Credit cards

hummingman

hummingman

hummingman

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Joined
16 Sep 2009
Posts
123
I've never had a credit card, but thought it might be time I got one. I'm going abroad for 2 weeks this month, might be good for emergencies, and thought it might be good to build up my credit rating.

I have never used my overdraft facility and do not intend to use the credit card at all.

As such I have no idea what a good credit card deal is - can anyone help me out? Been looking at Barclays/HSBC/etc but it all goes over my head :(
 
You'll be very lucky for both the card and pin to arrive in time for a holiday this month, normally takes a couple of weeks in my experience.
Halifax clarity is a good one if you want to use it abroad, if not then just go for whichever ones offers the lowest APR and/or longest 0% on purchases.
Then again if it's just for the sort of emergency use where you would be able to pay it off in full at the end of the month then get which ever one you like it won't make a difference.
 
My Lloyds card came within 2 weeks.

I have 4 in total (2 being a Lloyds Duo thing, so technically 3) and the Lloyds Platinum was the quickest one to get, quicker than the one i bank with.

Lookout for those that give you cover and also 0% on purchases for X months when you get it and look out for charges on cash withdrawal and use abroad.
I'm not too sure what the best rate is at the moment, i generally pay mine off before the bill.
 
I use HSBC and am quite happy with them. I use the card regularly but treat it like a debit card and solely to build my credit rating. Have no idea about APRs etc though since a direct debit is set up for the full card amount to be paid every month from the bank account (hence treating it like a debit card).
 
I not long ago got a Natwest World MasterCard for my online and holiday purchases, however it comes with YourPoints, which is basically a reward system that gives you points for every pound you spend. Points can be redeemed against all sorts, shop vouchers, restaurant vouchers, even transatlantic flights if you save enough.

Basically now I use it for everything, from grocery shopping to filling the car up, but ONLY if I can transfer the cash balance back onto it. IE never get into debt with it.

Had the card for a few weeks and already got a free return flight to Amsterdam :) Well worth it!
 
tom_e said:
Halifax clarity is a good one if you want to use it abroad, if not then just go for whichever ones offers the lowest APR and/or longest 0% on purchases.
Then again if it's just for the sort of emergency use where you would be able to pay it off in full at the end of the month then get which ever one you like it won't make a difference.
Click to expand...

Definitely Clarity - it's perfect for payments in foreign currency (you get Mastercard rate) and only a per-cent or so for cash advances. Set up a direct debit to automatically pay off in full every month as the interest is huge. As above, it might not be ready in time though as the paperwork needs posting to and fro.

I have the same card, also my first (and only) credit card. The extra security makes it useful for internet/dodgy looking purchases too.
 
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