Good credit card to build credit with?

[WTF0ver]

I've never had a credit card before and can be clueless with money but want to build credit. I did an online credit check and got a good score and now want to apply for a card. Chose to search for cards for building credit on the selection criteria and it showed me a number of high APR cards. But I've been told that they only charge that APR on if you don't pay it off in time.

There was Vanquis, MBNA and Virgin Money. Any recs? They were all guaranteed pre-approval. I am also going to check credit card options with my bank. Thanks for any advice.

APR is irrelevant because you're going to use it for something you would have bought anyway and set up a direct debit to pay the balance off in full every month aren't you? Then you won't be charged any interest at all.

The 'credit builder' cards often start with a very low limit and if you already have a good score, perhaps due to mortgage, bank account and mobile phone data, you might be able to get a better card, eg a higher limit for more flexibility (not to get into debt and spend money you don't have but for very valuable protection on big purchases like holidays) and a cashback one.

I have a Barclaycard that pays 0.5% on all spending but there are a few others and also ones that give points that are as good as cash if they are from a shop that you use a lot eg a supermarket. We do all our day to day spending on the card and pay it off by direct debit and just treat it like another bill, makes managing the current account much simpler.

But the other big advantage of a credit card is purchase protection eg when Monarch went bust 2 days before we were booked to fly with them I was able to book new flights with another airline and claim a refund of the lost flights and the consequential loss of more expensive flights at short notice.

Also for car hire and lots of other reasons. But if you're not very informed about money a good thing to do is read the weekly email from moneysavingexpert for ongoing tips on all aspects of personal finance and making the most of your money.

I agree with above poster. You don't need a credit builder card if you already have a good credit rating and to visit moneysavingexpert. You can almost certainly get a better card.

Thanks, yes I will be setting up a direct debit to clear the balance each month. Before I thought that the APR was added regardless, like you get when paying up a car on credit, I didn't realise it was only added if you were late in paying. Shows how little I know!

My brother has been giving me advice and suggested the credit building type. I've travelled quite a bit and always used my debit card with no issues, but was very lucky to make it back from the US last year on a Thomas Cook flight only hours before they folded, so it might come in handy for added protection there. I'll check out moneysupermarket too.

If you have no debt problems, apply online to your own bank.

Yes I'm wondering if it might be a better idea to go for one through my bank. I did apply for an Asda credit card a few years back and got knocked back so maybe a company who "knows" me would be more likely to give me one?