I’ve broken my own promise not to use my credit card until it looks a little bit more health yet

Well, I suppose it depends what you use the card for. If it is to buy things that you cannot afford and run up debt, then it might be a good idea to just cut it up or cancel it.

I, as I am lucky enough to be able to do, you just use it because it is a safe way of buying things (especially online) and you can pay it all off every month then hang on to it.

many are being kept in constant poverty and dragged down by debts and said interest rates.

For some, it will be because they don't realise that 0% cards are available, so then their debt mounts because of the interest and then they have a poor credit rating and become ineligible for 0% deals.

When my husband died and I started to travel I researched 'currency cards' on MSE, and I loaded a Thomas cook card. Wasn't great when it wasn't accepted in a New York theatre! When I came home I got a Barclaycard 'travel' card instead, 0% interest for conversion at the time, that worked.

Same here Welshwife.
I took out a Clarity Card with my Bank purely to use abroad, as there’s no conversion charge.
When my CC statement comes in, I check it against my receipts and mark certain entries, so I know what the purchases are, if I have to go back into it for some reason.

Bloody hell Welshwife, I had no idea I really don't like the idea of having a credit card but the issue you raised is really important

I entirely agree. I don’t want to find my account emptied by someone who has my debit card details. Credit cards give all the protection you need and the consequences of fraudulent use (as has happened to me a couple of times) are less serious and more quickly fixed.

I see someone mentioned that a Debit card can be used instead. This is a dangerous thing to do as via that your whole account can be cleaned out! When I was going away I mentioned it in the bank when collecting currency and asked if it would be possible to get any extra cash I needed using my debit card while I was away. The young man I asked told me in no way should I do that but take it out using my credit card as although there would be charges they were very little compared to the risk of having our account emptied.
We use our credit card for all card purchases because of the protection it affords and then at the end of each month pay it off when the bill is due. It is actually a good way of tracking expenses - our monthly bill is always within a hundred pounds or so - should it be more we check and usually it is something like a garage bill.

I've got an advert for an exercise bike at the top of the page.

Someone knows I should get off GN and do something!

Scary!

The wonders of the modern world.

I looked at this thread for the first time this morning and at the top appeared an advert for a credit card with cash back.

They're watching us.

Thanks have just looked at Martin Lewis.
Don’t want to change our bank (Nationwide) so will have a look at M&S

Santander123 current account with credit card linked and automatically paid off each month is a good option Newquay.

I have an M&S credit card, which gives me reward vouchers to spend in M&S.

Am intrigued by folk who get cash back-which cards are these then?

Shandy57

@multicolourswapshop, I used my Barclaycard when I was paying for transport/accommodation to house hunt. It went over £1K and the interest was high, so I went onto the Martin Lewis Moneysaving website and found a 'balance transfer' 0% interest deal with Sainsburys. I didn't use the Sainsbury's card at all while I was paying it off, and had my Barclaycard still for emergency use.

That's the way to do it....

I put mine in the freezer so that I couldn't use it!

@multicolourswapshop, I used my Barclaycard when I was paying for transport/accommodation to house hunt. It went over £1K and the interest was high, so I went onto the Martin Lewis Moneysaving website and found a 'balance transfer' 0% interest deal with Sainsburys. I didn't use the Sainsbury's card at all while I was paying it off, and had my Barclaycard still for emergency use.

I hope you are pleased with the dress OP. You say you have been looking for a while and that it’s for a specific occasion so don’t be too hard on yourself!
You also mentioned that it’s an inexpensive dress, so you were perfectly justified in snapping it up in my opinion!

You have had too many stern lectures on here.

On a lighter note enjoy that wedding, I hope you look amazing in that dress, and s.. the credit card.
Life is for living and not for being preached at. I think it's a shame that what I thought was a humorous thread was taken so seriously.

Sorry that should read 0% interest deals...

Why is anyone paying interest on a credit card? Have they not come across any % interest deals? Come on, wise up!

That’s good

I was very judgmental based on my own experience and horror of debt. I’m lucky to be able to pay my card off every month. I don’t know OP’s circumstances. I have reflected and I apologise unreservedly to her.

Germanshepherdsmum

Why don’t you just cut up your credit card OP and live within your means? You don’t sound as though you are likely to keep that promise you say you made if the card is still available. I totally agree with scones’s comment. Frankly I would have been too ashamed to post what OP did if I were in that position.

Tut tut naughty girl. Dear oh dear how judgmental!

I never understand why people seem to think having a credit card and not using it somehows confers some virtue on them.

As for seeing them as living on tick! Before and during the early years of credit cards, I had running monthly accounts with several stores, including John Lewis. What is the difference?

As long as you clear the card each month so what? And how on earth do you shop online without a credit card? Yes, you can use a debit card, but using a credit card gives you a lot of extra protection against fraud or faulty goods.

I use credit cards, debit cards, cheques and cash as and when they are appropriate and I have used all 4 in the last 24 hours.