credit card aborad usage fees

yz324

I booked a train ticket from Amsteram to Brussells and a hotel in Amsterdam and i ended up getting charged 2.75% non-sterling transation fee by capital one.

It was not much, but could I have avoided paying using a debit card? I tried desperately to find information on cross border transation on santander's website (i have a 123 account), but couldnt find anything. Also I also seem to unable to locate the Capitalone's fees anywhere on their website.

guesswho2000

yz324 wrote: »

I booked a train ticket from Amsteram to Brussells and a hotel in Amsterdam and i ended up getting charged 2.75% non-sterling transation fee by capital one.

It was not much, but could I have avoided paying using a debit card? I tried desperately to find information on cross border transation on santander's website (i have a 123 account), but couldnt find anything. Also I also seem to unable to locate the Capitalone's fees anywhere on their website.

Only N&P, Metrobank, Santander Zero and Cumberland BS debit cards are fee free.

Credit card wise, Metrobank, Santander Zero, Halifax Clarity, Capital One Aspire World*, Post Office, Saga & Aqua reward/advance charge no forex fees.

Cross border fees are the norm, cards which don't charge them are the exception.

*EDIT: Capital One Aspire World opened very recently has no forex charges, the previous incarnation, which had the same name, cashback structure and card design, does charge the fees.

opinions4u

Halifax Clarity credit card. Post Office credit card. Aqua credit card.

Metro Bank debit card.

yz324

guesswho2000 wrote: »

Only N&P, Metrobank, Santander Zero and Cumberland BS debit cards are fee free.

Credit card wise, Metrobank, Santander Zero, Halifax Clarity, Capital One Aspire World, Post Office, Saga & Aqua reward/advance charge no forex fees.

Cross border fees are the norm, cards which don't charge them are the exception.

Is around 2.75% the norm? And damn, thought i should have opened an account at Metrobank.

Also presumably, payment to a foreign company counts as a abroad transation? I think the reason I remained ignorant about this is that previously when I bought things on eBay from foreign buyers, no fees were ever charged, but I guess that is because it is bought on ebay's UK site.

guesswho2000

opinions4u wrote: »

Halifax Clarity credit card. Post Office credit card. Aqua credit card.

Metro Bank debit card.

Not the Aqua Classic, only Advance or Reward. Have to read the summary box, as all issuers offering fee free cards, bar Post Office and Metrobank, also offer chargeable varieties.

guesswho2000

yz324 wrote: »

Is around 2.75% the norm? And damn, thought i should have opened an account at Metrobank.

Unfortunately, yes. 2-3% is a normal forex charge, though some are worse. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#howgood - you can check each cards various fees here.

Metrobank is a good all rounder if you're near a branch, as both their credit and debit cards are fee free.

yz324

guesswho2000 wrote: »

Metrobank is a good all rounder if you're near a branch, as both their credit and debit cards are fee free.

I live 20 mins away from one! I think I will pay them a visit before I need to buy anything abroad again. I am aware their issue cards in branch on the day you open account. thank you