I don't have a credit card, haven't had one for 10 years and it's never caused me a problem, if I want something and I can afford it I buy it, if I can't afford it tough luck.

But now I need to book a hire car, two in fact, in France and it's just a nightmare. Everywhere else I've ever been I've been able to get round this problem by paying a big ish cash deposit or on the debit card but in France there doesn't seem to be a single company who will lend you a car without a credit card. The other problem is that it has to be the drivers card.

They reckon that they just take an imprint and it's to cover the cost of a tank of petrol and in case you steal the car, what sort of a nut job would use their own card and then steal a car???

Anyway, I managed to convince them to put my wife on and let me use her card as deposit but it's cost me an extra £30 per car. But what a waste!!

I asked what they did about Muslims who wouldn't (in theory) have credit cards and he said he had no idea?!?!?!

It's my understanding that most if not all English firms won't hire unless you have a CC too

Although I agree in principle with slagging off French stuff

John

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Although I agree in principle with slagging off French stuff

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I think the way things are going these days, getting a credit card and using it for certain purchases before paying it off at the end of the month is a very wise idea. I paid all my cards off before cutting them up a few years ago now to do just what you do yourself but regret it sometimes.

How many people will be so thankful they bought their XL.com tickets with a credit card this week?? I'd also use it for Paypal if i had one too!!

Maybe time to think about applying for one??

[Edited on 16/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]

Yeah, the English companies are similar but in the past I've just given them say £500 to hang onto or they've taken the same of my card and refunded it later. I've done the same in Spain, Egypt and Greece aswell, although I think in Egypt the just wanted any card and didn't necesarily have to be one of the drivers.

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Originally posted by Paul TigerB6
How many people will be so thankful they bought their XL.com tickets with a credit card this week?? [Edited on 16/9/08 by Paul TigerB6]

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Originally posted by mr henderson
Although I agree in principle with slagging off French stuff

John

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I usually use Auto-Europe for car hire in France never had a problem paying with a debit card for the hire or the deposit on arrival at the collection point.

They normally use Europcar in France.

http://www.auto-europe.co.uk/car-hire/UK.cfm

I just use a Natwest credit card where it's paid off automatically by DD at the end of the month

All the joys of a CC without the annoyance of having to send off cheques etc to pay....