Application for credit cards to drive in USA

janiefet

I have a friend whose husband left her with a bad credit rating along with tons of debt which she is paying off, and she has been given the chance to go to USA, but after checking the credit card tool they all come back as her having 0% chance of acquiring a card, but without this she cannot get a car which is essential. Has anyone out there any clues as to how this can be resolved? Thanks.

reclusive46

janiefet wrote: »

I have a friend whose husband left her with a bad credit rating along with tons of debt which she is paying off, and she has been given the chance to go to USA, but after checking the credit card tool they all come back as her having 0% chance of acquiring a card, but without this she cannot get a car which is essential. Has anyone out there any clues as to how this can be resolved? Thanks.

Most of the car rental companies these days in the tourist areas in the US will take a debit card. If she's travelling somewhere else she could ask to be added onto another family members credit card account.

janiefet

reclusive - thanks for that - it looks like her adding her name to another account and getting herself a card that way is the best option.However if they will accept a debit card she has one of those herself so could try that first. Her mum can add her name on (she doesn't live with her mum so hope that's not a problem) - but the credit card is only for about £1000. Is that sufficient for a swipe card?

reclusive46

janiefet wrote: »

reclusive - thanks for that - it looks like her adding her name to another account and getting herself a card that way is the best option.However if they will accept a debit card she has one of those herself so could try that first. Her mum can add her name on (she doesn't live with her mum so hope that's not a problem) - but the credit card is only for about £1000. Is that sufficient for a swipe card?

Yeah that should be. They normally authorise the rental amount + 10 to 20%, so it depends on how much the rental will be.

janiefet

The care will be paid for in the UK - it's merely for the swipe.

reclusive46

janiefet wrote: »

The care will be paid for in the UK - it's merely for the swipe.

Oh I gathered, but they still often authorise the amount you paid again anyway + 10 to 20%.

Dirk_Gently_2

Be aware that many hotels will require a card swipe for potential extras, even if she's paying in cash for the hotel.

And many of them will "reserve" a certain sum from the debit card account, which she might not get back as available in the account for 4-5 days.

janiefet

Then we know what to sort for her now - really appreciate your comments - it's a night mare isn't it? The woman at the car hire place said if you have any bad debt left it means you cannot have a car and that your debt is checked out worldwide. I somehow doubt that happening- I am sure there are other travellers throughout the world that have owed money to someone when they have hired a car.......
This would be such a shame as she deserves a good holiday - especially now she is almost debt free.

reclusive46

janiefet wrote: »

Then we know what to sort for her now - really appreciate your comments - it's a night mare isn't it? The woman at the car hire place said if you have any bad debt left it means you cannot have a car and that your debt is checked out worldwide. I somehow doubt that happening- I am sure there are other travellers throughout the world that have owed money to someone when they have hired a car.......
This would be such a shame as she deserves a good holiday - especially now she is almost debt free.

They can credit check US citizens but not foreigners.

Also one other tip for her if she finds herself paying by debit card for anything else. If she's asked Credit or Debit, she should Credit anyway (Even though its a debit card), Debit is for US debit cards only. By pressing Credit all she's doing is saying she wants to process the transaction over Visa/MC/Amex.

janiefet

Brilliant advice - thanks!

Usa2012

I didn't own a credit card when I went in april 2012, but had no problems using my debit card for this. They swipe it, but it didn't affect my available balance either. Its just in case when you return the car, if its not filled with gas or there is any damage they charge your card using the details held at the time of the swipe. Its also to quicken the process as you litteraly jump out the car, they check it and off you go. They always give a small receipt too to say nothing is owing. (keep this safe for a few months afterwards to be extra safe as its your proof). x