The right cards will maximise your Euros or Dollars

Published:

07/04/2009

Topic:

Press Release,Travel Money

Money might be tight and the Euro and dollar uncomfortably strong, but a plethora of people will still be heading across the Atlantic or the Channel for the Easter break. Most though will face hefty foreign exchange fees and transaction charges if they don't use the right credit, debit or prepaid card for the job.

• Weak pound makes using the right card even more essential

Peter Harrison, travel money expert at moneysupermarket.com, said: "While the weakness of the pound is of concern to holidaymakers, using the wrong foreign exchange product can be even more costly.

"Unlike its bigger-name rivals, the Post Office Platinum credit card offers free purchase protection, zero per cent on purchases for three months and no overseas charges. This is a far better prospect than other cards that typically charge between 2.73 and three per cent for purchases abroad.

"Nationwide's FlexAccount has the cheapest debit card for overseas cash withdrawals - levying a fee of one per cent or less. In contrast, if you make a €100 withdrawal on some other debit cards you might incur a £2 transaction charge plus a three per cent foreign exchange fee.

"If you are stuck with an uncompetitive debit or credit card and don't have time to get a new one, the FairFX and Caxton prepaid foreign currency cards are a good alternative.

"Because they are prepaid and offer no credit facility, these are approved instantly, which is certainly quicker than applying for a new credit card or current account. And if you are worried about overspending on your holiday, prepaid cards will only allow you to spend what is on the card."

Purchasing power through different methods

Based on rates offered on 30 March 2009

Purchasing power on cards that are changing fees

Based on rates offered on 30 March 2009

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