What is the best credit card to get for buying goods in America???

Rosco1112

Hi Everyone I would greatly appreciate any advice anyone can give me regarding my current situation.

I import good from America to the UK and live in the UK. I must spend probably around 2000 US Dollars every 2 months.

I was previously using paypal or my Morgan and Stanley credit card to purchase my goods but somehow American Express found out I was spending a lot and asked me to apply for an American Express Gold card- they told me it is a dollar account so it will be the best way to purchase your good from America.

I have since been using it and my latest statement just came in, when I went to pay it they told me I have to pay in US dollars, if I pay in GBP then they charge an admin fee aswell as A conversion fee. I only get paid in GBP so I have decided to cancel the account because it will not suit me.

This now leads me to my question, what would be the best value card for me? I will be paying the full amount off each month so I do not need any 0%'s
I was told Nationwide are good but I am currently using my American Express Blue card.

Any help guys?

Cobertizo

I would have a look here: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1106765397,71685,

Essentially you should be able to save a reasonable amount by using either a Nationwide (VISA) or Post Office (Mastercard) card. Since you won't be getting cash advances by the looks of things, there isn't really anything to choose between them. If you are regularly spending a lot though, and will be paying off the full amount, I would consider the Nationwide Comic Relief card, as it won't be have any of the foreign currency loading (like all Nationwide and Post Office cards), but also pays a little bit (0.5%) to charity.

Rosco1112

Cobertizo wrote: »

I would have a look here: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1106765397,71685,

Essentially you should be able to save a reasonable amount by using either a Nationwide (VISA) or Post Office (Mastercard) card. Since you won't be getting cash advances by the looks of things, there isn't really anything to choose between them. If you are regularly spending a lot though, and will be paying off the full amount, I would consider the Nationwide Comic Relief card, as it won't be have any of the foreign currency loading (like all Nationwide and Post Office cards), but also pays a little bit (0.5%) to charity.

Ok thanks, I will probably go for the comic releif card, I was currently getting 1% cashback on purchases with my amex blue card, is there no card that offers free currency tranfer and a rewards sceme?

Also can I apply for the nationwide card via quidco or greasy palms to earn a little extra?

jinkssick

Placing the money in the DEBIT FLEX ACCOUNT from nationwide will give you 0% of fees on all purchases. Make sure when billed it, is at US DOLLARS and not GBP.

Rosco1112

I just applied for the Comic Releif Nationwide credit card, nice to give a little to charity, will I benefit the same as the flex current account?

dzug

Rosco1112 wrote: »

I just applied for the Comic Releif Nationwide credit card, nice to give a little to charity, will I benefit the same as the flex current account?

If you use it for purchases, you will benefit from no foreign currency loading.

If you use it to get cash from an ATM there will also be no foreign currency loading, but you will pay a cash advance fee and interest on it - just as you would if you got cash with it in the UK

jinkssick

yep. theres two fees with any card transaction abroad. the debit/cash are exempt from both. the credit card is exempt from one.

student100

Rosco1112 wrote: »

OI was currently getting 1% cashback on purchases with my amex blue card, is there no card that offers free currency tranfer and a rewards sceme?

In short, no. They'd not be able to afford to offer such a product, as they do actually incur some charges in processing foreign transactions regardless of whether they pass the cost on to you.