Best Credit Card For Holiday - First Time Credit Card

ModDrummer

Hi - Need some advice for my up coming holiday.

I need a credit card in order to rent a car whilst abroad in Canada. I also would like it for safety as we have a handful of internal flights etc. In case we miss something then need to buy a flight home in an emergency. Currently with Barclays, have been for years. Never had a credit card before. I am a self employed musician, believe I have a fairly good credit score as I've not been refused credit/finance before.

Any help would be great. I don't intend in spending much on it and will pay the balance off when I return. At the same time I don't want to get charged for things that I don't need etc.

Thanks!

System

Probably something like the Aqua Reward card since it's your first card but will be commission free for purchases.

Failing that Barclays will probably issue you a Barclaycard but will charge 2.99% on everything in Canadian Dollars.

You can also use your Barclays Debit card in Scotia Bank ATMs in Canada for a 2.99% fee.

grumbler

It's worth saying that Aqua will almost definitely have below £500 limit.

Creation Everyday CC is worth considering/trying too.

ModDrummer

Thank you all for your advice. Went with Barclays today for the Barclaycard as they were able to give me the best credit limit for the time being. Thanks again

chattychappy

Barclaycard is actually pretty good for overseas cash.

Most CCs will charge you a forex loading (?3%), a fee (?3%)) and interest from date of withdrawal.

For foreign ATM withdrawals, Barclaycard do charge a single fee of 2.99%, but after that they treat it as a purchase - ie up to 56 days interest free. True there are some cards that are totally loading/fee free. But you do have to pay them promptly to avoid too much interest.

Bear in mind that CCs can be a bit unreliable overseas - prone to blocks. Take backups!