Best credit card to use in the US?

Keensaver

Hi,

Off to Vegas in November, taking some cash but need a card as well to pay for hotels etc out there. See on site that halifax card is the best, but is mastercard, is this widely used in the US?

Currently have Lloyds airmiles duo, but charges approx 3% for exchanging between USD and GBP.

What is the best card for use in the US..with no charges/wide acceptance etc....I will not be planning to withdraw cash with it, just pay for items on it.

Thanks

Keensaver

Wammer

Both Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in the US. Your best bet is the Halifax Clarity card which has near Interbank rates.

whatusername

Wammer wrote: »

Both Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in the US. Your best bet is the Halifax Clarity card which has near Interbank rates.

Halifax Clarity by miles, also good for cash advance too providing you clear the statement.

Keensaver

does the clarity card allow free cash withdrawals from 'hole in the wall'? got a bit confused on that front...understand free for card payments with no foreign exchange fees

thanks for all your comments, v.helpful.

standinman2009

in the usa atm machines charge between $3 and $1.50 to draw out cash ive just got back and found that normal over there now and that is on top of any other card charges .
i used the clarity card it only charges interest and not a fee as well

Keensaver

thanks, anyone used the pre pay cards in the US, such as caxtons? seem a safer way than having lots of cash.

With clarity if I pay off the balance before I receive the statement then am I right in thinking I wil not pay any interest?

luci

Most of the ATM's in Vegas charge $4.99. The one inside Casino Royale only charges $1.

With a cash advance on the Clarity card there are no fees, but you will be charged interest from the moment it is withdrawn until it is paid off. If you get the typical rate of 12.9% this is about 1% a month and is still probably the cheapest way to get cash as there is no loading on the exchange rate.

Keensaver

Ok, so cash withdrawals are not great due to the likely ATM machine charges of $4.99 whether using prepay card or clarity card...so best bet is cash and the clarity card for larger purchases such as hotel costs/car hire?then pay off before the statement on return to the UK. sound right?

luci

USD travellers cheques can be useful, just make sure you get a good rate when you buy them in the UK. You can change them at the cashier's cage or use them to pay in shops and restaurants and there are no charges for changing them.

If you are only going to use the Clarity card for purchases and not for withdrawing cash, you can wait until the statement comes in and pay it before the due date as there are no charges for purchases.

Gloomendoom

I used my Barclays debit card in Bank of America ATM's and I don't recall get stung for any extra charges... even in Las Vegas.