Can "credit builder" credit cards ever do more harm than good?

[bakedcrisps]

DH's credit history isn't the best, thanks to various factors from before we met!

He wants to start building his credit rating and has read up on credit builder cards such as Barclaycard Forward and Vanquis Chrome. MSE says that he has a 95% chance of being accepted for one of these.

The idea is to use the card for some supermarket shops / petrol, and pay it off in full every month. I'm hoping this helps to build credit worthiness(?)

My only concern is, would that fact that these cards are officially known as "credit builder" cards look bad on his credit report? Say we applied for a mortgage next year, would he sort of be "tainted by association" due to the fact they're not 'normal' credit cards?

I hope not because I've just got an Aqua card!

I haven't seen that one advertised, @Northernsoullover, are you planning to use it in a similar way as DH?

I wouldn't have thought that particular type of card would be detrimental, unless you manage it badly. Make sure you set up a direct debit for the full amount each month so no payments are missed and no interest is incurred.

The Barclaycard is probably a good choice, as it probably just shows as a Barclaycard on credit files and should be easy to upgrade to a 'proper' Barclaycard in time.

I've got a Barclaycard that we use for all household spending and it pays 0.5% cashback so we get a small lump of free money once a year.

Yes, I've never heard of Vanquis actually and thought the same about a Barclaycard, @BarbaraofSeville! The direct debit will be set up immediately, so that won't be a problem. I'm just having a google and actually I'm reading good things about the credit builder cards. I'm just naturally cautious I guess!

Its doesn't matter what card it is if its paid in full each month.

No they won’t harm your credit unless you mismanage the card. Just make sure you pay it off in full each month if possible to avoid interest.

Brilliant, thanks all!