Credit card on DSP

Anonymous

Credit card on DSP

How can I possibly apply for a credit card while on the disability pension? I’ve tried through my bank, Suncorp, but I was rejected. Please no negative comments about maybe manage your money better etc. this is for an emergency

Posted in:  Money

15 Replies

Anonymous

I couldn't get one a few years ago when I applied (I was on parenting payments and FTB). It's almost always a prerequisite to have some form of employment to qualify for a CC.
Sorry, I know that's probably not what you want to hear.

Have you considered a personal loan?
You pay interest through the teeth but I know there are some companies that will offer loans to centrelink recipients.

Hope you figure something out, financial emergencies are tough xx

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Anonymous

Honestly I’m on a pension and I just wouldn’t. You can apply for an advance payment so easily and quickly these days and it’s literally an interest free loan.
Depending on what sort of emergency, many mechanics etc have some kind of afterpay set up too.

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Anonymous

I am a financial counsellor and I am not aware of any financial institution that will give a credit card to someone on a pension (disability or otherwise).

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Anonymous

Look up "loans for Centrelink customers" there are a few lenders who may be able to assist. They are payday-style lenders though, so only get what you really need.

If you say what it's for we might be able to give you some alternative options

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Anonymous

I think your only option is a “pay day loan” like wallet wizard. Yes the interest is high but you will have it paid off in 6 months where as a credit card I can almost guarantee you it will stay maxed out for years to come. Be careful the more you apply for the more is recorded on your credit file, banks seeing you continuously being knocked back will make the interest rate you are given sky rocket.

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Anonymous

I’m needing to get the CC as a form of money to help my partner children and I travel up north for his sisters wedding this month. Partner isn’t able to apply for anything unfortunately and this falls on my shoulders to try sourcing the money. I’ve done my Centerlink advance at Christmas and that’s paid off in June but not in time for when we need it. I thought using a credit card would be better on my credit rating rather than using pay day loan people

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Anonymous

credit card would take time to process etc... could you do afterpay for airfares and accom? alternatively, if money isnt there, its just not there. has your husband spoken to his sister? travel for weddings is so costly.

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Anonymous

When you said emergency, I thought you meant maybe you had a sick pet, broken down car, needed a rental bond etc.
I really wouldn't categorise a wedding as an emergency.

As a low income family, going into debt for someone else's wedding just isn't a smart financial decision. Especially when you're already paying off centrelink advances and your husband is unable/ineligible to apply for loans/credit cards really points to you guys not being able to afford loans or credit cards at all.

I'm not trying to be judgy or mean, I just think you might need to be realistic. I also wouldn't not want any of my loved ones to put themselves under financial strain to attend my wedding.

Maybe your husband could go on his own or you could Zoom or FaceTime for the ceremony? I'm sure your sister in law would understand.

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Anonymous

This!

Please don't go into more debt. This will have a huge impact on your life. If you are already struggling, more debt isn't the answer.

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Anonymous

Completely agree. This is not an emergency and you need to explain to your SIL that you simply cannot afford to come. If it was my wedding I wouldn't expect anyone to put themselves in debt for my event, even if it was my sibling.

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Anonymous

A wedding is not an emergency, maybe just your partner could go instead of all of you if you can’t afford it.

I guess you could try and apply for a zip account, there are 2 types and one can be used as a credit card but I wouldn’t go into debt for a wedding!!

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Anonymous

You can pay off your advance sooner and get it out again, I did this a couple of times. Just jump onto your online account go into manage advance payments and there is an option for making a payment. It does come up with a message saying you may not be able to reapply straight away but it's let me reapply straight away both times I have done it.

In saying that though I think you should really think about whether or not to go, alot of good points in the comments on here.

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Anonymous

I got mine though ANZ. Good luck 🤞
Maybe worth checking your credit rating to see if this is the reason you were knocked back.

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Anonymous

Going to be tough here, if you don't have the cash you don't go. So many people don't get to have a holiday, it's not fun but real life. can you raise the funds for just your partner as it's his sister? and he goes solo? alternatively can his family help with his flights? if no, on all fronts get someone to facetime you and watch from there. this is not the end of the world and i am sure the family will understand financial hardship

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Anonymous

I am on dsp and have a credit card. Just because you are on dsp doesn't disqualify you or mean you have a bad credit history. What will disqualify you is a high debt ratio and unpaid defaults on your credit report. A wedding is not an emergency, in any form.

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