Credit Cards.

[sandyRoe]

I'm in the process of selling some shares to finance an upcoming holiday. I only sent off the form last week so there's a chance the money from the sale won't be in my bank account before I leave.
I've 3 credit cards and plan to use them. have set up direct debits to pay the minimum on them each month. In the past I've only used them for shopping and have paid them fully when the bills arrive.
I think I'm looking for reassurance as much as anything. Can anyone see problems arising with this arrangement?

[EDDIE51]

Sounds fine but do you not have online banking? If so you can do all your banking from anywhere in the world on a computer,laptop or smartphone.
If you do not plan taking a laptop or smartphone there are public internet sites available , (internet cafes and libraries for a start)

[hc4361]

No problems at all. Just don't forget the PINs and don't use them to withdraw cash if you can avoid it

[sandyRoe]

I do have on-line banking but thought many public computers were loaded with viruses and not really secure.

[sandyRoe]

Thank you both. That's one less thing to worry about.

[hc4361]

I wouldn't use online banking from a public computer if I could avoid it.

[hc4361]

Where are you going, anyway? Hope you have a great holiday.

[TheChair]

A sudden change in the way you use the cards could trigger a security alert, so make sure that you're in a position to deal with if you find that a card gets blocked.

[sandyRoe]

I'm walking the camino across northern Spain. It's about 800 Km in total and I'm thinking, at my slow pace, it'll take me 5 or 6 weeks.

[hc4361]

Fab :)

TheChair has made a good point. It will do harm to phone the credit card companies and tell them you will be in Spain.

[DocHH]

If there is enough money in the accounts to pay off the full balance, why not arrange to pay the balance and obviate incurruing interest charges? Absolutely phone the credit card companies, the last thing you want to happen is that the cards are blocked due to them suspecting strange transactions. Also inform your bank if you intend using any Debit Cards for the same reason.

[wolf63]

500 Miles - would it not have been easier to walk around Ireland a few times or laps with your dog around the local park?

I wish you well but do remember to come back - you will get an awfully enthusiastic canine greeting when you do. :-)

[New Judge]

A bit off-topic, Sandy, but if you have a few shares it may be worthwhile opening a share dealing account with somebody like Hargreaves Lansdown. Your shares are held by them in a "nominee account" (meaning you don't have to keep share certificates) and you can sell them online, receiving the funds in just a couple of days. Also the dealing charges (£11.95 per deal, regardless of value) are considerably lower than those made when you deal by post or phone. You can, of course, buy as well.

Good luck with your trip.