Help deciding on best card for first time credit card

AcidJiles_2

I have been a student for the past 3 years and am now in full time work. during that time I only used a debit card with an overdraft so have never had a credit card. I now need one as I get paid at the end of the month and would like to take advantage of rewards/cashback if possible. Have looked a a few of the guides but still unsure as to how good my credit rating will be and therefore what level of card I can get. I have bounced a few cheques on my debit card overdraft but thats it. never had any other credit or debits except student loan obviously. what level of card with cashback or decent usable rewards would I be able to apply for? Would it be worth getting a simple ordinary card for 6 months to a year using it little but paying it off in full each month then trying for the better level of cards? thx

Mozette

Try getting one from whoever you bank with first.

simongregson

A lot of banks will offer graduate cards - for example barclaycard has such a product. They don't tend to offer the best deals but they generally make a better starter card than say capital one or the barclaycard 'initial' card. Start with your own bank as recommended, as they will probably be jumping with joy at the thought of you having a credit card!

Zebedee69

Ditto Simongreson - Your local friendly bank will be a jumping with joy at the thought of giving you a credit card..... You might be supprised that it turns out to be a great deal too!

gt94sss2

AcidJiles wrote: »

Would it be worth getting a simple ordinary card for 6 months to a year using it little but paying it off in full each month then trying for the better level of cards?

Yes - this is what you need to do - with your own/current bank as suggested.

Providers of cash back/reward cards generally like you to have some credit history and a credit card previously..

Regards
Sunil

advent1122

Slippery Slope....
You will have every intention of using it for rewards and cash back, paying off the balance every month - then you will say "I will leave it this month and pay it off next" - then you will get a 0% card and do a balance transfer - then you will get a loan to pay off the credit card bills -then you will max out the credit cards once more..
Before you know it you are 30 grand in debt.

My advice - stick to debit cards and live within your means.

Zebedee69

advent1122 wrote: »

Slippery Slope....
You will have every intention of using it for rewards and cash back, paying off the balance every month - then you will say "I will leave it this month and pay it off next" - then you will get a 0% card and do a balance transfer - then you will get a loan to pay off the credit card bills -then you will max out the credit cards once more..
Before you know it you are 30 grand in debt.

My advice - stick to debit cards and live within your means.

Thats assuming that OP has the mindset of a 5 year old which im sure he doesnt as he is an educated man who has just graduated.

People who develop £30000 of debt aren't moneysavers! People who use cards to borrow cheaply and gain cashback, points and stooze the money away and actually earn from it are moneysavers!

advent1122

Zebedee69 wrote: »

Thats assuming that OP has the mindset of a 5 year old which im sure he doesnt as he is an educated man who has just graduated.

People who develop £30000 of debt aren't moneysavers! People who use cards to borrow cheaply and gain cashback, points and stooze the money away and actually earn from it are moneysavers!

Famous last words.