credit cards for extended period abroad

joford

Ok, I have tried to read and understand the articles posted on this issue and have got thus far...

I am going round the world for upto 12 months and will open up the nationwide current account for withdrawing cash and other spending etc. I aim not to spend all my money but you never know, so would need a credit card with 0% purchases preferably, the sainsburys card appears to add fairly hefty fees to spending abroad. Would i be best therefore taking a liverpool victoria card and/or the nationwide card, as in such an instance i would be unable to pay the balance in full.

Help am getting very confused! Does anyone have another card hiding up their sleeve?!

jo

Rafter

Jo,

You have to weigh up the saving of 2.75% on the foreign exchange versus the interest saving of 1% per month.

Because you are away for so long, it might be tough getting a long enough 0% deal to cover your whole trip.

How about getting a mint or halifax card with 9month 0% on transfers. Then make the spend on your nationwide card and simply transfer the balance to the 0% deal with halifax?

Alternatively, apply for an egg card and simply transfer the money you need from egg to your current account, although the 0% deal doesn't last long enough for your whole trip.

In all cases, make sure you have a backup card that offers a good international card replacement service? You will also need online servicing to check your account. You may also need to contact the card company fairly regularly to reassure them that you are travelling internationally - being away for so long might trigger anti-fraud measures and wouldn't want you to find our your account has been blocked.

Have a great trip.

R.

newfoundglory

Both the Natiowide classic credit card, and the Lombard Direct credit card are free to use anywhere in the world for purchases - and they are both 0% for 6 months on purchases and BT's. The Nationwide card is a Visa, the Lombard is a Mastercard.

Liverpool Vic card is only free to use on purchases in the EU, then its 1% foreign loading fee outside this.