HELP!! Best way to pay off an overseas credit card??

anusha_2

On a recent trip back home to Australia I had an unexpected expense of AUD$1400.00 which I had no choice but to make on an Australian credit card. Now back in the UK I am trying to sort out making monthly payments by the due date without incurring late fees. The minimum monthly payment is around AUD$35.00 but ofcourse i'm trying to pay off more each time.

IMO's (international money order) which used to cost £8 commission have been withdrawn and replaced with International Bankers Draft charging £15 each time which is worth approx AUD$38 to me towards paying off my card. Therefore a monthly payment on the Australian card of approx £40 (AUD$100) costs me £40 + £15 + plus postage.

Is this really my cheapest option?!! I believe telegraphic transfers charge £20 so there doesn't really seem to be an economical way of paying off the card.

Does anyone have the same experience or advice on what I should do?

Biggles

Most banks these days, if not global, have international offices or partners in other countries. Does yours have any linked company in the UK you could come to an arrangement with?

anusha_2

Thanks for the suggestion. I shall make some enquiries regarding this.

Mozette

Would you be able to transfer the balance to a 'home' card?

jfdi

Is the card a Visa or Mastercard? If so, could you pay it via your normal Bank account Debit Card, over the counter?

That way you'd 'just' pay the exchange cost on your normal Bank account, unless you've got the famous free Nationwide one!

A

Hillfly

Or you could work out the amount in £'s and then get a super balance transfer on a uk card to your uk bank account. Then pay off the Oz balance in full via 1 big payment and the balance will be left on the uk card (hopefully at an introductory rate). I know Virgin credit cards do this - and i'm sure plenty of others if you ask on the board.