Any question answered...

Got banned.

Saw GP. Used their electronic tester and was blowing at 70% of where I should be for my height and age. This is while warm and with no exercise since Saturday's audax so guess it kind of tallies with the shitty 50% results I was getting on the plastic unit after the ride(s).

Now I have yet another visit to Ealing hospital for chest x-ray and she's written me a prescription for Salbutamol.

I thought I might get to 40 before falling apart but looks like this chassis has been ridden into the ground a few years early...

In the words of Dr. Indiana Jones, 'It's not the years, it's the mileage'.

You left out the "honey"

This is true. It seemed inappropriate in the context. Much as I admire @hippy and all...

I suppose, best not to get his hopes up.

I need a credit card, mainly for work expenses (train tickets, meals, flights etc).

I don't have one. I have only ever had one and that came with my student bank account. It got abused 11 years ago, paid off then destroyed.

I am 3 months into my first mortgage and my credit rating is fine.

The plan would be to use it solely for work expenses, claim, and then pay off ASAFP.

No need for any transfer bollocks, I've no other debt that needs to be moved around. Just want something easy to use, basically.

Stool samples. Is it OK to prepare one 12 hours before? And if so should I refridgerate (I don't fancy putting it in our fridge if I do)? Or does it have to be fresh?

I forgot to ask the GP.

It's a path that could only ever lead to disappointment.

^^^ Oh, they're all easy to use.

what do you mean by 'prepare'? Eat dinner?

To clarify, I mean a relatively easy user interface so I can track the spendz. Also, wider acceptance might be useful.

AMEX are tempting as the BA tie ins look good but anywhere I've worked in retail/service (at least in the UK), didn't accept AMEX

I'd like to avoid booking another flight to Colorado and Hotels on my debit card, if at all possible.

If the plan is to reclaim and pay off in full every month then I'd go with the Amex Gold charge card https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/content/gold-card/ More places are accepting Amex than in the past, they're making a concerted effort to get smaller businesses on board.

Probably the best benefits of a card at the moment. It's free for the first year and then £140 after that so cancel it at the end of the first year.

Scoop up a 'spoonful' for the sample jar. I'm not sure if I can squeeze one out before I go to the GP surgey as I have an early meeting.

I'm quite happy with the service I get from Nationwide. Not the best deal on interest rate, but their internet banking works, it's Visa, and I've purchased in many countries and online with it no problem. Never had horrible charges out of the blue, everything is well documented.

Maybe consider Natwest as well, I've heard more or less positive things about them, but not used their online banking.

I'm in Canada and my travels in US and Eurzone have shown me that the most commonly accepted are Mastercard, Visa and Amex, in that order. Amex are often unknown to many businesses.

Although if you're travelling abroad you probably want one of each. I've found weird places that only take Mastercard and not Visa and vice versa in both the US and Far East.

Might be worth considering either your current bank or Halifax Clarity Card as it has no fees for international usage

Can I have your Shiv?

Savin' that for later...

Use your banks basic offering. Or maybe a points one you can use to redeem against flights. They might cost a bit more but if you can put a lot through them, they can pay off.

For me, or you though? :)

I wonder if they check international cards? ie. would I be able to get the welcome bonus, even though I have an Aussie Amex?

Yes*.

*after I receive £10,000 (cash or bank transfer, I'm easy)

I have a separate BA Amex, still got the welcome bonus on the Gold.