Best Credit Card to use in America

fatboyslick

Hi

Im not very clued up on the Credit Card terminology (APRs, % etc) and wanted some laymens help please.

I found the MSE page about best cards to use on holiday but just wanted to clarify the best card for my situation:

- Going to America
- Need a card to use to pay for things like petrol, food, attractions, withdrawing money
- I don't want to be charged a fee each time i do this
- I dont want a pre-load card e.g. top it up before i travel

I think the MSE webpage suggests the Halifax or Nationwide card....can someone confirm as it confuses me a little

thanks in advance

grumbler

>> Need a visa card for travelling

fatboyslick

Thanks

So is the Halifax card recommended by MSE not the right thing for me? I don't mind having a credit card....I guess the pre-paid element I mentioned could be interpreted as a prepay but I'll accept that, I just don't want something I top up myself prior to departure

jon142

Isn't it obvious .... AMERICAN express?

fatboyslick

If I get an American Express card I will be charged for using it abroad

malcolmffc

No, Amex is a bad idea as they charge currency conversion fees.

The US is no different from any other country - use a credit card with a 0% load on exchange rates like the Post Office or Halfax cards.

reclusive46

malcolmffc wrote: »

No, Amex is a bad idea as they charge currency conversion fees.

The US is no different from any other country - use a credit card with a 0% load on exchange rates like the Post Office or Halfax cards.

Indeed. Unless the OP is going to New York city any card is fine. In NYC an Amex can often be the only card accepted in some establishments. In other parts of the country this is rare.

analyst_2

In NYC an Amex can often be the only card accepted in some establishments.

"Other establishments are available"

guesswho2000

fatboyslick wrote: »

Hi

Im not very clued up on the Credit Card terminology (APRs, % etc) and wanted some laymens help please.

I found the MSE page about best cards to use on holiday but just wanted to clarify the best card for my situation:

- Going to America
- Need a card to use to pay for things like petrol, food, attractions, withdrawing money
- I don't want to be charged a fee each time i do this
- I dont want a pre-load card e.g. top it up before i travel

I think the MSE webpage suggests the Halifax or Nationwide card....can someone confirm as it confuses me a little

thanks in advance

For cash withdrawals, credit card wise, Halifax Clarity is your only option. Sainsbury's Gold also offers this fee free, but you pay £5 per month for the account (although you do get travel insurance thrown in).

fatboyslick

Thanks everyone

reclusive46

analyst wrote: »

"Other establishments are available"

Well clearly but you might not find out until the bill :P The Amex only restaurants are very clever. They "conveniently" have ATMs that cost a fortune to withdraw from in them :P