Recommend a credit card that doesn't cause hassle when abroad please

silvercar

Fuming with egg credit card. They left me abroad and refused to unblock my credit card, even after I had confirmed every transaction. All they would do was send a new card to home. So now I'm looking for a card that doesn't give me this hassle.

Any recommendations? I have excellent credit rating and pay off the balance in full. Any cash back would be a bonus, the ability to pay the balance by automatic direct debit is a plus.

CLAPTON

I always take three CCs and 3 debit cards when travelling abroad
one has always worked

scottishblondie

My Nationwide is the one I normally use, never had a problem. They're very used to people using them abroad due to the low fees. Halifax have also been fine - I've now applied for a Halifax Clarity card instead of my regular one, it's pretty much aimed at using abroad as it has no transaction fees. As above, it's also a very good idea to take a backup.

leo01

We always take our MBNA card and have never had any problems. We have been using it for quite a few years. Give them a try.

chattychappy

leo01 wrote: »

We always take our MBNA card and have never had any problems. We have been using it for quite a few years. Give them a try.

MBNA: 2.75% loading (or something like that).

I use Zero, PO and Nationwide (in that order). I generally carry 4 or 5 cards in total plus a debit card - but then I can be away for up to 6 months at a time.

Backups are the key thing.

Especially for longer trips, make sure you have online access and relevant passwords so you can check statements and watch out for fraud. Also make sure you have phone numbers and a separate note of card numbers (not the PIN) so you can report loss/theft. Watch out too for cards that might expire whilst you're away.

[Obvious stuff, don't mean to sound patronising!]

master_of_puppets

we had soo many problems with my tesco visa too.
but we have had no problems with american express, in fact they have helped us out with a transaction and paid us halve of the amount back when they didn't even have to (they gave us a good will gesture)
hats off to amex, we use them all the time where we can. more retailers take amex abroad than here, i don't think anywhere in the far east said they wouldn't take it, and you'll definitely have no probs in the states.

silvercar

All good points, I did have backups but the point was with internet access and passwords I checked the cards use and nothing was fraudulent, yet Egg still refused to listen to reason and cancelled the card. This impacted on my mobile phone contract that is set to auto top up from the credit card, which meant I was in danger of losing my phone use abroad.

Bob_the_Saver

CLAPTON wrote: »

I always take three CCs and 3 debit cards when travelling abroad
one has always worked

We had 5 out of 14 various card go down last winter (all paid off each month) whilst away take as many as you have plus a couple of pre-paid cards. I think some of the banks do it for a joke. Countrywide or whatever they are called & Send-under or whatever they are called seem to be regulars for blocking cards. Barstewards!

chattychappy

I have put thousands (literally) through on each of PO, Zero and Nationwide - sometimes in the space of a month. Had no problems and didn't bother to inform them ahead either.

Oh and one more thought. My "nightmare" fear is losing my Nationwide debit card. I need this for the card reader when accessing internet banking. Neither PO or Zero allows you to pay via their website. No doubt some will suggest DD here. My emergency contingency in case I lose them is to have some kind souls back in the UK who would pay on my behalf if I got stuck.

karatedragon

How difficult is the scoring on a Nationwide Credit Card?

System

Have used Nationwide Credit and Post Office cards abroad a number of times without any problems at all.

Hopefully my Clarity card will be equally trouble free...

chattychappy wrote: »

I have put thousands (literally) through on each of PO, Zero and Nationwide - sometimes in the space of a month. Had no problems and didn't bother to inform them ahead either.

Oh and one more thought. My "nightmare" fear is losing my Nationwide debit card. I need this for the card reader when accessing internet banking. Neither PO or Zero allows you to pay via their website. No doubt some will suggest DD here. My emergency contingency in case I lose them is to have some kind souls back in the UK who would pay on my behalf if I got stuck.