Best card for using overseas NOT SANTANDER ZERO

grumbler

guesswho2000 wrote: »

grumbler wrote: »

...(they do charge for conversion though).

Nope, the conversion is done at the Visa/MC rate - you do get a flat 2.99% fee on the sterling amount though. ...

So, what is this 2.99% fee for if not for conversion?

Also, I think 'flat fee' term is used for fees that don't depend on the amount. If so, any % fee cannot be 'flat'.

guesswho2000

grumbler wrote: »

So, what is this 2.99% fee for if not for conversion?

Also, I think 'flat fee' term is used for fees that don't depend on the amount. If so, any % fee cannot be 'flat'.

I was trying to clarify that, unlike some issuers used to (still do maybe?), they don't stray from the Visa/MC rate and incorporate a loading into it.

And fine, point taken, replace 2.99% flat fee with "non sterling transaction fee of 2.99%".

jpwjpw

Never had any trouble with the Santander Zero card. It's saved me loads, i've made faster payments to avoid interest and the rate is usually even better than the market rate!

NiftyDigits

jpwjpw wrote: »

Never had any trouble with the Santander Zero card. It's saved me loads, i've made faster payments to avoid interest and the rate is usually even better than the market rate!

Erm... no. The rate is the 'market' rate.

System

Citi can actually be cheaper than metro bank!

You can lock in a good rate, and when you FP into the USD account the rate is very close to the middle market rate. Citi's extensive US ATM network in branches and 7-11 stores saves a surcharge of around $3 a time which would be charged to a Metro ATM withdrawal.

dzug1 wrote: »

Well yes that's when you pay your fees - in a mark up on the exchange rate. Your point is still valid - but not for all the accounts you compare it with. It's not cheaper than using a metro bank card for example. It might be cheaper than using an LTSB card

JohalaReewi

Saga CC has a handy feature where cash withdrawals from ATMs overseas (and possibly the UK) don't attract interest if the card balance is paid in full by the due date.

Also, according to the booklet they sent out recently, the £2 (or 2%) ATM fee they charge is waived if the money has already been paid onto the card. So it seems like you can preload the card and use in ATMs with no fees. YMMV

_Andy_

"a few months ago they reduced my credit limit by £1450 with no explanation. I complained and took it to the Financial Ombudsman"

- great, another person wasting the Ombudsman's time with a non-existent complaint, holding up real complaints. well done.

chattychappy

I don't know about the current account, but I'm still using the Zero CC without fees/loading:

http://www.santander.co.uk/csgs/Satellite?cid=1210607283847&leng=en_GB&pagename=Abbeycom%2FPage%2FWC_ACOM_TemplateA1

See 14: (emphasis added)
If you use your credit card for cash transactions in the UK or overseas, you may be charged a fee. For cash withdrawals using the Santander Zero Credit Card, Santander will not charge a cash fee, but some independent ATM suppliers may still charge a withdrawal fee. If this is the case, you should be advised of the charge prior to completing the transaction, thus giving you an opportunity to cancel the transaction. Interest for cash transactions (including cash withdrawals, purchase of travellers' cheques and gambling) will be charged (on all credit card products, including Santander Zero Credit Card) from the date the amount is debited to your account. Interest rates for cash transactions may be significantly higher than those charged for purchases.

zerog

Yes it is still fee free

MiserlyMartin

_Andy_ wrote: »

"a few months ago they reduced my credit limit by £1450 with no explanation. I complained and took it to the Financial Ombudsman"

- great, another person wasting the Ombudsman's time with a non-existent complaint, holding up real complaints. well done.

That's a bit unnecessary!