To not have a credit card?

[CatsArePeople]

Somebody just told me that credit cards are must have for a responsible adult. Seriously? Why?

@barbaraofseville I use companies that dont require a credit card. I havent come across that many that only have this policy tbh. Its a bit of a none issue to me if im honest.

I used to have I don’t anymore. If can’t afford to pay for it there and then, don’t get it.

Credit rating is good!

@Mindyourbusiness22 I pay my card off immediately (actually regularly throughout the month as I only spend on it what cash I already have rather than end of the month when getting paid) it's about getting all the other perks and protections of the credit card, not spending money I don't have, most people I know use credit cards in this way.

@RandomLondoner

Are you both turning up for your rental and asking if you can use a debit card? Because if you check before booking you can easily select a company in advance that accepts debit cards.

The deciding factor is not whether some hire companies will take debit cards. The issue is whether the best company, selected without regard to how they want to be paid, invariably will. If it costs you nothing to have a credit card, then not having one is limiting your choices. Unless every company you might want to use takes debit cards.

(It actually costs me less than nothing to have a credit card, as I get 0.5% cashback on all my spending.)

I wasn't discussing deciding factors though. People said you cannot rent just with a debit card. You can.

OK, genuine question. When you search and book a car hire and it says you must have a credit card, what happens when you turn up without one? Because I've seen that just about every time I've booked a hire car abroad.

I have always just searched for a company that takes debit cards.

@CatsArePeople

Somebody just told me that credit cards are must have for a responsible adult. Seriously? Why?

Rubbish. There is an issue about building a credit rating, but you can build that up eg by paying your mobile phone bill regularly etc.

I do have a credit card but I've not used it for years. Because I don't use it, they've reduced the credit limit, which means I use it even less (as eg it would not be enough to pay a hotel bill for a week). I might get rid of altogether.

@Letsallscreamatthesistene

This thread is bonkers. I dont have a credit card and have never had an issue with hiring cars abroad.

Exactly. When they say "credit" card they mean payment card. A debit card is fine.

Maybe not in all countries - I've only hired in the UK and Ireland. But then I don't like hiring cars anyway, the companies are generally shysters trying to con you into paying more.

Cashback. Consumer protection. Credit rating. Use all month, pay off in full.

I've never had a credit card, neither has DM.