Never had a credit card before - advice?

[Zenith]

The only reason I am considering getting one is because I'm off on holiday in March and the rental car company has ensured I must have a credit card to secure booking. "The main driver must be in possession of a Credit Card in their own name when picking up the car. The Card must have enough available funds to cover the excess / deposit amount (which will be blocked on the Card for the duration of the rental). The Card will also be required to pay for local fees, extra equipment and anything purchased additionally at the car hire counter.Cash and Debit cards are not accepted."These are the two I was looking at because I am going overseas, and post office do not charge any interest rates on the 'platinum' but other than that, what do you recommend I go for as I can't see much difference? http://www.postoffice.co.uk/credit-card/platinumhttp://www.postoffice.co.uk/credit-card/matchedI am 22 with no bad credit history, I hope?! I have never missed a bill payment and paid off an overdraft after a few weeks, never been declared bankrupt etc.

[Zenith]

Sorry for the block text, CCMB isn't working properly again http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/xmasrubchin.gif

[NigelBlues]

The only reason I am considering getting one is because I'm off on holiday in March and the rental car company has ensured I must have a credit card to secure booking. A good comparison website such as Money saving expert, money supermarket can shop around and find you the best deal and check if you are eligible too.

[TH63]

I'd recommend the platinum card on the basis that it unlike the other card, it doesn't charge a fee for foreign currency transactions, plus it has a lower Apr (interest).Whatever you do, don't overspend on it and pay the full balance before the statement date, otherwise you get clobbered for interest.Used sensibly credit cards are great, not sensibly and people can get themselves into a world of trouble.

[Howl]

I'd be pretty surprised if they let you have a Platinum card. Not having bad credit rating isn't the same as having good credit rating. Unfortunately, if you've always lived within your means, you'll more than likely have a very small credit history which in my experience is almost as bad as having negative history. It's total bullshit, but them's the breaks. You'll definitely get a credit card of some sort, and it's worth trying for these two, but don't be shocked if you get turned down. Your safest bet would be to ask the bank you already have a current account with.

[blue matt]

Not sure on how old you are, but well done on not having one http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gif

If you are not really young and have managed without one for sometime, i would personally not bother with one and get a " pre paid credit card " you load the money on before you go, you say you are going on holiday, so just get a prepaid travel card in that currency, load it with what the car hire need and then a little extra and way you go

you could look at something like the Travelex Supercard or the " revolut " card

you can have the app on your phone, leave your money in your bank account and if needed, just move the money over to your card

we all know people with 10's of thousands of quid on credit cards, in the wrong hands they are horrid things. i know someone who has more on his credit card than i have a mortgage, scarey stuff, he will never pay it of, just covers the interest every month

[Jimmy the Jock]

You can buy stuff you previously thought you couldnt afford. Enjoy yourself you only live once.....

[Harry Monk]

If you die in debt, you've made a profit in your life. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/xmasthumbup.gif

[Barry Dragon]

Interest rate and interest free rates are the only thing that matters. Don't worry about any extras.

Comparison sites will let you know best deals, might be worth going through a cash back site if any offers out there.

Don't blow it all straight away, so easily done.

[Mabinogion]

Have a look at this one:

http://www.halifax.co.uk/creditcards/clarity-card/

Works out as one of the cheapest cards to use abroad. As said, set up a Direct Debit to pay the balance off in full each month.

[Zenith]

I would get a pre paid credit card but the rental company doesn't accept them.

How much credit limit can I expect on my first time? I need to to be at least £550 for the car alone, starting to think it was a bad idea - or are all car rental companies in the US like this?

[Mabinogion]

I believe it is an American thing. I would imagine a £1,500 limit would be available.

BTW, if you take one of the no fees worldwide cards, if you are given a choice, always opt to pay in the local currency, not in Sterling. No-one will beat the rate the card companies charge and retailers with charge you at a very poor exchange rate.

[Zenith]

I believe it is an American thing. I would imagine a £1,500 limit would be available.If I apply for both will this effect my credit rating?

[Barry Dragon]

Anywhere from £500 to £1500 initial limit.

[Barry Dragon]

If you do go for the PostOffice one, there is £26 cashback through topcashback (http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/picsnfun) (link will get you £5 amazon giftcard)

Halifax, Nationwide, Amex, Barlcaycard, Lloyds also have cashback.

[kingbillyboy]

sign up for experian, it will do a soft search on your credit file and tell you what you're likely to be elijible for. That way you won't wreck your credit record by applying for cards left right and centre.

[Mrs Steve R]

Don't get one. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gif

[Zenith]

sign up for experian, it will do a soft search on your credit file and tell you what you're likely to be elijible for. That way you won't wreck your credit record by applying for cards left right and centre.I'm guessing this limits me quite a lot. I have a couple of matches at least.

[Steve R]

Will you really need a car? You off to Florida or is it more of a driving holiday?

[blue matt]

I would get a pre paid credit card but the rental company doesn't accept them. you could always pre-book the card and do something like " express check-out " as then you will see the card has worked, the system has no way to tell its a pre-paid, as it will just " put on hold " a certain amount of cash, if you have that on the card, you will pass the test

[Zenith]

Will you really need a car? You off to Florida or is it more of a driving holiday? I've been accepted now with Barclaycard with a decent amount, so panic over.

[Zenith]

Thanks for everyone for the advice on here, much appreciated as always http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/xmasthumbup.gif