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30 year old...never had a credit card. Help!

dubb
dubb Posts: 130 Forumite
Ninth Anniversary
Folks, I'm looking to kneel at the font of knowledge here on MSE.

I'm 30 years of age and have never had a need for a credit until now. Heading to Italy, the second week of August, and our family has a rented a car to help us get around. With me being the rentor on the policy I need to have a credit card, in my name, for the deposit to be taken off (£750) that will be refunded when the car is returned.

I signed up for a free Experian report, and seen that my credit score is 997/999! I bank with Halifax, I've got two accounts with them. The starter info seems to be to get a card with who you bank with? If so, am I looking at the Clarity Card? Will there be any charges on a deposit that is taken off a credit card abroad?

Apologies if I'm ruining credit card talk, I really am at 101 level!

Thanks.

Comments

  • King_Of_Fools
    King_Of_Fools Posts: 1,612 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    For your situation the obvious card to apply for is Halifax Clarity as you already bank with them so they know your history. It is also the ideal card to use abroad due to it not having any charges for purchases.

    Usually, hire car companies do not physically take the deposit from the card they just pre-authorise and place a hold on the amount of the deposit so there should be no charges.
  • dubb
    dubb Posts: 130 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary
    Much appreciated King. Thanks.
  • jamesperrett
    jamesperrett Posts: 1,013 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Do you actually need a credit card? I would have thought that the deposit could also be taken from a debit card but I might be wrong...
  • dubb
    dubb Posts: 130 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary
    Exactly what I thought James. Unfortunately it stated on the booked receipt that it has to be a credit card.
  • Marcio45
    Marcio45 Posts: 240 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Posts
    In my experience big rental companies always demand a credit card (not a debit or prepaid card). Exception is sometimes small local rental companies that either dont demand a deposit (all inclusive insurance) or accept cash deposits/debit cards.
  • kerrazoo
    kerrazoo Posts: 63 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    It would be a good idea to get your first credit card from the bank you have been dealing with as said before... they will know you are a good customer and a couple of years back would have been trying to get you to sign up for other items from them.



    But luckily enough Halifax clarity is a top card for dealing abroad, so even better to have in your pocket.


    Sometimes you are just lucky :T
  • PeacefulWaters
    PeacefulWaters Posts: 8,495 Forumite
    Remember to organise car hire excess insurance before you collect the car.

    One possible company to use here:
    http://www.carhireexcess.co.uk
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