After always living under a cloud, certain that I have a good credit rating, I received an abrupt kick up the arse over the weekend when I was rejected for a credit card. I have never had a credit card before, however I have had some forms of credit such as mobile phone, sofa finance, monthly car insurance and jewellery finance. About a year ago I did have a burtons store card to get the introductory discount on a suit that I was purchasing. About 18 months ago I bought a television and opted for the pay in 6 months option. So I have had some forms of credit to help to build up a history.
I have decided to purchase a new laptop for some upcoming lecturing work that I will doing, as well as providing me with something portable on which I will be able to write my dissertation. I thought that one of the best options would be to get a credit card for purchases with a long introductory interest free period, so I applied for the NatWest card which provides 18 months of 0% on purchases; however after the application process I was abruptly refused.
I am aware of the 'footprint' left behind on your credit file by a credit card application and this has left me a little weary as to applying for any others. Is it a case of the cards offering the best rates have a much higher minimum credit rating that they require? Or is it that the examples that I have given in the opening paragraph aren't significant enough to build up a good credit file? I'm at a loss as to why I was refused and it's left me a little paranoid as to what my issue is.
I have decided to purchase a new laptop for some upcoming lecturing work that I will doing, as well as providing me with something portable on which I will be able to write my dissertation. I thought that one of the best options would be to get a credit card for purchases with a long introductory interest free period, so I applied for the NatWest card which provides 18 months of 0% on purchases; however after the application process I was abruptly refused.
I am aware of the 'footprint' left behind on your credit file by a credit card application and this has left me a little weary as to applying for any others. Is it a case of the cards offering the best rates have a much higher minimum credit rating that they require? Or is it that the examples that I have given in the opening paragraph aren't significant enough to build up a good credit file? I'm at a loss as to why I was refused and it's left me a little paranoid as to what my issue is.