Capital One Classic Extra

HIM_POPPY

I recently applied for this credit card (my first ever) and have received it in the post. Now I am a little confused about the foreign spending which is a reason why I applied for it in the first place.

It says on the website:
'Has no foreign exchange fee on overseas spending'
'A 'perfect' exchange rate abroad'
'Loading (exchange rate fee). Europe: 0% | Worldwide: 0%'

However when I look at my agreement it says:
'One or more of the following may apply'
-Non-sterling transaction fee 0% of transaction
-Cash fee 3% (minimum £3)

So usually I use standard Halifax current account visa debit (Used in Hungary ad South Africa) which charged £3 for every cash withdrawal and gave a brutal exchange rate.

So the questions I ask are when I go to Barcelona in June:
1. Will I be able to use the capital one classic extra just as a chip and pin card everywhere? (tourist attractions and restaurants)
2. Will there literally be no fees if I use this card to pay for everything and will I indeed get the best exchange rate?
3. Will this card beat my halifax current account debit card for cash withdrawals?
4. I have added nothing to the credit account, just my credit limit of 1k. Do I need to load money onto it in order to get the foreign benefits? (the loading aspect confused me)

Thanks

john1002

If I was you I would ensure it is the card you applied for, so send them off a secure message so you have a copy of their response which hopefully will back up your understanding, there was a post just recently were someone had that same issue they believed they had the extra card but in fact did not, your agreement seems to suggest you do not have this card. Capital one are known for doing this.

1. You should be able to, but there will be some places that don't, not an issue really.
2. You need to confirm this via a means that will get you a hard copy, ie secure message or email, letter.
3. It should if it is the correct card
4. No, you would if you did that be breaking the terms of your credit agreement

others will Im sure answer the other points you ask in more detail than I have.

john

thebritishbloke

1. Yep.
2. If you pay by Chip and pin, yes.
3. Nope. The cash withdrawal fee is pretty much standard across all cards, I wouldn't withdraw cash on a credit card in the UK or abroad. It shows up on your credit report that you've withdrawn cash and doesn't look good.
4. Nope. Just use the card and make sure you have a direct debit to pay it off in full every month to avoid interest.

bigadaj

Withdrawing cash on a halifax clarity thiugh is generally a good deal, typically 1% total cost, assuming full payment after two weeks on return, and a few cash withdrawals will have little impact on most credit files.

As to whether the OP can get this card might be another question but just wanted to emphasise that cash withdrawals in a few credit cards can work fine.