Positive credit card stories?

[Bimgy85]

What do you use your CC for? When did you first get one?

Applying for my first one, I have a regular income, planning to use it for large purchases/when I'm stuck, holidays etc

What's it been handy for for you?

Got one that was interest free for 3 years. Used to buy all our furniture for our new house. Paid a sum each month so that by the end of the three years the balance was 0. Worked great!

I use mine to pay for everything but always pay it off in full each month. I must admit at the start of the thread I was thinking you should not be getting a credit card, as it sounded like you didn't really understand how they worked. It can be really easy for debt to spiral out of control with credit cards, on the other hand when used carefully they can be a very useful. I find it a lot easier to understand where I'm spending my money when its all on my credit card statement, rather than thinking where did I spend £80 cash yesterday.

@Bimgy85 if you have a specific card type in mind (which it sounds like you do), definitely head to mse, there is a useful guide to the best cards for each situation. If you find the section on 0% interest on purchases there is a list of all the best cards with their pros and cons and any small print that might affect your decision (obviously you should always read the full t&c's yourself before signing up, but it will give you a good starting point)

namechange2117 I can’t remember offhand what the points value is for John Lewis card (website will say I expect)

You get more points for Waitrose or JL shopping.

I think it’s a point per pound in jl and Waitrose and a point per £2 elsewhere. But should say on website. It’s better than other points cards I looked at (I love a bargain!)

I buy all our food and large purchases. I pay it off every month in full, sometimes I'll pay money towards it in between statements to reduce the hit! But Always pay it off full.

I have one. Got bit when I was 19. Never had a problem with it. I’ve used it only for emergencies like a car repair. Or if I’m dubious about a website for the protection it offers. Currently my limit is £9k but there is only £200 on it. I’m sensible, always pay it off at the end of the month. I do believe it helped to contribute to an excellent credit rating.

That should say I got it, not got bit!