linked to your circumstances. A word of warning though phone applications take ages as all the regulatory bits and disclaimers have to be read out to you as you go through the application.

Brie

You might have more luck with the "credit poor" type of cards that charge a lot of interest.  Vanquis I believe is one.  I've no idea what their application process is like but they are obviously a bit more broadminded than the standard bank credit cards given they expect more people to have trouble paying - hence the high rates (i.e. APRs of 49%).  Do aim to pay them off in full every month and then once you have more history behind you something more mainstream may be a possibility.

MalMonroe

Hi, I agree with what Brie says, above. 

I've just had a quick look at the Vanquis application process and in their eligibility check they ask for your job status and then under that, your income. So they do expect some people not to have a salary and are willing to consider people's incomes.

Link here - https://www.vanquis.co.uk/enquiry

If you complete the eligibility questionnaire you will have a better idea of what you can apply for.

Good luck.