First credit card to hire a car

hannahd11

Hi,
Im renting a car in Spain for 9 days but I need a credit card to give them when I get there, Ive never had one and they're saying it has to cover the excess and deposit (£1450) does any one have any ideas on how to get a credit card with a limit that will cover this? Or any help at all really?

Thanks

eskbanker

Start by checking your credit files to see how you'll be perceived by prospective lenders: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/check-free-credit-report

If you have a relatively weak file, you'll need to start by looking at sub-prime cards: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/bad-credit-credit-cards

You can check which you're most likely to be accepted for with the MSE eligibility checker: https://creditcards.moneysavingexpert.com/?bad-credit

Unfortunately you're not particularly likely to get a card with an initial credit limit of more than £1450 though, so you may need to negotiate with the rental company or find another one.

Sncjw

I got my first card with a higher limit than that so not entirely true

eDicky

You can avoid the need for such a high deposit by purchasing the hire firm's own extra insurance to cover the CDW excess. They will offer you this when you pick up the car. It can be quite expensive, especially if you are choosing one of the cheaper companies (beware!), but buying this cover independently and much cheaper will not remove the need to have a large deposit blocked on your credit card.

ndf9876

As a slight aside, when you sign the car rental agreement, check and read what you're signing (i.e. agreeing to pay charges, paying for optional extras).