I'm happy to say that I've never owned a credit card before, but the missus and I are planning to book a rather expensive flight and after our last scrape with Easyjet going bust and almost losing our airfare, we have seen the error of our ways and so would like the extra protection afforded by credit cards (refunds, etc) in order to pay (we already have the money saved up).
So, what's the cheapest and most hassle-free credit card to use in order to pay the
Look on moneysavingexpert.co.uk , (there is even a newbie section for credit card users!), just make sure you get one with no annual fee. If you want to make some money, get a 0% one and spread the payments out over the next 9 months or so...that will also counteract the likely 2% or so fee for using the card. BTW, it can easily take a month to get a card so take that into account (not sure when you will be booking your flight)
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If you trust yourselves to pay off the amount in full each month why not keep the card? You will have the similar purchase protection on anything else you buy (over £100).
If you do get a card check the offers they may have on medical/travel insurance for you holiday/trip. It may be cheaper than that offered by the travel agent.
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When electing the card check that you can get a credit limit at least equal to what you want to spend on the card. Depending on your income or credit rating the card company may not wish to give a first time user a credit limit of £2000
Make sure that you don't miss a payment - be careful that you are not on an extended holiday during the period when the first payment is due. You will be penalised for non-payment. Some cards offer the option of a direct debit from a bank account for the minimum payment (or a user selected amount) each month so you always make some form of pay.
Remember: some airlines now charge extra for credit card transactions (not sure about sleazey jet). I believe one US air-line refuse CC transactions (of course it is because they are basically bankrupt). Also: if you book direct with airline you can have less protection than using a reputable/bonded agent, although airlines now are doing there utmost to cut out the agents completely.
Another point: you cannot 'cancel' a card easily. Cutting it up makes no difference: it is an 'account' not a card. It is only truly cancelled after expiry date; but you can write to them clearly indicating you intentions (send recorded, confirm by telelphone, keep copies/records in triplicate etc...). Then if possible cut up the card and return to the bank (noting the person you give it to).
I cannot tell you the best deal, only people with WAY too much time on their hands can do that...Please remember you are dealing with the DEVIL. One key fact is how long you get to pay off the balance before incurring a penalty, this is more important to me (and anyone budgeting monthly) than a small difference in APR. To complicate matters the 'due' date can change month to month, if you pay early the CC company might even cheekly bring it forward...! Also you can get charged interest on the whole amount even if are only 1p short of clearing the balance.
Still CCs are convenient and OK if you don't use for longer term lending. One other point is that I believe can be very difficult to rent a car without a credit card.
But please don't get me started on rental car agreements... even more opaque, one-sided, impenetrably small font than credit card agreements...
I suspect that he's alluding to this story, in which case it is Barclaycard. Although it's not the paying early, but the paying full balance every month, that triggers the change of payment date.
That's the one..! Very sly and sneaky. And this from the Bank that advised people not to lend on credit cards. Like the character on the Fast Show "Don't borrow from me, you can't trust me, I'm a geezer...."
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