credit card advice needed please for newbie

deemarie_2

Hello all,
I'm quite proud to say that I've never owned a credit card BUT I am now going to New York next August and think it is a good idea to put everything on a credit card.
Can anybody provide any advice on which ones are the best to use abroad - (Nationwide?)
Also when would be the best time for me to apply and would I have any potential problems of getting one since I don't have one already?
I'm not wanting to be use it at all in the UK and ideally would not want to pay the balance until a few months after getting back (to let my finances balance out again).
Any advice gratefully received.
Thanks
:rudolf:

Stonk

Nationwide is widely acknowledged as being good for use abroad, due to the lower (or zero) fees levied on foreign currency transactions.

As you are not intending to pay the balance for a few months, get a card that has 0% interest on purchases for long enough (therefore apply later rather than sooner). This won't restrict your choice much. You do have to make the minimum repayment each month, though, so ask the issuer to take it by direct debit from your current account.

Do not ever, EVER, EVER withdraw cash or buy currency using a credit card. These transactions are treated as "cash advances" (as opposed to "purchases"), and will (a) incur a percentage charge; (b) accrue interest immediately; (c) accrue interest at a higher rate. Instead, have enough money in your current account to cover any such needs, and use a debit card.

Don't be too proud about never having had a credit card - that's actually not good moneysaving practise! I and many other have made a tidy profit out of credit cards over the years, and as someone who doesn't actually need credit, you have been in prime position to do the same! ;o)

The_Boss

Why are you proud to have never owned a credit card?

mr_fishbulb

I'd open up an nationwide flexaccount - you get a visa debit which you can use at ATMs worldwide without any fees. Also get a nationwide visa as suggested above.

BWZN93

Nationwide doesnt charge fees for use abroad, and is on the Which? best buy list. Get a flex and a credit card!

Jo xx

Bokken_2

You also have another choice as your trip is a few months away.
You can get a American Express travellers cheque card and you use it like travellers cheques except you hand it over at the point of sale and they swipe the card for the purchase amount until all the money on the card is gone.You then re -load the card (upto £3000)and carry on.In the same way you buy top up time for your mobile via the phone.
Have a look on the American express site for the terms as this may be a useful way to support a Nationwide card while abroad.
If you apply for the Amex platinium or Blue cards you get cashback on everything you spend upto 2% but every time you load your travellers check card from the American express Platinium or Blue cards this is classed as a purchase and you get cash back.
There are some restrictions like having the Amex card a year before you get the cash back credited to your account.
One last idea open plenty of bank accounts that pay you to join and save the money for that extra special treat while your away.
We had enough last year to go swimming with Manatees and the banks paid for it.Great well it made me smile.
I hope that gives you enough ideas to cover your trip.

grumbler

Bokken wrote:

...another choice ... a American Express travellers cheque card ... may be a useful way to support a Nationwide card while abroad.

Why do you think that Nationwide cards need any support?
In fact American Express travellers cheque card is worse than NW cards:
American Express travel card.

... every time you load your travellers check card from the American express Platinium or Blue cards

Even 2% cashback is less than currency exchange loading that is about 2.5%.

The only point in getting Amex travellers cheque card is initial incentive that are offered sometimes. See, for example, $50 free with travellers cheque card