Best credit/debit cards for USA?

wadewade

When we went to the US two years ago I used Nationwide cards and enjoyed very good rates. Now I see they have changed their rules and started raising fees. I've got 4 weeks before our next trip, so should I be applying to open an account with someone else in order to enjoy better overall rates including charges?

ferf1223

I suppose it depends on the level of hassle, whether any of the other options makes sense for you and what the Nationwide charges will cost you in the end as to whether you should apply for a new account.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

We have an Abbey Zero account (not available to all) and a Metro Bank account (but we're London based). The latter is effectively our replacement for our Nationwide account. We also have a Post Office credit card but do not use it for cash withdrawals...I have never used a CC for cash advances as it was a dangerous prospect when I was much younger and would undoubtedly have gotten carried away...and so now it doesn't really even occur to me.

misa.blue

ferf1223 wrote: »

I We also have a Post Office credit card but do not use it for cash withdrawals...

Are you using the Post Office CC for paying in USA? We are looking into best options too now, I'm scared credit cards and all hidden charges and so on...:(

ferf1223

yes, we use our PO credit card for purchases while in the US, and also for things like booking show tickets in USD in advance, hotel deposits, etc...basically anything that we pay in USD in advance or while we are in the US (other than things we use our debit cards for) goes on the PO cc...the link I posted covers credit cards as well as debit cards and other travel money issues...it's one of those that they list as being a good one.

Just make sure that if you are given the option, you pay in USD. A few places we have made purchases have given us the choice to pay in GBP...never, never do that as then the store decides what the exchange rate is.

aitch-aitch

We used a US$ prepaid Fairfx card when in Florida 2 years ago. Had no hassles and for the few months before we went I just kept adding $ onto it whenever the rate looked good.

It may not been the cheapest option but at least you know before you go what rate you have got.

We topped it up a few times when we were in the US over the internet - again with no hassles once we had found where our nearest internet cafe was!

jen1

Hi, we have used our Nationwide credit card in the USA and the charge is only 1% for purchases, we never take money withdraw money on our credit card anyway.. Nationwide has always given us good exchange rates so we will continue to use our NW credit card.

photome

jen1 wrote: »

Hi, we have used our Nationwide credit card in the USA and the charge is only 1% for purchases, we never take money withdraw money on our credit card anyway.. Nationwide has always given us good exchange rates so we will continue to use our NW credit card.

But that isnt the best. The OP asked for the best and there are credit cards out there that will not charge anything and will still give you the best exchange rate.

PO and Halifax clarity are 2 that come to mind

but as Ferf says it pays to read the travelmoneymaximiser

ferf1223

aitch-aitch wrote: »

We topped it up a few times when we were in the US over the internet - again with no hassles once we had found where our nearest internet cafe was!

Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I would never, ever put my bank card or cc details into a computer at an internet cafe...I wouldn't do so using a hotel's internet access, either.

We have used FairFX before and it was fine...but always seem to end up with an odd balance which kind of negates any savings over other options.