Buying dollars with credit card

ainsley751

HI,

I'm going to vegas in a week or so and looking at getting a couple hundred dollars cash, and about £800 on a pre paid card.

I have been looking but couldn't find it, but does anyone know Tesco (clubcard credit card) and Halifax's (Clarity) policy on buying foreign currency?

thanks

dj1471

Just stick your Clarity in an ATM out there, that's the cheapest way to get cash. Pay it off ASAP to minimise the interest charged (there's no interest-free period for cash).

Why use a pre-paid card instead of your Clarity? It's the best card for foreign purchases and cash.

thebritishbloke

dj1471 wrote: »

Just stick your Clarity in an ATM out there, that's the cheapest way to get cash. Pay it off ASAP to minimise the interest charged (there's no interest-free period for cash).

Why use a pre-paid card instead of your Clarity? It's the best card for foreign purchases and cash.

This. You'll get a better rate, and only have to take out as much as you actually need. Remember most places in the states take cards, so you'll be able to just use it for purchases rather than using cash for everything.

ainsley751

Ah I thought there was a fee for cash abroad, if not I'll probably do that actually and just pay off each night/morning.

Just worrying I guess, first ever holiday abroad for our 21st and don't want to get caught out without cash, or get home to a huge bill haha

but thank you both, will do that, and get a couple hundred in cash too just to cover it

dj1471

ainsley751 wrote: »

Ah I thought there was a fee for cash abroad, if not I'll probably do that actually and just pay off each night/morning.

With most cards there is, usually around 3%, the Clarity is one of the few without this charge. Don't be tempted to use your Post Office card in an ATM abroad, it has a 2.5% charge (min £3). It's fine for purchases though, if you want a backup. See the MSE guide for details.

indierocker85

TBH, You'd pay a fee regardless, as buying dollars on a credit card would more than likely be treated as a cash advance.

Enterprise_1701C

ainsley751 wrote: »

HI,

I'm going to vegas in a week or so and looking at getting a couple hundred dollars cash, and about £800 on a pre paid card.

I have been looking but couldn't find it, but does anyone know Tesco (clubcard credit card) and Halifax's (Clarity) policy on buying foreign currency?

thanks

With Tesco Credit Card, if you buy the foreign currency from their own travel kiosk then they do not charge a fee, up to a limit of approximately two thirds of your current remaining credit limit. That was the case a few years back, suggest you double check first though.

Do not forget that if you are buying foreign currency with a card you need photographic ID.

Vortigern

Bear in mind also that many ATMs in the USA will charge a fee, regardless of the card being used.