Mortage application query (future)

poppy10_2

Sounds like a good idea, will help you build up some credit history.

However, I got rejected for a CapitalOne credit card last year, despite having an apparently spotless credit history, so I don't think they are THAT easy to obtain. MBNA might be a better option.

creditchat

Thanks Poppy, although I couldn't see anything about MBNA specifically dealing with people in my position.

After a little more scouting around this afternoon, how about Barclaycard Initial as another alternative?...

I gather from their literature that this is another card targeted at those with a clean slate who are aiming to get their first card/build history. As my current account is with Barclays it perhaps also has the added bonus that they can (presumably) check that I'm receiving regular salary, have savings (I have two savings accounts with them too) and have never been overdrawn.

What do you think?

poppy10_2

You should be able to get a "normal" barclaycard. The Initial card might mark you out as someone who needs to "rebuild their credit history."

creditchat

Yes, I can see how it could potentially mark someone out that way, but then again isn't that true about, say, the Capital One card too? In practice, as long as the application were successful then surely it's 'clean' usage of the thing that ultimately carries the weight for your credit score rather than the product itself?

I did raise an online question with Barclaycard a while back, setting out broadly the details I've covered in this thread, but their response did little more than to advise me to apply. I suppose I could always pop into a branch and talk to someone in person, but if - given my circumstances - an application for the 'Initial' card were more likely to be accepted then I'd be happy to go for that rather than chance it trying to get the conventional card.

What a minefield!