Using Pre-loaded CC or Visa Debit overseas

sjw64

Hi

Half credit card – half debit card question.

A few years ago I got myself into debt (behind/missed payments with various CC providers and as a result my credit rating is very poor so the chances of obtaining another CC is slim indeed. Why would I want another CC when due to bad financial management on my behalf I hear you ask?

Well next year my financial status changes dramatically when my private pension pays out. I will receive a six figure lump sum and a guaranteed salary for the rest of my life. I will have no debt whatsoever, my mortgage will have been paid off and being only 48 I’m hoping for a few years yet before I pop off. I intend to travel a lot around the world but because (by then) my credit rating will still be naff = no credit card to help with my travels. So my question is …can I use my Nationwide Debit Card with the Visa logo sign on it as a sort of CC abroad, everywhere. Also are preloaded CC accepted overseas? I would hate to book/pay hotels/Hire cars etc when you need a CC to secure car/hotel with when you check in etc. I will be loading about £3k on it, which one is best?

Finally what do you think my chances are if I talk to my bank (Nationwide) in person after my pension is paid and all my debts on shown as paid/settled etc and asking them for a CC. Online application will certainly reject straight away but a ‘in person’ request with explanation etc might help.

Thanks

grumbler

sjw64 wrote: »

So my question is …can I use my Nationwide Debit Card with the Visa logo sign on it as a sort of CC abroad, everywhere. Also are preloaded CC accepted overseas?

Yes to both questions, but it's always advised to have backup cards.

I would hate to book/pay hotels/Hire cars etc when you need a CC to secure car/hotel with when you check in etc. I will be loading about £3k on it, which one is best?

I think if they require a CC, a prepaid card will not do the job.
For general use abroad see MSE article: Your Card's Overseas Charges

Finally what do you think my chances are if I talk to my bank (Nationwide) in person after my pension is paid and all my debts on shown as paid/settled etc and asking them for a CC. Online application will certainly reject straight away but a ‘in person’ request with explanation etc might help.

AFAIK, computers rule the banks nowadays and branches staff is usually powerless.

SammenForLivet2

AFAIK, computers rule the banks nowadays and branches staff is usually powerless.

If your initially declined, you could appeal and provide proof of your '6 figure' lump sum (savings) and regular penision coming in. I don't know if Nationwide do this, but I do believe that Halifax do - as when reading the 'How we credit score you' leaflet (they sent in the welcome pack for my current account) they said this.

In the interim, if you have £200 - why not see if Capital One Secured Card will take you, and then at least you will have a little credit history prior to your application? You'll get the £200 back when you close your account - just make sure you repay in full.

Battleaxe44

I always use my two pre paid credit cards overseas, never had a problem with them. When used it is a small percentage for the transactiion of the cost of whatever you have bought using it, after all they wont be chargingyou interest on it.

I had the option of paying £4.99 a month to have the card or % of purchases, so opted for % of purchases rather than paying £4.99 each month even if the card is not being used. The % rate works cheaper than the $4.99 each month charge.

I can load each card with £3000.00 and use it for hire cars, hotels and the like. I do use my debit card for every day purchases. Also I make sure I have of £1000.00 of local currency in cash. I pay for food and other things using the cash. In all the years I have never had a problem.

I applied for the pre paid credit cards on line with no problems, no credit check and from memory I paid £9.99 to open each account.

izools

If you have a Nationwide Bank Account you may want to consider applying for the Nationwide Select credit card - maybe not just yet if you've had credit issues but say a month before you start to go travelling.

You probably know what benefits it offers as you bank with them - fee / commission use abroad and 0.5% cashback on all purchases, so a great combination for what you want.

They aren't overly strict so you should be OK especially if you hold off until your bad credit has got a bit older before applying.

What credit issues have you had in the past exactly if you don't mind my asking?

Buzby

Per paid cards are invariably rejected by car hire companies as there is no security for them to 're-Dip' should they need to.

Battleaxe44

Buzby wrote: »

Per paid cards are invariably rejected by car hire companies as there is no security for them to 're-Dip' should they need to.

Buzby, I use mine for Hertz. Never had a problem..it was last used in July when I booked the car for Texas

jonesMUFCforever

This reply has nothing to do with the original question but OP are you sure that you can cash in your pension next year when you will only be 49?

sjw64

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

This reply has nothing to do with the original question but OP are you sure that you can cash in your pension next year when you will only be 49?

Yes ..30yr public sector is up & Im done.

Thanks for the replies. Some say yes some say no.