Holiday Credit card?

WellHello

Hi guys, going to mexico in a few weeks and wanted to rent a car whilst out there. Have been told pretty much all rentals need a credit card on file in case anything goes wrong and they need a large amount to cover damages. I've heard stories of a few that do let you use a debit card and then put a big chunk on hold, but I'm not sure I want that or can be bothered to find the ones that do.

I've never used a credit card before so very little about them but would anybody be able to direct me to one I could use on a short term basis, for example just one month use, then paid off in full and then not used again really. If that's possible then also a card that would cover any withdrawals free of charge and cover car insurance whilst out there? Basically a card thats good for travel. Again I know very little about this so any help is great.

Thanks

Browntoa

Forums guide here

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

I have a creation card but there are others

Free ATM withdrawals ( unless the ATM has a fee)

I've used it all over the world without problems

WellHello

Thanks, will check the guide

eco_warrior

Other than overseas fees the other things you mention are something any credit card can be used for. Not using it again after a month would just be your preference.

Ben8282

WellHello wrote: »

I've never used a credit card before

That being the case your chance for being eligible for any card with no foreign transaction fees, free cash withdrawals and free insurance for your hire car is very remote. You could always use an eligibility checker to see what you may be eligible for but in all probability you will have to make do with a low limit starter card which may not even offer you a sufficient credit limit to cover the car rental deposit.

finarts44

Halifax Clarity is great for overseas spending as there is no foreign transaction fee and the exchange rate is much much better than buying travel money. I've used mine for a few years now without any issues, just make sure you pay it back as soon as you get back from your holiday, as cash withdrawals do start generating interest but it usually only works out to be an extra 50p or so by the end of the holiday.

Gloomendoom

WellHello wrote: »

I've never used a credit card before

Have you considered opening an account with the Starling Bank? Their debit card offers all the benefits of travel friendly credit card, apart from the fact that they don't give you any credit so might be easier to get.

Alexd52

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Have you considered opening an account with the Starling Bank? Their debit card offers all the benefits of travel friendly credit card, apart from the fact that they don't give you any credit so might be easier to get.

Another vote for Starling for spending and cash withdrawals, but this may not suffice for the car hire if the company do not accept debit cards

WellHello

Thanks guys, the starling suggestion is great but I'm not so sure car rentals would dig it, being still a debit account. Have looked into a clarity card and I'm getting back a 1200 allowance with 27% apr. A higher allowance would've been great but as it's my first one I'm not sure I'll get better.

Just out of interest as Ben mentioned it above, would the average car rental accept that kind of limit (1200) when going for a family sized car? I know it would vary from place to place, just wondering if anyone's had any experience with using a credit card for it and what kind of limits they wanted.

Thanks

18cc

you could try tandem cc - same good deal as haliifax on exchange rates but cashback as well. or have both just in case... i wouls not venture abroad without at least 2 difference cards.

DCFC79

As said you should really get a second card, Id use the Halifax for the car rental and use Starling or other alternative for normal spending.