No credit card for USA

kennedys

I am going to New York, Miami & Mexico next week & don't have a credit card (poor credit rating).
Does anyone know how I will manage as some hotels ask for an imprint on check in or when hiring a car?
I'm getting a bit worried as only have cash to take.
Help please!!

sturll

Bad news and Good.

The bad news is you do tend to need a credit card for most things in the USA - particularly your car. Also hotels etc. I really do think you'll struggle without one - but it can be done.

The good news is that in both the UK and USA you can now get a Visa which you pre load. I would strongly suggest you look at getting one of those.

monkeyspanner

How about a pre-paid card. You pre-load funds and can use them like a credit card. American Express used to do one but I think that was withdrawn. Travelex do one in conjunction with visa, see this link
http://www.travelex.co.uk/uk/cashpassportcurrency.aspx

kennedys

Thanks for that.

I have just ordered a Fair FX card but understood that if I use that, the amount is deducted as a security deposit when hiring a car. This will mean all my money will be taken up & I'll have no more money!

Any ideas?

jammin_2

Another option is the Tuxedo Pre-paid Mastercard.

monkeyspanner

Probably best to check with the car hire company. If you are going to hire a car in the USA its best to prebook via a uk company like www.holidayautos.co.uk you will get a better deal.

sturll

kennedys wrote: »

Thanks for that.

I have just ordered a Fair FX card but understood that if I use that, the amount is deducted as a security deposit when hiring a car. This will mean all my money will be taken up & I'll have no more money!

Any ideas?

Not 100% you see sometimes the money is secured on my Visa when i hire a car - other times its not.

steveo3002

monkeyspanner wrote: »

Probably best to check with the car hire company. If you are going to hire a car in the USA its best to prebook via a uk company like www.holidayautos.co.uk you will get a better deal.

still need the credit card with holiday autos

ive been asked for ccard at every u.s hotel and car rental

wouldnt the prepaid be the same as a debit card? , theyve refused those when ive offered them before

id imagine you will have to leave hefty cash deposits

kennedys

oh dear.

is it likely to cause problems on check in to hotels?

sturll

kennedys wrote: »

oh dear.

is it likely to cause problems on check in to hotels?

I could be wrong, but am sure if you book the hotel through Expedia you dont need to use a CC on check in. In fact im pretty sure. If they do ask for a CC swipe just say you wont be using the phone/safe/wifi etc...

pulliptears

We were in california for 3 weeks over the summer and didnt take a card. The hotel were happy to take a $100 travellers cheque as a deposit, which came in useful actually as we had $100 at the end of the holiday for food, gifts etc in the airport. Contact your hotel and check.

We didnt hire a car, we relied on public transport, so I cant help on that side.