Need credit card for holiday

yogi_brrr

Hi all,


Need some wisdom. I will be going to Costa Rica in a few weeks and plan to hire a car. The rental comp recommend paying the deposit with a credit card. I am pretty clueless when it comes to credit cards (never had one before) and would like some advice about which one to go for. What are some other considerations ? And which cards offer the best deal ?


Many thanks for your comments!

jonesMUFCforever

Go to your bank - they will be able to let you know whether you qualify.

grumbler

yogi_brrr wrote: »

... And which cards offer the best deal

MSE article: Your Card: Overseas Charges

Halifax Clarity CC is the best, but you are unlikely to get it as your first CC. Aqua Reward is more realistic, but the limit will be small.

PeacefulSlumber

I was in this situation a few years back and a relative got me a second card on their account. It was in my name and came through in a couple of days, it was ok for the car hire company and i just gave my relative the cash to clear the bill. I've never used it again since.

yogi_brrr

Thanks all for your very helpful comments. I have been looking into the Halifax Clarity and Aqua. Neither offer interest-free cash withdrawals. Is it pretty normal ? What would be the best way to get cash in that case ? I have just used my HSBC debit card in the past.

grumbler

yogi_brrr wrote: »

Thanks all for your very helpful comments. I have been looking into the Halifax Clarity and Aqua. Neither offer interest-free cash withdrawals.

You want toooo much from a CC. Did you not want it for car hire in the first place?

Is it pretty normal ?

Yes.

What would be the best way to get cash in that case ? I have just used my HSBC debit card in the past.

You did read the article I quoted above, didn't you?

Halifax Clarity is the best because it doesn't charge any fees unlike most cards. The interest is just ~1% p.m., and, if you really need loads of cash, you can pay the cash advances off early if you wish to make the interest next to zero.

Barclaycard charges 3% for currency exchange, like most cards, but doesn't charge any fee for ATM withdrawals abroad (only).

BTW, your Halifax debit card is one of "cards from hell".

yogi_brrr

LOL Yes, it is for hiring a car. As I said, Im not familiar with credit cards so wasn't sure what was possible. I have applied online for the Clarity card and it has been approved, however, Im not sure what my credit limit will be. I asked for £3000 which I need to cover the rental and the deposit.