Paying for Honeymoon - No credit card yet!

jay_g_4

Hi MSE community,

Perhaps you can help me with the situation I am in. I have a Honeymoon coming up in March (to pay for in December), and it is over £10K. I have the funds in my NatWest current account, which I have a debit card with.

I understand that the cover that I would get from a Debit card is limited in case of anything should happen with the holiday provider, or their contractors which would mean that we couldn't have our honeymoon (I'm thinking things like the company that does the seaplane transfers going under or the holiday company itself getting into troubles (it's Kuoni and Thomson)).

I have never had a credit card as I have never seen the use for one. However I can now see for situations like this, it would be ideal.

But how can I get one with the sort of credit limit that I would want? (the 10K plus figure) - Or is the 'Credit Limit' only when you are using it as an alternative to borrowing? If I have the funds readily available could I use any card and receive the cover I am looking for?

As I have no balance transfers, and no previous cards, I think the sort of card I would benefit the most from is the cashback/reward type. Despite not having a credit card in the past, my credit rating appears to be good.

Can you offer some wisdom?

Regards,

Jamie.

BugsyBrowne

Ask your bank first and if they say no and without any credit history you may have to do with a credit builder card which won't give you a 10k credit limit but maybe £250 if you're lucky.

sfax

You don't need to pay for the whole balance with a credit card to get the S75 cover, just pay a deposit >£100 and the pay the balance with your debit card. You'll also save money this way as most holiday companies will charge a % for using a credit card whereas debit cards are usually free or charge less. If you're buying a package from Thomson you'll be covered by ATOL for flights and accommodation anyway

InsideInsurance

Holiday companies charge a fee on using credit cards for payment and so unless you want to add circa 2% to the cost of your honeymoon dont use a credit card to pay for it all.

The CCA only requires some of the balance to have been charged to a credit card, it doesnt matter how much as long as the total purchase is over £100. So all you need to do is make a token payment and the rest on your debit card to avoid paying over £200 in card fees.

bargainbetty

You should also ensure you have adequate travel insurance, which will cover all eventualities.

£10k for a honeymoon? Wow! That's one hell of a trip!