UK CREDIT CARDS: When To Apply ??

stop by Natwest and inquire. Not all banks have the same policy.

will do...thanks

Yeah, it's your business. You don't have to have the direct deposit with Lloyd's do you. You can shift it. All I know is that Natwest gave me a card immediately, before I 'd even thought about needing one here.

i see...you mean you got a C.C. at the same time you opend an account with them ?

By the way did you get a " check card " where you charge against your own money ( but card still has visa logo )
Or
did you get a straight-up bank card where you charge against bank money ?

Z.

My first day on the job, I walked over to a Natwest branch and got the following through setting up the salary direct deposit.

1) a checking account

2) a savings account

3) a credit card with an initial limit of, I think, 500, long since raised to more than I'd want;

4) a debit card with a hologram that verifies personal checks up to 100 and also functions as my ATM card

I basically remember the bank giving me these last two, since it's not my habit to be looking for credit cards and at the time I'd never seen/used a debit card. All that I'd wanted was an ATM card that could transfer money between my checkings and savings. While I got an ATM card, Natwest can't figure out how to let you transfer money between two kinds of accounts, go figure.

The big four banks do differ in their policies, so it's not a waste of time to shop around. If Lloyd's gives you a hassle, then drop them. I mean loyalty to global capitalism is about the last thing we need to internalize!

Yea i agree...i will shop around..One last question about your good fortune with Natwest...how long ago was it that you signed up with them ?

If it was pre 9/11 then no doubt, it would be different now.

But i will give Natwest the first crack...


thanks again
Z

My first day on the job, I walked over to a Natwest branch and got the following through setting up the salary direct deposit.

1) a checking account

2) a savings account

3) a credit card with an initial limit of, I think, 500, long since raised to more than I'd want;

4) a debit card with a hologram that verifies personal checks up to 100 and also functions as my ATM card

I basically remember the bank giving me these last two, since it's not my habit to be looking for credit cards and at the time I'd never seen/used a debit card. All that I'd wanted was an ATM card that could transfer money between my checkings and savings. While I got an ATM card, Natwest can't figure out how to let you transfer money between two kinds of accounts, go figure.

The big four banks do differ in their policies, so it's not a waste of time to shop around. If Lloyd's gives you a hassle, then drop them. I mean loyalty to global capitalism is about the last thing we need to internalize!

I got all of that as well with HSBC, having just received my offer of employment and setting up my salary direct deposit, and this was in November 2004.  I've heard nothing but bad comments about Lloyds in regards to expats setting up accounts, it'd be worth it to shop around.  Here's wishing you luck!