Credit card just for spending abroad - Advice please...

working_classy

Hi all.

I took the advice on this forum and got myself the Halifax Clarity credit card that Martin rates as No.1 for a trip to America I'm going on in 5 weeks.

Sorry if this seems a silly question, but I take it I just use this as I would a normal cashcard to get the best rate? So I draw out as I need, pay for meals etc?

Then when I get home pay it off so I don't get stung for any interest charges?

Thanks in advance.

torbrex

Just use it as a normal credit card and don't incur any withdrawal charges from the ATM's which many do in America.

mchale

If it gives you the option at the atm, always choose local currency as well, as opposed to sterling, also interest is added from the time of withdrawal.

PeacefulWaters

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money?_ga=1.243798597.1116300417.1393518509

Use the card for purchases where cash isn't needed. Cash attracts interest charges. If you clear the balance quickly via online banking you'll minimise the cost.

ATMs will most likely charge you a fee of up to $3. So you're better withdrawing larger amounts on fewer occasions when you do need cash. Or prioritising purchases on the card.

dzug1

Cash withdrawals do incur interest but not vast amounts


As US ATMs often charge a fee, keep the number of cash withdrawals to a minimum - use the card to buy things as much as possible and keep cash to the minimum.

working_classy

Okay thanks everyone. What is the maximum I can withdraw from an atm in the US in one go?

torbrex

working_classy wrote: »

Okay thanks everyone. What is the maximum I can withdraw from an atm in the US in one go?

in over 10 years of regularly going to the US, its something that I've never done, sorry I can't help with that one

PeacefulWaters

working_classy wrote: »

Okay thanks everyone. What is the maximum I can withdraw from an atm in the US in one go?

$500 rings a bell but I would assume each ATM operator has its own limits. Your own card issuer may also impose limits.

Cheap ATM options include:

TD Bank in New York State don't charge the fee (at least they didn't last October).

Some McDonalds outlets have ATMs in them. The one I recall had a $1 withdrawal fee. Many of these outlets are franchised, so it won't be consistent.

The Casino Royale in Vegas (opposite the Mirage) is reported as charging $1 by others using this site.

Doshwaster

ATM fees in the US do vary widely between banks and from state to state so you have to be careful. A dollar or two isn't too bad if you are taking out $200 at a time but some some of the smaller private banks can be much higher.

If you are in the north east then Citizens Bank (owned by RBS) is good for free withdrawals.

Obviously_the_best

I just wouldn't withdraw any cash with a card. Get a small amount before you leave using TravelMoneyMax, but almost everywhere in the states accepts cards, so just use the clarity at the point of sale like you would at home.

NiftyDigits

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

I just wouldn't withdraw any cash with a card. Get a small amount before you leave using TravelMoneyMax, but almost everywhere in the states accepts cards, so just use the clarity at the point of sale like you would at home.

What a strange statement. :money: