Social leper, *ring* *ring*

[cybermule]

I've been trying to hire a car for my trip to Scotland next week.

And guess what - I can't!

I own a house and a car, have been driving 15 years with no accidents or penalties, and have had steady employment with the civil service for nearly 7 years.

And I have access to several thousand ready cash, in a pinch.

But no, what I really need and absolutely have to have is a credit card. Which I've always refused on principle.

Comments

[boglin.livejournal.com]

crikey - why on earth do they need a credit card? Will a debit card not suffice?

[cybermule.livejournal.com]

Apparently not - they need the deposit on a credit card. Which presumably allows them to take the payment however much (or little) you have in your bank account. It's sorted now, thanks to 0ct0pus, but incredibly frustrating and perverse, nonetheless.

[0ct0pus.livejournal.com]

Combines payment, personal ID and a credit rating check I suppose. But there should be an option for an alternate method, I agree.

[r-is-for-rachel.livejournal.com]

i never used to have a credit card as i just didn't want one, but then i found out i would find it impossible to get a mortgage unless i had a credit history! i was turned down for a store card once for the same reason.

[cybermule.livejournal.com]

It's really stupid, isn't it? A credit card is meanignless - they offered one to my brother when he had zero income, so he could "manage his finances". I nearly phoned his bank up to point out just how lame and irresponsible that was.

[tonibunny.livejournal.com]

I don't have one either. I got rid of all my credit cards and store cards last year. I supposed I'd better get one and just keep it somewhere without using it :(

[dandelion-wings.livejournal.com]

here they will use a debit card, but they have to put a hold on a large sum at once.

i read your comments and am glad that you got it sorted so that you can take your trip.

[cybermule.livejournal.com]

Thanks - I was getting a bit stressed out there!