Credit Card advice

[Rick101]

I'm wanting to get a credit card. Not had one for over 10 years but I'll have some purchases to make in the next few months and the protection would be useful.

Currently have a Handelsbanken account. Great service and they're sorting out a Visa (debit) charge-back for me so offers some benefit of protection but not as much as Section 75 would. Handelsbanken do not offer a credit card, only a charge card.

Also have accounts with TSB & Nationwide so assume it would be an easier process to apply to them.

Key requirements
Excellent customer service. I don't want to be speaking to morons and be passed around if I ever need to contact them.
AMEX is out. Not widely accepted.
Balance will be cleared in full so not too concerned about interest rates.

Without research I prob go with Nationwide. Should I consider any others?

Is there any risk in applying prior to a house move? Exchanging today/tomorrow, move Thu.
I'm wondering if I apply after the move it may cause more issues as i'll not be on electoral roll etc.

Thanks

[RicksAlfas]

If you are paying it back every month, anything giving you cashback. It's amazing how it adds up. One of the money or comparison sites will tell you what is available.

[anonymous-user]

Apply before you move. Much easier on the credit check.

I have an mbna card. Can't say if customer service is any good because I've never had to use it and can manage the card online or via phone app

[anonymous-user]

Rick101 said:

I'm wanting to get a credit card. Not had one for over 10 years but I'll have some purchases to make in the next few months and the protection would be useful.

Currently have a Handelsbanken account. Great service and they're sorting out a Visa (debit) charge-back for me so offers some benefit of protection but not as much as Section 75 would. Handelsbanken do not offer a credit card, only a charge card.

Also have accounts with TSB & Nationwide so assume it would be an easier process to apply to them.

Key requirements
Excellent customer service. I don't want to be speaking to morons and be passed around if I ever need to contact them.
AMEX is out. Not widely accepted.
Balance will be cleared in full so not too concerned about interest rates.

Without research I prob go with Nationwide. Should I consider any others?

Is there any risk in applying prior to a house move? Exchanging today/tomorrow, move Thu.
I'm wondering if I apply after the move it may cause more issues as i'll not be on electoral roll etc.

Thanks

Don't know of anywhere mainstream apart from B&Q that doesn't accept Amex. They have a decent range of points/loyalty/cash-back cards so I wouldn't write them off completely.

[pmanson]

I've used AMEX for the last 3 years and can count on one hand the places it's not been accepted; B&Q as mentioned above, some Coffee shops and the occasional online store.

AMEX customer service is excellent (i've had to call for a replacement card) and they sorted it very quickly.

I also have a Nationwide credit card too for the times where it is not accepted. I've never had to use customer services in regards to the card, but as a Nationwide banking customer I like the fact that I can login to the app and see everything in one place.

[C0ffin D0dger]

As above, don't rule out Amex as they have one of the more generous cashback cards which would be great if you'e got a few significant purchases to make. Get a Visa / Mastercard (with cashback) for anywhere that doesn't take Amex, best of both worlds then.

[RicksAlfas]

C0ffin D0dger said:

As above, don't rule out Amex as they have one of the more generous cashback cards which would be great if you'e got a few significant purchases to make. Get a Visa / Mastercard (with cashback) for anywhere that doesn't take Amex, best of both worlds then.

That's exactly what I do.

[The Leaper]

ditto

[ManicMunky]

keirik said:

Apply before you move. Much easier on the credit check.

I have an mbna card. Can't say if customer service is any good because I've never had to use it and can manage the card online or via phone app

MBNA customer service is great, had a very good experience with them.

[Edible Roadkill]

Sign up to one of the free credit score services and see what cards they suggest you to apply for.

I’d say as you haven’t had one in a while your options may be more limited so perhaps try to focus on what you’ll be accepted for over what is a belting good offer re. Cashback and rates.

This certainly was the case with a sibling of mine who is very good with money but never used cards so she was declined on the one she applied for.

[Rick101]

Had had AMEX before so I am aware of their offerings
Went with nationwide in the end. Reason being I already have a couple of accounts with them and it's one less additional bank to manage and remember a load of passwords for.
I'm not so bothered for the cashback. It won't get used enough to generate anything meaningful.
Thanks for the replies.