My wife needs a card to do on-line shopping

Silverhoop

Hi all,

My wife does a bit of on-line shopping and I kept warning her not to use her debit card but she didn't listen. Recently she got a big scare when someone tried to use her card to make a purchase at Walmart.com. Thankfully it didn't go through and all we had to do was cancel her card and get a new one. It has given her a much needed scare though.

All I want to ask is for recommendations on the best card to get for her to continue on-line shopping.

Would she be as well getting a credit card

She has never had one before and in fact has never had a loan or even an overdraught and even the electricity is on a pre-paid meter (She has trust issues )

Or would we be better going for a Monzo type card.

Thanks

Silver

DullGreyGuy

Silverhoop said:

Hi all,

My wife does a bit of on-line shopping and I kept warning her not to use her debit card but she didn't listen. Recently she got a big scare when someone tried to use her card to make a purchase at Walmart.com. Thankfully it didn't go through and all we had to do was cancel her card and get a new one. It has given her a much needed scare though.

All I want to ask is for recommendations on the best card to get for her to continue on-line shopping.

Would she be as well getting a credit card

She has never had one before and in fact has never had a loan or even an overdraught and even the electricity is on a pre-paid meter (She has trust issues )

Or would we be better going for a Monzo type card.

Thanks

Silver

The type of card will make little difference to fraud, irrespective of if its a debit card linked to a current account with £5k of cash in or a credit card with a £5k limit if someone is able to commit fraud with it then they can still take £5k either way. 

The only difference is if that £5k was there to pay bills etc then it may bounce whilst its being investigated whereas a £5k debt may incur interest and/or require repayments whilst its investigated 

Its up to you if you just have a standard account with no overdraft facility and just keep a low balance there to mitigate what can be stolen or a credit card but with the later most want the highest limit they can get which can be opening pandoras box for some who've never bought stuff on the never never before.

CliveOfIndia

In terms of protection from fraud, there's little difference between a debit or credit card.  A credit card gives you the additional protection of S75, subject to the standard criteria.

If she wants a credit card, then just do some eligibility checks and apply for one that indicates a reasonable chance of success.  Alternatively, if you have a credit card, she could become an additional cardholder - though you would remain solely responsible for servicing the debt.

If you want a real-belt & braces approach, she could set up a new basic current account that has a debit card.  When she wants to buy something, transfer just enough money into the account to cover it, then use that.  It's a bit of a faff, though, and you're pretty well-protected against fraudulent transactions anyway.

surreysaver

Could use something like Kroo, which as long as you only transfer money to it when you want to buy something, would be safer 

wiseonesomeofthetime

Use a virtual card with Starling, attached to a Space. If no money in there, transaction gets declined. Just move money into account once online shop in checkout. 

Being virtual, can delete and create new one, if you wish.

lr1277

If you or she are intent on getting a credit card you need to consider the following things:

Does she have a (provable) income? Is that income high enough to get your desired card? You can check by googling:

[card name] minimum income

Next the issue of the credit file. My guess from what you are saying is that she has a minimal credit file.

Usual suggestions to build up a credit file are:

Having a pay monthly mobile phone contract (even if it is SIM only). One of my water suppliers was on my credit report.

There is also the possibility of a credit builder card. If she is accepted, she will probably start on a low limit which might be increased if the card is used well and paid off in a timely manner.

Finally the usual suggestion if it is possible is to apply for a credit card with the bank with which she holds her current account. Reason being they will be aware of her income and outgoings. Obviously not every (fintech) bank offers a credit card, in which case she should shop around.