No credit history... should I try?

mess0804

I am in the Uk since a little more than a year.
I have a HSBC bank account for a year and a Barclays for 6 months (opened the barclays because I needed to pay over the internet and it has a visa card, the hsbc has maestro).
I am on the electoral roll and I have a mobile pghne contract (direct debit).


I want to try for one of the high rate credit cards: Barclaycard Initial, Vanquis or Aqua... Do I stand any chance? I know that they leave a mark if they check you and I don't want to make those marks for nothing if I don't stand any chance.
(should I try first for the Barclays in bank?)

Thanks for taking the time to look at my post :beer:

CLAPTON

any application will leave a credit search on your credit record but as long as you dont make too many this is perfectly normal and OK.

Best to try your bank first so yes Barcalycard initial would be a good one to start with.
Once you get one, use it regularly for normal spending, set up a DD for the full payment so you dont forget to pay and also pay no interest.
Don't draw cash out on the card.

Undersized_Rascal

Did you have a credit card in your previous country within the EU?
If so apply to to them first.
I applied to MBNA when first moved to UK (after less than 6 months)...they rejected me, told them about the card I had with them in my home country and they gave me a £1500 limit

mess0804

It's not the same banks as here in my country

I will give it a try with Barclays on Monday if you say it's a good ideea.

I have to start somewhere.

skyrider007

Also try Capital One Classic, they're most likely to give you a card. You can choose from a range of "cool" looking card designs. Their online banking is very good. You also get 2 free Equifax credit reports per year!

Undersized_Rascal

HSBC are good about giving out £500cc to F.O.B's(fresh of the boats)
My ex flatmate got one of them within 6 months (much to her shock).....though they maybe regretting it now

Tori_Bellatrix

I'd recommend Halifax Classic Card ... lower APR then Capital One, Aqua and Vanquis ... immediate decision (in most cases) and fairly generous credit limits (IMO)

ShelfStacker_3

Try HSBC first. I only had high rate cards at first, then I opened an HSBC account and got a credit card after 2 months with them. They appear to be quite good with their lending decisions.

skyrider007

What's your HSBC card interest rate? Mine's 18.9%, same limit as yours.