Same situation here a few months back. Ended up using https://paybis.com/buy-chainlink/ and it sorted it without any drama pick your amount, enter your wallet address, pay by card and LINK shows up. No exchange account in the middle, no waiting around for tier upgrades or whatever. Rates and fees are laid out before you confirm so you know exactly what you're getting into. For a straightforward purchase it's hard to find fault with it honestly.