Using AMEX Platinum CashBack Card Abroad?

pjbltd

Hi forum,

I have been using an AMEX Platinum CashBack Card here in the UK for a while now and found it no problem at all (only found a few places that don't accept it).

I was wondering has anyone had any experiences using it abroad, if so:

What have your experiences been like?

What are the additional charges if any?

Does it vary country to country? e.g. I'd assume it would work in the USA without any extra charges.

Many thanks

pjbltd

milan_ns

You pay 2.99% commission on purchases in foreign currency.

I found it's widely accepted in Iceland (didn't need cash at all - even taxi and a tiny 3 table pub adjacent to a horse farm in the middle of nowhere accepted my Amex), but not so in France (public transport don't like Amex, neither do lots of smaller establishments).

I think you'd need to pay commission on spend in US (despite the card name).

lisyloo

If your card is charged in GBP (sterling) then US is foreign currency so you'd pay the usual 2.99%.
However this is still worthwhile if you're in the 5% cashback period.

The acceptability depends where you are.
Widely accepted in the US (probably better than UK) but not necessarily so in Europe.
I would always take at least 2 cards abroad in case one get stopped, mag strip stops working or isn't accepted.
I would probably take 3 and if not going too far from the hotel I'd leave 2 in the safe.
If you get mugged only 1 is gone and if it isn't accepted or stops working themn it's not too far to go back.
Apply as you see fit but remeber there is no need to carry your worldy goods around with you.
If you take serveral for safety you don't need to have all of them with you all the time.