International Student wanting to apply for credit card

[nuwa]

Hi all,

 

I'm not really sure if this goes into the right thread but I'm looking to get a credit card. does anyone have any advice which credit card can an international student take out since usually one of the conditions is being a permanent uk resident. i'm looking for one that has a considerable amount of limit (>500) and attractive initial rep apr. thanks alot for any advice, because it's quite hard to look for this stuff, especially when you want to compare alot of things at once, online.

 

cheers

[MARTIN3030]

Welcome to the site.

First of all,credit card issuers all use a scoring count which take into account lots of things.

If you already have a current UK bank account,then you will be able to satisfy most of those.

Credit card issuers will look at your credit score too.

There are some credit card issuers who are happy to give people with no credit history or poor credit history,cards,but these will be high interest and should be avoided.

In any event,these issuers will initially offer a low credit spend of say 100-250,and increase that once you have used it for a few months with good management.

Its a good idea to have a look at some comparison sites to see the best deals.

Your student uni should also be able to offer some advice.

I will move your thread to the student forums-maybe someone there can advise further.

Remember,that making applications is likely to show on your credit file,so be careful when making them.

Would be a good idea to get a copy of your credit file to see what is recorded there.

Can you say if you have already applied ?

Also which bank you are with now ?

[nuwa]

Well I need a card with a higher limit purely because I only need it for spending in June only. I've gotten into a bit of a pickle this month and usually my parents send me a chunk of money for me to live for the entire year. so I need a card to spend in June and will be able to pay it all off in July. The things i'm confused about are terms like the the basis of the interest rate, grace period, and some say its 0% for (however many) months after you made the account. I've been paying bills and mobile bilsl by direct debit so that should count as my credit history right? oh and I've got an account with Natwest and basic bank with HSBC. and I haven't applied yet. I want to make sure i understand the terms and conditions so i don't dig a deeper hole for myself.

 

Thanks

[cerberusalert]

Some universities & colleges have a hardship fund where you can apply for an emergency loan. Have a word with the Bursar or Student Union.

 

Also some banks offer an interest free overdraft for student a/cs.

[nuwa]

I have just checked my university website for information on this hardship fund scheme. I will speak to the student services. Thanks for that!! I've gone to Natwest and asked about applying for an overdraft but they said it doesn't apply to international students.

I still would like some information about the credit cards though just in case the hardship fund scheme people don't find my case strong enough for an emergency loan.

[MARTIN3030]

Yes your payments history will be a consideration.

Maybe worth looking at what you would get by upgrading your HSBC account.

[MARTIN3030]

There are three banks offering credit cards to students. Natwest and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) include a credit card as part of their student current account package.Halifax is the other bank offering a student credit card - although it has a student current account, you dont need to have an account in order to qualify for the credit card.

[MARTIN3030]

I am sending you a link by pm to check out.