Spending overseas on a UK card

zougathefist

Hi,

I am heading overseas for 3 weeks later this year to Canada and I would prefer to do most of my spending on a credit card because of the added protection it offers and because Hotels/car hire etc... often require one up front.

My question is which card is best for use overseas and does anyone know which is the cheapest to use?

I would prefer if it was a 0% interest on purchases for at least 3 months but this is not a massive problem as I can transfer the balance if required when I return and will pay it off pretty soon as well.
I have noticed that most cards will charge 2.75-2.99% of the price paid as an exchange rate fee - so I wonder then whether it would be better to go for an interest charging card (at approx 1.75% per month) that had no exchange rate fee (if such a card exists) or is it a case of just paying this charge regardless.

Any help mucho appreciated.

thanks

lisyloo

I have noticed that most cards will charge 2.75-2.99% of the price paid as an exchange rate fee

There are some card with 0% commission.
Halifax Clarity is probably the favourite, but there are others.

You would be better off paying off your card on time - by for example setting up a direct debit and not paying any interest.

You do have to be careful with initial direct debits though because sometimes they do not get set up in time for the first months payments. You can get rounf this problem by taking out the card in advance on your holiday.

My advice is to phone the card company, tell them where and when you are going. This may help to avoid your card being blocked if you haven't told them.
Also take a spare even if it's more expensive, it's better than having nothing.

Personally I use Halifax Clarity which is also cheap (but not free) for cash.
If I have wifi access then I make payments so I acrrue little interest on cash but I'm very careful not to use shared computers for banking and also check the wifi charges.

YorkshireBoy

The Post Office card would appear to tick all your boxes.