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Credit cards abroad?

Last post Wed, Apr 30 2008, 7:26 PM by maxsteam. 8 replies.
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  •  Wed, Mar 26 2008, 1:08 PM

    Credit cards abroad?

    Hi there.....i am uk resident but will be working abroad off and on working on superyachts. I am looking for the best card abroad. I have no balance transfer. I will pay it off in full each month. I will be withdrawing cash (not alot though) and making some small purchases. There are so many cards i am struggling to find the right one! I have been through alot of the previous forum questions for help but wondering if someone could help out? Many thanks in advance
    • Post Points: 20
  •  Wed, Mar 26 2008, 5:48 PM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    Most charge a fee for overseas transactions as well as making money on the exchange rate. Nationwide, I believe, are the only ones who don't charge the fee.
    • Post Points: 35
  •  Thu, Mar 27 2008, 8:20 PM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    The Post Office credit card does nay charge either and is, I believe, generally easier to obtain than the Nationwide one.

    I know of no other alternatives.

    • Post Points: 5
  •  Fri, Mar 28 2008, 10:22 AM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to reply - i had thought the same but good to get confirmation from someone else.
    • Post Points: 20
  •  Fri, Mar 28 2008, 11:39 AM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    I have the nationwide card which is good for purchases as there is no charge. But in general avoid using a credit card if you can for cash advances. Nationwide charges 2.5% (min £3) each time you get cash out plus it charges 1.737% per month and there is no interest free period on this (so pay off your bill immediately after taking cash out). I took 300 euro (£223) out of a cash machine and have paid nearly £10 in charges even though I pay the card off in full every month.
    • Post Points: 35
  •  Fri, Mar 28 2008, 5:19 PM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    i pay ground rent for a caravan in france last year i paid by debit card and it cost me another £50 aprox on top is there any way round this
    • Post Points: 5
  •  Fri, Mar 28 2008, 5:54 PM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    Yes, but all credit cards are the same with cash advances. There's a fee and/or interest even if you pay it off on the next statement. Sometimes this can be more economical than some other methods of getting a couple of hundred pounds in a foreign currency but generally debit cards are best for cash advances.

    There is no interest charged on purchases if the balance is paid in full by the due date.

    • Post Points: 20
  •  Wed, Apr 30 2008, 6:06 PM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    Capital One is the only company that does not charge foreign transaction fees, and their exchange rates have been, in my experience, better than most. However, I *think* you need a US address to get the card.
    • Post Points: 20
  •  Wed, Apr 30 2008, 7:26 PM

    Re: Credit cards abroad?

    Capital One have numerous different cards. They will issue cards to people in the UK and to people in the US. I'm unsure if all the cards are available in both countries though.

    Nationwide, as far as I know, also don't charge a fee for overseas purchases.

    • Post Points: 5