It is very commendable to not use a credit card for anything. Too many of us are carrying too much debt, especially unsecured credit card debt. However, even the best of the debt reduction gurus (Mary Hunt, Dave Ramsey, etc.) recommend keeping one credit card if only for travel reasons. Travelling is so much easier with a credit card. Hotels, airlines, and rental car companies, as you well know, often require credit cards as the form of payment. Not only that, but credit cards give you some additional protection - see all of the threads regarding rental car insurance. Many of the cards offer at least supplemental car insurance if you pay for your rental car with their card, and some even offer some primary insurance.

Get a credit card. Don't get one with an outrageous limit and make sure you pay it off every month, and you will be fine. Credit cards get many people in a financial trap that is very difficult to get out of, but if you can manage it wisely, it can be a useful tool.

Good luck.

Last I knew Budget would take them, BUT they debit your card for quite a bit of money and then it takes time after the rental to get it back into your acct. They also require you to pay for a full tank of gas. It is difficult, but they DO do it! Local STT number is: 340-776-5774. There are 2 departments - you want the airport counter! Good Luck! IF you have enough time, do yourself a favor and get a credit card, it's worth saving yourself the trouble! 🙂

>>>It is very commendable to not use a credit card for anything.

I have to disagree. As adults, it is our duty to be responsible when we spend our money...whether it's cash, check, or charge. If you personally know that you can't trust yourself with a credit card, then don't get one. But lots of people have them and do just fine. My husband and I use credit cards for pretty much everything. We never, not once have ever carried over a balance. We find credit cards to be the best option because of the security they provide and the mileage benefits we have on our cards.

There is nothing inherently wrong with credit cards...it is all about the way you use them. Please don't look down on people who use credit cards and think that they're being "un-commendable" or irresponsible.

thanks Sherry

My credit card expired and I am going for a mortgage so not a good time to get a credit card as it shows on your credit history. I will contact Budget. Your swell.

Any suggetions for a reasonably priced snorkel lunch boat trip kinda thing. We are not big drinkers but love to have fun. Thanks again. Patti

Patti,
unless you're wanting a specific rental agency, you can rent thru Hotwire.com, which is cheaper also. They bill you when you make your reservation, not when you pick up the car, so you might as well use a debit card for that. I think Bluwater stated that most all Hotwire rentals at STT used Avis (mine did) and you may be wanting to rent on STJ, so Hotwire wouldn't work. Just an idea.