Do I need a Credit Card to Travel Abroad

smurkej

Hi,

I am visiting Iceland next year and wondered if I need a credit card to travel with. At the moment I do not have one.

I have a Visa Debit card and have paid for the flights with that and was going to pay for everything with it but I have been advised by the old man to get a credit card as a neccessity, I don't think I would be able to get one with my credit rating though.

Is it really necessary that I have one? We are planning car hire and I've already paid for one tour with my Visa Debit card but I'm now reluctant to purchase anything else as I may not be protected if companies go bust etc.

Many thanks for any help.

Paully232000

I guess nobody 'needs' a CC to travel abroad, but sure they come in handy and are good in case of emergencies. Also, like you say for that added protection should anything untoward happen with anything you purchase prior to or while you are away.

Might be a moot point given you say; 'I don't think I would be able to get one with my credit rating though', why do you think that?

grumbler

Reportedly, for hiring a car you usually need a credit card - this is the only thing that can make a CC 'necessary'.

However, it normally costs you at least ~2.75% to use an ordinary debit card abroad. You can do much better with a right debit or credit card:

• Your Card's Overseas Charges

InsideInsurance

grumbler wrote: »

Reportedly, for hiring a car you usually need a credit card - this is the only thing that can make a CC 'necessary'.

Whilst many car hire companies say its a credit card they need I am yet to find one that hasnt accepted a debit card or charge card. Arguably its a bit of a gamble if they say one thing and you dont bring that with you but not one I've ever had a problem with

pacontracting

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Whilst many car hire companies say its a credit card they need I am yet to find one that hasnt accepted a debit card or charge card. Arguably its a bit of a gamble if they say one thing and you dont bring that with you but not one I've ever had a problem with

Agreed. Most hire car companies I've come across are happy to accept any variable payment type (debit/credit/charge).

smurkej

Thanks for the info.. I've had a look at the best Debit Cards abroad and Norwich & Peterborough's Gold Account seems to be the best, no foreign loading fee, withdrawal fee or purchase fee. Has anyone ever used this bank / card before?

Voyager2002

smurkej wrote: »

Thanks for the info.. I've had a look at the best Debit Cards abroad and Norwich & Peterborough's Gold Account seems to be the best, no foreign loading fee, withdrawal fee or purchase fee. Has anyone ever used this bank / card before?

It is a good account but note the requirement to pay in 500 pounds each month. And do be aware that it does not support faster payments.

smurkej

Voyager2002 wrote: »

It is a good account but note the requirement to pay in 500 pounds each month. And do be aware that it does not support faster payments.

Thanks, still don't know if I am better switching my current bank account to this or would I be able to just open another bank account with N&P?

Or.. would I be just better off with a credit card?

smurkej

Halifax Clarity Card seems a good one...?

grumbler

Indeed, it's good.

DCFC79

You dont need a credit card but they are handy to have, the Halifax Clarity Card is 1 I have seen mentioned alot. Even if you dont use it, at least you have it there just in case.