We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

which card is best for spending in the US?

I am having a few days in NY then taking a Cunard cruise back to Southamton. I need a card the will not charge me for spending and also to give a decent exchange rate. The ship uses USD's.

Comments

  • dzug1
    dzug1 Posts: 13,535 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I am having a few days in NY then taking a Cunard cruise back to Southamton. I need a card the will not charge me for spending and also to give a decent exchange rate. The ship uses USD's.

    No credit card charges for spending - it's entirely a matter of the exchange rate.

    Santander Zero, Post Office and Halifax Clarity are the possibles.
  • chattychappy
    chattychappy Posts: 7,302 Forumite
    edited 7 August 2010 at 8:43AM
    Yep, then Nationwide Visa (credit card) at a loading of 1%.

    Zero can work out good for cash too as there is no cash advance fee. But for cash, interest starts from the date of transaction, so pay off immediately by internet banking if possible without waiting for the statement to come.

    Forex rates are fine on NW, Zero and PO. I've used all 3 for USD and the rate is similar to the oanda.com mid-rate (ie no hidden loadings). Overall NW works out 1% worse (as you'd expect). Other credit cards typicslly load by 2.75% to 3%. (Tesco seem to use their own rate which is adrift by 2.5% so works out at 5.5% worse in total.)

    Most of my spend is in forex (US$3000 in the last month alone), so this is a big issue for me.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 616.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.6K Life & Family
  • 253.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.