The Cheapest Way to Spend Overseas Discussion Area

dzug

stanleym wrote: »

I have just got the Post Office Mastercard, for taking abroad with me in September. With the current value of the dollar, rather than save and use cash, I'm tempted to use this card and order currency from Travelex or similar. Does that count as a cash advance, and so I'll be charged interest, or will it go down as a simple 0% purchase?

Thanks

It will be a cash advance. You'll be charged a cash advance fee and interest.

Use the card for purchases in the US - that's where it's best. Take a few dollars with you or use a debit card to get them

jinkssick

stanleym wrote: »

I have just got the Post Office Mastercard, for taking abroad with me in September. With the current value of the dollar, rather than save and use cash, I'm tempted to use this card and order currency from Travelex or similar. Does that count as a cash advance, and so I'll be charged interest, or will it go down as a simple 0% purchase?

Thanks

Why not just get the Nationwide Flex account cash or debit card?

stanleym_3

jinkssick wrote: »

Why not just get the Nationwide Flex account cash or debit card?

I don't have the cash now, I've used all that on the holiday and park tickets etc. I was just hoping to take advantage of the current exchange rate on credit.

Northynorthy

Hi people, first post, be gentle

I buy quite a lot of stuff from the US already but up until now have always used Paypal, who don't give you a fantastic exchange rate. Are there any better ways of paying? Would I get a better rate if I paid via credit card?

Cheers,

G

Heva2015

The Nationwide Credit Card is the same deal; free to use overseas.

arniemarsh

Hi, I have NW credit and debit cards..which is best for buying stuff off the internet in Euros/Dollars?...as it's a purchase I'm assuming the CC..
cheers

Thomask

First post - be gentle

Sorry if this has been answered already.

1/ What is the difference between a Nationwide Visa cashcard and debit card?

2/ What are the requirements for having a NW Visa Debit card? Do I need a bank account with Nationwide? Can I just apply for the card alone? What is a flex account? Is this a name for their current account?

3/ Do NW charge a forigern loading if using their Debit Card overseas on PURCHASES? I realise they don't on cash withdrawals.

4/ If using a NW Visa Debit card to purchase an item overseas, do you answer yes if they ask if it's a credit card?

5/ What is a ''switch'' card?

6/ Is there an annual/any fees for the NW debit card?

7/ Does NW offer protection from fraud on their debit card? E.g.: since it is operated like a credit card (e.g. someone could use your card details ilegally to purchase online)?

Thanks in advance.

tiff

The Nationwide Flex account is the name of their current account. The debit card comes with it. Not sure what the criteria is, if there is any. I dont know what the cashcard is.

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/default.htm

Using a nationwide debit OR credit card means no charge on purchases or cash withdrawals on the debit card and no foreign currency loading on either. Therefore the best rate available and no fee to use. No annual fees with either card.

Sorry, cant answer your questions about protection from fraud.

jinkssick

Thomask wrote: »

1/ What is the difference between a Nationwide Visa cashcard and debit card?
only difference is you can use it at ATMs with more signage. You can only use CASHCARD at CIRRUS ATMs, which is still quite universal

2/ What are the requirements for having a NW Visa Debit card? Do I need a bank account with Nationwide? Can I just apply for the card alone? What is a flex account? Is this a name for their current account?
not much, doesnt even have to have money going in each month

3/ Do NW charge a forigern loading if using their Debit Card overseas on PURCHASES? I realise they don't on cash withdrawals.
no foreign loading on purchases either but only the DEBIT card can be used for purchases

4/ If using a NW Visa Debit card to purchase an item overseas, do you answer yes if they ask if it's a credit card?
should work under VISA

5/ What is a ''switch'' card?
not sure, but its nothing that prevents you using it abroad

6/ Is there an annual/any fees for the NW debit card?
no

7/ Does NW offer protection from fraud on their debit card? E.g.: since it is operated like a credit card (e.g. someone could use your card details ilegally to purchase online)?
debit cards have basically no gurantee, only at the discretion of NW in this instance, credit cards payments over £100 are properly covered

Thanks in advance.

and thats it basically.

jinkssick

stanleym wrote: »

I don't have the cash now, I've used all that on the holiday and park tickets etc. I was just hoping to take advantage of the current exchange rate on credit.

well true, looking it that way, you will definitely be making a saving. have a look at the PO's credit card fees against NW one, to see which does better.