Credit Card Newbie!!

ukpobrien31

Afternoon All,

I've been reading the credit card threads for a few days now. What it is -- I'm looking to get a credit card purely as an emergency measure. I've never had one before and I'm not much of a foreign country traveller. However, this year I will be visiting France and Ireland.

I don't want to take much in the way of cash as Euros, but to pay my travel / hotel bills via a credit card with the intention of settling the account as soon as I get home.

Which card would be the best for me?

Also, I am a member of a trade union called 'Prospect' (formely IPMS) -- they have been an absolute god send with the redundancy situation I was in last year.

Anyway, they often send incentives for members in the way of cheaper car and home insurance for members, but this morning I received some details for a Bank of Scotland Prospect platinum mastercard.

In summary it states -- No annual fee, Up to 59 days interest free credit on purchases, 12.9% variable, 0% for the first 9 months on balance transfers subject to a 3% balance transfer fee, 0% for the first 9 months on purchases.

I just wondered if this would be a viable option seeing as I am a member?

Any and all help appreciated.

Regards,

Pat.

wyebird

Hello!
Post Office is probably best credit card for foreign countries as they don't charge any fees to convert to sterling. Others charge
up to 3% of the transaction or even a minimum fee per transaction. They have a 0% offer at the moment, not sure of length of time for purchases though.

---lee---

wyebird wrote: »

Hello!
Post Office is probably best credit card for foreign countries as they don't charge any fees to convert to sterling. Others charge
up to 3% of the transaction or even a minimum fee per transaction. They have a 0% offer at the moment, not sure of length of time for purchases though.

Nationwide don't charge currency conversion fees either. I belive Saga are the same.

---lee---

As you are going to be settling your bill in full every month, you may want to consider using a cashback card like Amex, Egg Money etc. At least that way, you can earn some cash just for using your plastic. You would still need another card for overseas spending though.