Travel card options

TobyCG

I ended up opening a Chase account as it seemed the best option overall.

Thanks for the input everyone

Olenna

jbrassy said:

Olenna said:

jbrassy said:

TobyCG said:

Thanks for the input all.

If I were to hedge my bets and look at getting both a credit and debit card, would applying for both of these in quick succession not potentially set of alarms and harm my credit report?

If you're worried about credit checks, I don't think Starling do a hard check, so long as you don't apply for an overdraft.

Why would you opt for Starling - same rate as any other Mastercard, zero cashback and no/limited free ATMs in the USA.

Because the OP was worried about credit checks, hence I was addressing that point.

Chase doesn't do a full credit check either AFAIK

Olenna

TobyCG said:

I ended up opening a Chase account as it seemed the best option overall.

Thanks for the input everyone

Probably the best option for pre-loading being an actual bank account.
You'll probably still want a credit card for hotels check-in, car rental etc.   

NoodleDoodleMan

Chase UK now doing a credit card - not sure if it's available to all customers yet ?

Ideal for the USA if the OP can get one - presumably.

sausage_time

NoodleDoodleMan said:

Chase UK now doing a credit card - not sure if it's available to all customers yet ?

Ideal for the USA if the OP can get one - presumably.

Not yet generally available.  At least not showing for me for now!

NoodleDoodleMan

sausage_time said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

Chase UK now doing a credit card - not sure if it's available to all customers yet ?

Ideal for the USA if the OP can get one - presumably.

Not yet generally available.  At least not showing for me for now!

I was invited to apply when they started issuing them - not sure why I was in that first tranche.

Maybe I'm just one of them good ol'boys !!!

TobyCG

I ended up getting the Halifax Clarity credit card too so, with the Chase debit card, I think that'll cover me

Is it just me or are the credit limits being thrown out these days nuts?  I currently have £59k of credit across my cards which is just insane.  No wonder half the country are up to their eyeballs in debt!

Nasqueron

TobyCG said:

I ended up getting the Halifax Clarity credit card too so, with the Chase debit card, I think that'll cover me

Is it just me or are the credit limits being thrown out these days nuts?  I currently have £59k of credit across my cards which is just insane.  No wonder half the country are up to their eyeballs in debt!

Spending limits are set by the bank based on risk profile, if anything it's the opposite - see the threads on here about Barclays especially cutting limits

Olenna

TobyCG said:

I ended up getting the Halifax Clarity credit card too so, with the Chase debit card, I think that'll cover me

Is it just me or are the credit limits being thrown out these days nuts?  I currently have £59k of credit across my cards which is just insane.  No wonder half the country are up to their eyeballs in debt!

The obvious thing to point out is that you may have issues if Mastercard does down on your travels.
Given it's the US, acceptance isn't likely to be a problem unlike somewhere more exotic.

I'd suggest you take a Visa or Amex with you too even it's not fee free. 

NoodleDoodleMan

If Mastercard becomes unservicable in the USA - we are all in big trouble.