Using Credit card to pay in Euros

fastal909

Hi im new here,just recieved a bill to pay a maintenance invoice in euros they say it is cheaper for me to use my credit card to pay can anyone tell me if this is correct

NickX

Generally, yes you do get a favourable rate when using a Credit Card for a foreign currency transaction, but most will impose a charge.

However there are a handfull of cards that are "fee-free" for currency conversions including Abbey Zero, Nationwide, Post Office card and Saga (for over 50s).

fastal909

thank you so do i just send them credit card details and they will charge my card before we used to pay through the bank but now they want bill in euros instead of sterling

NickX

Yep, as long as you trust them, just give them your card details and they can charge it in Euros. The Card Provider will then convert to Sterling.

Unfortunately you are going to get beaten up on the exchange rate because Sterling has fallen through the fall in the recent months, but not a lot you can do about that.

poker_face

fastal909 wrote: »

Hi im new here,just recieved a bill to pay a maintenance invoice in euros they say it is cheaper for me to use my credit card to pay can anyone tell me if this is correct

I bought something online from a Euro store with my debit card and was charged a service charge of 1.50
Not sure weather I would have got one from a credit card

NickX

poker_face wrote: »

I bought something online from a Euro store with my debit card and was charged a service charge of 1.50
Not sure weather I would have got one from a credit card

That is pretty standard although Nationwide debit card does not charge.

The Credit Cards listed above do not charge either, most others will charge in the region of 2.75%

G1987

Also remember that some providers will "blend" a fee into the exchange rate rather than displaying it separatly.. so you may end up paying it without realising.
This trick is not as common as before but its best to stick with the companies that specifically advertise a "no fee" card as mentioned by Nickx

cheers
Graham