How do i avoid CC booking fees online?

swizzle_2

I am looking to be buying some long haul flights in the New Year, but if I pay by credit card I will have to pay an extra 2 o/o, which will add uo to a tidy sum.

I will be paying in full so really wanted to us the card so I can have extra protection in case things go wrong, plus the cash back will help!

I know I could pay by debit card, but what happens then if co go bust?

Thank you

mrsw

Not sure if this applies to all airlines, but BA certainly don't charge the 2% surcharge if you book flights directly with them.

Caped_Avenger

You can't have it both ways. Either swallow the 2% charge and have the comfort of the Section 75 protection, or pay by debit card, which saves you the C/C charge, but you run the risk of the company going bust.

KTF

If its a known carrier the chances of it going bust are small imo.

grumbler

Pay £100 by a credit card and the rest by a debit card. Even in this case you still get full protection: Buying goods from retailers. I am not sure, but probably you get full protection even if you pay less than £100 by a credit card.

beeniemac

What is section 75 protection?

grumbler

beeniemac wrote:

What is section 75 protection?

See, for example, my post #4 and Reaper's post #6 in Faulty goods on credit cards question? thread for some more information.

Search (Guide)

swizzle_2

I am a money saver, thats why I want to save the booking fee, get protection, and cash back!

It has taken 3 years to save for this holiday, I don`t want to waste anymoney.

richardw

https://www.trailfinders.com don't charge credit card fees.

Rafter

Check out your travel insurance and see if you are covered there anyway. Also whether the booking is abta/atol bonded through an agency (although the protection is not quite as good potentially).

No point paying twice for the same cover.

R

inmypocketnottheirs

But as said above, you can't have your cake and eat it! We all want to save money, but sometimes the cheapest price is not the best offer. Sometimes it is worth paying a little more for the protection. I personally prefer the option to pay 2% extra for credit card, as the merchant is paying for the transaction. For this 2% you then get all the protection offered by your credit card. If you don't want the protection then pay on debit card. Personally regardless of the size of the company, airlines, tour operators, hotels etc, can and do go bust. Its your call, but for a couple of percent it may be worth the peace of mind.