CREDIT CARD Wanted - to apply for US Visa?

storminmike

Going to the states soon and I understand that you need a CC to apply online?

HELP NEEDED PLEASE

What kind must it be?

I dont intend on spending any money on it (apart from maybe the need above)

might be usefull for a few US purchases..but not too many

have funds to pay it off ASAP and dont like credit generally

I bank with the Natwest if that makes application easier and faster

I need money for the US for spends too...can I combine my needs or is it a dangerous road...don't want massive charges

What are my options?

Dabooka

Normally, the best place to start is your bank as they have a long standing history you. I wonder why you need a cc to apply?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Have you checked to see if you need a visa? If it's for a holiday you can probably use the Visa Waiver Program.

storminmike

Fruit_and_Nut_Case wrote: »

Have you checked to see if you need a visa? If it's for a holiday you can probably use the Visa Waiver Program.

Dabooka wrote: »

Normally, the best place to start is your bank as they have a long standing history you. I wonder why you need a cc to apply?

The waiver program is an online application now...not the card on the plane

you need a C card (I think) to fill it in


Before you begin this application, make sure that you have a valid passport and credit card available. This application will only accept the following credit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover

see here



https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_cEF1062C3-9110-A41E-883C-7E6F7B4A88E1_k0F142729-EC02-5D2D-8170-A5796FC0D0E6

ceh209

In the US I found they used credit and debit card interchangeably, or the other way round from us. Are you sure you can't use a debit card for the ESTA? (I presume that's what it is you're wanting)

If you really can't, a prepaid card might be your easiest option?


Edit:

"The ESTA system currently accepts only the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover."

Do you have a visa debit card? That might work.

storminmike

ceh209 wrote: »

In the US I found they used credit and debit card interchangeably, or the other way round from us. Are you sure you can't use a debit card for the ESTA? (I presume that's what it is you're wanting)

If you really can't, a prepaid card might be your easiest option?

Paying for stuff is a bit secondary but I get your drift.

You do seem to need a CC for the online visa waiver

Before you begin this application, make sure that you have a valid passport and credit card available. This application will only accept the following credit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover


Will any of these suffice?

http://www.natwest.com/personal/credit-cards.ashx

Toe-Jam

A visa debit card will work. Just select visa from the list it will work.

When you use your UK debit card outside the UK it is processed like a credit card anyway.

hunsbury0

The best card is Halifax Clarity credit card as far as I am concerned as they do NOT load up extra charges as long as you settle your statement in full.
The official fee for ESTA visa scheme is $14.
Do not pay any more than this. There lots of scamming sites that charge you more & they are official looking sites.

The official site is http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/

I used Halifax Clarity credit card & this official US site & cost me $14.

JaymesKenin_2

Hi, I used my Visa debit card and it worked fine.

lisyloo

The best card is Halifax Clarity credit card as far as I am concerned as they do NOT load up extra charges as long as you settle your statement in full.

For purchases - yes.
For cash they charge interest.
It's still a cracking deal if you pay it off as soon as you get back, but it's not completely free for cash but one of the best deals around.

pacontracting

Also note, it's $14 per person for an ESTA.

Bear in mind that if you don't have a credit card, US immigration may ask how you intend to pay for your stay. A debit card would be fine as proof here.

If you are staying at a hotel - they will ask for a credit card. If you hire a car, they will ask for a credit card. I would never use a debit card in the US as the security arrangements are terrible e.g. no chip and pin. When you sign the slip - they don't bother to look at your signature. As long as their terminal gives them an authorisation code - they don't care who the card holder is.

As such, I wouldn't want to expose my current account to anyone - hence a credit card.