Credit cards for abroad

misscurly

I wonder if anyone has any info as to which credit card is best to use abroad. I am going to the states in September for a month & have been told to take a credit card, even though I have enough funds on my debit card, as a credit card is cheaper & more secure, however I have never had a credit card before & feel slightly confused when reading all the features of different cards!
I'd be extremely grateful for any feedback offered.

lisyloo

I would go for the Amex platinum credit cashback card (make sure you apply for the right one).

It's 5% cashback for 3 months up to £100.
You might also be able to get some cashback with quidco.

There is a currency conversion charge of 2.73% so you will get approx 2.4% cashback.

I would suggest you use your debit card for cash and get cash at ATMs, but use the credit card for purchases.

If you are going abroad a lot then you might be better off getting a Nationwide debit card for cash as they charge 0%.

BTW - If you are asked if you want to pay in $s or in £s then you MUST INSIST (upfront if necessary) that you are paid in DOLLARS.
If you pay in dollars then Amex or Nationwide will convert your currency.
If you pay in £s then the shop will charge you for the conversion and will most likely charge you more.

To be safe the INSIST you must pay in dollars before handing over the card.
If they tell you the machine doesn't work like that then they are probably spinning you a line and you shoudl complain to the manager.
I'm probably being overly cautious but people get ripped off like this.

misscurly

Thanks for your advice, very helpful indeed.

udydudy

Nationwide (Debit and Credit Cards) do not charge any fees for use in europe. I confirmed this when i travelled to Norway. Their webpage is http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/foreigntransactions.htm

They have a list of countries at the link above where they specifically tell you where you will be charged the visa fee of 0.84%(their costs) and also show in bold where you will not be charged these fees.

The post office credit card does not charge commission for any overseas transactions.

td_007

Are such questions asked because the posters cannot be bothered to read through the great advice already given on the site and the forums? I can understand someone asking after reading if A is better than B type of question....but such a generic question????