Student Credit Cards

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Belfast, N.Ireland
Does anyone have any advice on student credit cards? I am really just looking for one online things like buying dvds/games and using iTunes etc. I wont be spending a whole lot on it!

Thanks
 
All the major banks facilitate getting a student credit card with a student bank account. Well, RBS, Natwest, Barclay's and HSBC as far as I know.
 
In this climate you'd be best with a top up card as to not harm your credit rating, especially if you only want one because certain places do not accept solo/maestro etc. I know a few people who have persuaded their parents to let them have an account on theirs but obviously this would require trust, i.e. not using it to buy Moet in expensive bars :D
 
Ulster bank give you one with a student account with a £300 limit (along with the debit card) which is fairly cool.

Most online things take the debit card now so i never use the real credit card unless its things coming from america
 
In this climate you'd be best with a top up card as to not harm your credit rating, especially if you only want one because certain places do not accept solo/maestro etc. I know a few people who have persuaded their parents to let them have an account on theirs but obviously this would require trust, i.e. not using it to buy Moet in expensive bars :D

It should boost his rating not harm it
 
It should boost his rating not harm it

Precisely. Even applying for a credit card as a student risks harming your credit rating. Top ups also make more sense because you are far less likely to get yourself in a mess. Credit cards in general are a terrible idea for your average student. I wrote up a ridiculous sum of money during my first term at uni from having access to one :(
 
Precisely. Even applying for a credit card as a student risks harming your credit rating. Top ups also make more sense because you are far less likely to get yourself in a mess. Credit cards in general are a terrible idea for your average student. I wrote up a ridiculous sum of money during my first term at uni from having access to one :(

Don't blame credit cards then; blame yourself, and in general, people who cannot manage them.

I got a credit card as soon as I turned 18 I think, ans still in 6th form. It offers so much flexibility and protection on purchases.
 
Don't blame credit cards then; blame yourself, and in general, people who cannot manage them.

I got a credit card as soon as I turned 18 I think, ans still in 6th form. It offers so much flexibility and protection on purchases.

I respect people like yourself, but not everyone is like that. Hence the current economic crisis. I have learnt my lesson now but give a youngster a credit card with a high limit and you're asking for trouble. Just remember not everyone is as sensible as you :)
 
I respect people like yourself, but not everyone is like that. Hence the current economic crisis. I have learnt my lesson now but give a youngster a credit card with a high limit and you're asking for trouble. Just remember not everyone is as sensible as you :)

Student credit cards are the same, but with a much lower limit e.g. £500.

Credit cards are part of the way people do business now and there is no problem in getting one as long as you keep an eye on it.

Also Switch/Maestro cards are fine throughout the UK and most of europe.
 
I have a credit card, have done for 2 years now. Great piece of kit, as is the overdraft facility. You will find that there will be times when they both come in handy (although not used my overdraft yet, for students it has a 0% interest!). Credit card is very handy, especially for online shopping and only take 1 card to dinner. As long as you manage it properly, and pay it off online you should be fine. I would get one.
 
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