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Hi, I love my new found hobby, and this site, although I've only posted my problems on here, I think I might be able to help people a couple of years down the line...

First off I'm 15, and aren't allowed a credit card till I'm 16.

But yeah, I'm starting to find the lack of a credit/debit card a bit of a hindrance for storing and collecting autographs.

For one, I have nothing to send celebrities, and as stamps aren't cheap, I don't want to risk hoping that the celebrities have a photo to sign, and It's quite rude asking for them to sign and send you something, P.S. I hate index cards, I like the signature to be on the picture of the actual celebrity, that's just my opinion though. And to get quality prints, I need the assistance of the internet, as I can get 30 pictures free at a time on snap fish, I just need the method of paying 99p.

Also for storage, I really want to buy high end acid free protector pockets, but can't find any of them in and around my city, so I need a debit card for them aswell. They're also cheaper on the internet.

Also, I'd love to use the 'Buy/Trade' part of this site, but it's also mostly 'paypal only.'

Do you think the lack of internet purchasing affects the quality of a collection?
Is there a way to buy online, without a credit card? Like a gift voucher or something?

Cheers
Paul.

Do you have a bank account? As you're old enough for a debit card so ask them or open an account to get one.

My parents strongly wont let me till I'm 16.

Stores like wal-mart and most banks you can take in cash and get a prepaid credit/debitcard for a fee but they work just as a debit credit card but can only use the money that is on the card. So this might be an option for you. I hope this helps.

I find acid and PVC free photo albums that are unused and un opened at the thrift store all the time. Check your, they usually have about 20 pockets.

I understand not having a credit card (I dont think you are allowed one at 16 either, I think it's 18), however I'm not sure on their logic for debit cards. With a debit card you can only take out money you already have in your account. Perhaps suggest to them that you get a card in your name, but the cash in it is managed by your parents. Do you get an allowance? You could ask them to put it in that so that you can access the money when you need it. They could keep the card, so you would have to ask for it when you need to buy something.

Failing that, ask if you can have something and they pay for it with theirs? If you do get an allowance you can pay them back anything they have to spend.

I rarely buy anything with my card however. I get stamps and photos at my local Asda/Walmart.

I have to say that I have not found a credit or debit card to be mandatory. But this hobby does cost quite a lot so you do need to have a way to pay for it. Do you get an allowance or have an after school job? If not, you might talk to your parents about earning some cash. If you do have some income you need to learn to save your money and prioritize your requests with other expences.

Another way to get stamps and other materials for this hobby is to ask for them as gifts (Christmas is just around the corner).

BossC

You're in the UK..

Frames, I make do with clip frames, i've had my first ever autograph I got YEARS ago still in the same clip frame, its still in mint condition (it was done in red Biro though, so hard to see lol)

Go to dunelm mill (100's around the country) you can get clip frames from 39p. Bargain.

Surely you have a printer? Most printers are now capable of photo printing, if not.. Tesco have an online service, where you order them online, and collect them and pay for them in store (larger stores only).

Stamps? Head to the post office, and buy a few in advance depending on how much you have to spend. Post offices are usually quite nice if you want to buy their envelopes too, I bought 20 A5 peel and seal envelopes for £2 from my local PO.

There are many work arounds, to be honest the only thing I buy online for my autographs is my photo paper and ink for my photo printer, even then I could still get that in store for about the same price.

Most UK banks (not building societies) will give you a debit card from 13+. Just walk into your bank and ask them to order one, it's free of charge, and can be delivered to the bank or your home. Your parents legally can't stop you from getting a debit card, I know that sounds kind of mean to say, but it's a fact, it's your money and taking your debit card from you is effectively theft.

Best of luck!

Credit/Debit card are the best tools we can have in this modern world. With the proper use of credit/debit cards, its the best thing you could ever have to live a good life and to inappropriate or using carelessly can push you into debts. Hence, it totally depends on you that how you use this credit or debit cards.