Credit card to pay for holiday

Nohopeharry

Hi, I was wondering if someone can advise me.

I have never had a credit card before, but I am thinking about applying for one to pay for a holiday to get the payment protection incase something falls through. The only problem is that I will probably only use it to pay for this holiday and nothing else, so could someone advise me on what card to apply for? I will probably pay it off in one hit and as far as I know my credit rating is good.

Many thanks

Craig1981

your best bet would be a Purchase card - offering 0% on purchases for a set period of time... however if you plan on using it abroad as well, best to apply for a spending abroad card, which wont charge you transaction fees etc for using it abroad

use an eligibility checker to see what may be available to you on this basis, will all come down to your own individual circumstances
https://www.moneysupermarket.com/credit-cards/

rating/score is not seen by lenders, they go on what your history is like

NoodleDoodleMan

You can also use this on your holiday abroad without fees on ATM withdrawals and paying for goods and services.

https://www.barclaycard.co.uk/personal/platinum-travel-credit-card

A backup card is more or less essential, in which case the Halifax Clarity is a favourite recommendation of travellers.

Don't worry about not using it back in the UK, I've have both the above and only use them on holidays.

Nasqueron

The credit card for holiday is a good idea and to help you out in emergencies. However, the CC / S75 protection shouldn't be needed as you'll have already got travel insurance by then and that would be your first port of call in most cases. Section 75 cover is fairly limited (generally for breaches of contract for the most part e.g. if the airline went bust) not for the more common issues of holidays.

Sncjw

That’s what insurance is for isn’t it.

Nohopeharry

Hi, thank you all for your help. I used the eligibility checker and decided to go with the Barclaycard Platinum travel card as it doesn't charge interest on purchases abroad, so I'll have extra back up there too. I always thought that travel insurance covered medical stuff mainly, didn't realise it covered the cost of the holiday, so I'll be getting that too.

Thanks!

NoodleDoodleMan

decided to go with the Barclaycard Platinum travel card as it doesn't charge interest on purchases abroad,

Nor for cash withdrawals from ATMs - but make sure that the hole in the wall's bank doesn't charge their own "nice little earner" commission as well. That is becoming more and more common it seems.

Nohopeharry

Ok, thanks for the heads up, I'll look out for that if I need to use the card Odd question, but if you never use the credit card do they become inactive?

eco_warrior

I’ve worked in cards/disputes/section75 for years and would always pay my holiday (in full) via credit card if possible.

I know most holidays pass without issues but it’s the best way to pay imo. And of course get travel insurance as well as soon as the holiday is booked not the day before you fly out.

chattychappy

OP: you are doing well if you get a "mainstream" card with a decent limit if you've never had a card before.

Once you have it, why not use it all the time, paying off monthly? Generally S75 applies to items over £100, so could be handy if you have problems with a trader.