credit cards

I agree with most of what MiniMatt said but usually the lowest interest rate cards don't have any interest free period. Also if you have online banking or choose an online credit card (like Egg) you can set up an automatic payment of the full amount every month. It depends where you go but American Excess is not very popular in loads of countries so Visa might be better. Likewise if you try to use Visa Debit abroad some places it will work and some it wont.
As has been said; if you can't pay it off don't put it on your plastic. It's the most expensive way to be in debt.

I went to Halifax & they said interest free till 2009. They wanted me to sign there & then. I declined saying that I wanted to hear what Shyte West had to offer. They said they were better than Shyte West.

Went to Shyte West & they said loads of stuff that not having had a card went right over my head. They then told me that they were better than Halifax & wanted me to sign there & then.

They reminded me of the phones 4 u place - last month I went in for a brochure - they didn't have any & they then attempted to get me to sign up on a 15 month deal!!!!

Originally Posted by drefraser

I agree with most of what MiniMatt said but usually the lowest interest rate cards don't have any interest free period.

Really? Wow. I've never come across a card like that before. With all the ones I've had (and currently have), if you pay the account off in full within 30(ish) days of the statement there is no interest. You only pay interest after that. Worth remembering that when/if I'm looking for a different credit card.

Originally Posted by Kinvig

I went to Halifax & they said interest free till 2009. They wanted me to sign there & then. I declined saying that I wanted to hear what Shyte West had to offer. They said they were better than Shyte West.

Went to Shyte West & they said loads of stuff that not having had a card went right over my head. They then told me that they were better than Halifax & wanted me to sign there & then.

They reminded me of the phones 4 u place - last month I went in for a brochure - they didn't have any & they then attempted to get me to sign up on a 15 month deal!!!!

That's why it pays to do independent research. The links for the motley fool and money supermarket are good for that. If you can't face doing the research I'd recommend NOT going to any high street provider. Your fees pay for their nice buildings and all the staff in them.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Kinvig

What exactly do credit cards do?

Allow you to get into debt easily and quickly.

Originally Posted by Kinvig

Recomemend me one!

Dont get one, unless you can afford to pay off the balance at the end of each month so thats its back to zero.

[chris8886]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Dont get one, unless you can afford to pay off the balance at the end of each month so thats its back to zero.

too true. all i do with mine is use once a month or so and pay it off immediately and it helps my credit rating a bit, for when i come to get a mortgage etc.

as has been said just make sure you always pay the whole balance immediately because cc companies charge a ridiculously high amount of interest!!