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Original poster

Can I get a credit card if I am a homemaker?

16 replies

orionsfish · 23/09/2024 16:44

So I have a credit card but the benefits are crap and I wanted to get a new one with better benefits. I don't have a job, I am supported by my husband and I have a smallish private income. I put all this in and was rejected due to not having a job. I have never been in debt, I just use a credit card for online buying and emergency, I always pay in full and on time every month. I am not a spendthrift.

My husband makes plenty of money and I have full access via joint bank accounts and savings. However the credit card in my name is just a good way to keep my credit score good.

I was a homemaker when I applied for my current credit card and there was no issue but now there seems to be, perhaps financial rules have changed?

Is it possible that I can get a credit card if I don't have a separate job outside the home?

OP posts:
BarclaycardBosh · 23/09/2024 16:47

They’ve definitely tightened the rules in recent years, I would guess your income isn’t enough for them to confidently lend to you - even if you’re not intending to borrow per se, that’s what it is; a credit facility,

Thistooshallpass24 · 23/09/2024 16:48

Following, I thought it went on your credit history? Ppl who pay straight away don't always get the best deal ( the bank doesn't make money from you)

poppyzbrite4 · 23/09/2024 16:51

You can check here:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/

Interested in this thread?

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General money
Walkinginthesand · 23/09/2024 16:53

Thistooshallpass24 · 23/09/2024 16:48

Following, I thought it went on your credit history? Ppl who pay straight away don't always get the best deal ( the bank doesn't make money from you)

Think you're right about those who clear their account monthly. A store credit card I had changed financial supplier so everyone had to reapply. Those who cleared their debt monthly were turned down.

Original poster
orionsfish · 23/09/2024 16:54

Thistooshallpass24 · 23/09/2024 16:48

Following, I thought it went on your credit history? Ppl who pay straight away don't always get the best deal ( the bank doesn't make money from you)

Yeah I wondered that, I did click that I wasn't planning on doing a balance transfer or increasing my spending. I never pay a penny in interest so I am probably not their ideal customer.

OP posts:
Original poster
orionsfish · 23/09/2024 16:56

BarclaycardBosh · 23/09/2024 16:47

They’ve definitely tightened the rules in recent years, I would guess your income isn’t enough for them to confidently lend to you - even if you’re not intending to borrow per se, that’s what it is; a credit facility,

I just use it for the legal protections really i.e. I bought my ipad online with a credit card and then paid it off right away. That's what I always do. I have plenty of money I just don't have a job. They didn't ask about savings of property for example.

OP posts:
StormingNorman · 23/09/2024 16:56

I imagine they only assessed you on your private income. Your DH (and his income) isn’t responsible for your debts. So he could cut you off and they wouldn’t get their money back. Or you could die and they would t get their money back.

Original poster
orionsfish · 23/09/2024 16:58

StormingNorman · 23/09/2024 16:56

I imagine they only assessed you on your private income. Your DH (and his income) isn’t responsible for your debts. So he could cut you off and they wouldn’t get their money back. Or you could die and they would t get their money back.

Well I pay it off straight away, my credit history is perfect and I have plenty of savings they could get paid from but they didn't ask about that. I do get their logic its just annoying that is all.

OP posts:
Doggymummar · 23/09/2024 16:58

There's usually a box for other income, I usually stick 2k in there as that's what my oh gives me each month

Boomer55 · 23/09/2024 16:59

I’m a widowed pensioner, with health problems, living on pensions.. I’ve never had a problem getting interest free cards etc. Perhaps it might be worth asking them what the problem is.

latenew · 23/09/2024 17:15

I have 3 credit cards as a sahm. Bit they were applied for 5+ years ago so I don't know if it's much harder to get one these days.

DH has a credit card in his name and I have a card as an additional card holder, so that may be an option. Getting the card would be based on your DH's information and credit record, not yours.

laveritable · 23/09/2024 17:16

Credit cards are not for emergencies! Build up an emergency fund.

Theredfoxfliesatmidnight · 23/09/2024 17:22

I totally get you want a credit card for emergencies and to build your credit up! I think you're just not viable to them as you pay off the balance each month and as you say never pay a penny in interest. Plus you have savings so if they know about these they're going to know they won't make any money from you. It might be a "no proper credit history" problem rather than anything else. You've been too "good" with your credit maybe!

Original poster
orionsfish · 23/09/2024 17:28

laveritable · 23/09/2024 17:16

Credit cards are not for emergencies! Build up an emergency fund.

I have plenty in savings thanks but if I am out and need a hotel I will use a credit card. If I want to by something expensive online I prefer to get the protections of a credit card as well.

OP posts:
twomanyfrogsinabox · 23/09/2024 17:28

You said it's not a very good CC which is probably why you qualified, but trying to get a better one you don't qualify. I would stick to the one you've got until you have more income, they might increase your credit limit if you are a good payer.

If you want a better CC to use could you get a joint one with your DH but keep your own one as well for credit history?

Original poster
orionsfish · 23/09/2024 17:32

twomanyfrogsinabox · 23/09/2024 17:28

You said it's not a very good CC which is probably why you qualified, but trying to get a better one you don't qualify. I would stick to the one you've got until you have more income, they might increase your credit limit if you are a good payer.

If you want a better CC to use could you get a joint one with your DH but keep your own one as well for credit history?

It was great, good benefits i.e. rewards but they removed them for everyone a few years ago. It isn't a basic one but I have had it for years now. I just wanted one with better perks now.

I doubt I will have a better income until I officially retire in 20 years and get my pensions as I am not planning to return to work. I have plenty of money but I like a credit card as well, and one with perks.

I will probably see if my DH wants to get the joint CC for the new benefits.

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