Overwhelmed with Credit Card Options

Ltriggerr on 04/12/2023 - 00:59

I’m travelling overseas next year and require a credit card in order to secure a car hire. I’ve never had a credit card in my life and in my late 20s. Slightly overwhelmed with the amount of options.

$0 international transaction fees are important with preferably low annual fee (still undecided if I’ll close this off early or continue using).

My limit would be around the $2k - $4k mark. So far I’ve identified Bendigo Bank Ready and 28 Degrees as potential options.

Any help is appreciated :)

Financial Credit Card

Comments

  • Hybroid on 04/12/2023 - 01:39
    +1

    Do you need credit? You can get a WISE card for $10 delivered. Open a digital wallet in any currency you want, load up some cash and use it as a local card anywhere in the world. No international fees and best forex rates. Works fine for hotel/car rental deposits.

    I too choose not to have a credit card and never found myself needing one.

    • Benoffie on 04/12/2023 - 01:54
      +1

      Agreed. Im travelling atm with a Wise card and aside from a slight hiccup in needing to activate in Japan (should have done it at home but I was in a rush) it has been relatively smooth sailing.

      Im carrying a standard Visa as a backup just incase the Wise doesn't work. It's only happened once with some dinky backwater machine that didnt like modern printed IC cards. 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

      Aside from that, the conversion, authentication and pop up 'you spent this much in AUD' reminders have been amazing 👏

    • FrugalDealSeeker on 04/12/2023 - 07:22

      Sometimes if you have to buy something online you'll need a debit/ credit card. Wise I think is prepaid so may not work.

      • Hybroid on 04/12/2023 - 10:31

        Nope, it’s a regular debit card. You can use it for online purchases just fine. Also activates for Apple Pay.

    • Sinnerator on 04/12/2023 - 08:26

      Large rental companies in USA used to force a credit check if you were trying to rent a car without a 'credit' card, cost to renter was $35, but this was 15 years ago, saw this at LAX.

      • Brick50 on 04/12/2023 - 09:57
        +1

        Nowadays I think they just put a $500 hold on the card as opposed to maybe a $200 hold if it's credit

        • Hybroid on 04/12/2023 - 10:32

          This is correct especially for LAX. Debit cards have a higher deposit amount is only difference.

    • beesquared on 04/12/2023 - 08:29

      Apart from the fees, i thought there were limitations on the amount you could draw out before more fees?

    • FrugalFranky on 04/12/2023 - 08:38
      +1

      Another +1 for wise.
      Been using it for almost a decade now with my international travels and bank accounts. Works easy and quick, fees are low and forex rates are great.

    • Triceratops on 04/12/2023 - 08:53
      +1

      I hired a car in the UK this year and they would not accept my wise card for the deposit.

    • triggerr on 04/12/2023 - 11:17

      Unfortunately the rental companies will not accept wise :(

      So yes, I’d be needing a CC facility

  • Baysew on 04/12/2023 - 07:36
    +7

    Start here - Debit & Credit Cards with No International Fees

    • triggerr on 04/12/2023 - 11:17
      +1

      Awesome, thank you!

  • HeWhoKnows on 04/12/2023 - 08:06

    Go to Finder and plug in your criteria.

    Many banks now offer Platinum Visa and Mastercard debit cards that come with No Intenational fees.
    Amongst them are UBank, Bankwest and Macquarie.

    If you are earning enough money, the BankWast Zero Platinum Mastercard is the best around

  • GoldenDragon888 on 04/12/2023 - 08:21
    +3

    You need to supply us with an 11 card shortlist so we can vote on which one is the best. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/817676

    • JDMcarfan on 04/12/2023 - 09:52
      +1

      that list better have comparables that are outlandishly different as well.
      Expecting some Amex Centurion vs Commbank Neo options

  • beesquared on 04/12/2023 - 08:32

    I got the 28 Degree card, no fees - I use it for travelling but have other cards for everyday purchases. The everyday card becomes the backup while travelling. Citibank plus was the go to for the ATM withdrawals, but it is moving to NAB so not available anymore.

    • triggerr on 04/12/2023 - 11:13

      How was the application process? Any reason why you wouldn’t use the same card for everyday purchases?

      • beesquared on 04/12/2023 - 14:15

        Process was fine, not as painful as the ANZ process. Data breach occurred a week after i applied, was tossing up between this one and Bank West that others have mentioned. I use a Citibank card where i get points and fee free, so that is the go to card. But you could use it as an everyday card. When travelling i always like a back up card. I'm not a fan of cards currency cards like Wise that have fees, charges and various conditions.

  • payless69 on 04/12/2023 - 09:16

    Depends where you go.
    Visiting cities use Citi.
    Bendigo will be fine for country areas.
    Heading West? Use Bank West.
    Wise to become wiser.
    Revolut to start a revolution?

  • Hvrd on 04/12/2023 - 09:30
    +1

    bankwest $0 international fees and free travel insurance

  • rockman117 on 04/12/2023 - 11:02

    get one with travel insurance, particular with car rental

  • Drakesy on 04/12/2023 - 12:16
    +1

    Get into churning and you get paid to spend money
    How good!

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