Which of my cards is best for using abroad?

Sayva

I'm flying to Europe for a week tomorrow. I got the best deal I could on buying euros in cash. However I was wondering if anyone could help me, just in case I need to use plastic abroad. I don't want to take all my cards.

From what I can tell, either my Co-Operative debit card or my Aqua credit card have the best rates. Does anyone know which is the best?

I also have credit/debit cards from Santander/Lloyds, but I assume they'll be high-fees abroad?

grumbler

MSE article: Your Card's Overseas Charges

There are different Aqua CCs. 'Reward' or 'Advance' are among the best for purchases.

Coop debit card is a "bog standard overseas spending card" by MSE's classification.
Lloyds one is "a card from hell". So is Santander card.

For buying €€ in UK see TravelMoneyMax.com

Sayva

I just have an Aqua Classic. Is it better than the co-op one do you think?

System

The Santander debit card will likely have free cash withdrawals from Santander ATMs in Spain.

Obviously only useful if you're going to Spain...

Sayva

Alas, not Spain, but useful to know as I'm going to Barcelona in a few months

I checked online and the Aqua Classic is 2.95 and the Co-Operative is 2.75%

Now I just have to work out how much interest I'll lose by putting money in the co-op account where it won't be earning interest for a week! Maybe I should stop obsessing about the pennies?

grumbler

Sayva wrote: »

I just have an Aqua Classic. Is it better than the co-op one do you think?

Just read the article and you will see that Coop is slightly better for spending and much better for cash.

Sayva

Oh, I do apologise. I didn't see the link.

On another, but related note. When I go to pick up the cash tomorrow morning (in the UK), if I pay by credit card does that count as a cash withdrawl or as "spending"?

YorkshireBoy

Sayva wrote: »

On another, but related note. When I go to pick up the cash tomorrow morning (in the UK), if I pay by credit card does that count as a cash withdrawl or as "spending"?

Almost certainly a cash advance...and very costly! Use your own money instead.

MCGONIS

Hello. I have just returned from Spain. I normally use a Travelex pre-paid card. I checked the rate before I went and I could have topped up at a rate of 1.25 EURO to £1.

I had just got a new Halifax Clarity card and took it instead.

My on-line banks shows my 50 EURO withdrawal as £39.29 (1.27 EURO to £1).

And my 40 EURO withdrawal shows as £31.52 (1.26 EURO to £1).

So by the time the statement comes through, with the debit interest I will get charged, I think I would have been just the same as topping up the Travelex card and using it to withdraw cash (free) at the automatic in Spain.

So I was not that impressed with the Halifax card to be honest.

Not sure if that helps. But have a great trip!

Sayva

Isn't Halifax's motto "the bank that gives you extra". Maybe that applies to extra charges too ;-)

bsms1147

MCGONIS wrote: »

So by the time the statement comes through, with the debit interest I will get charged, I think I would have been just the same as topping up the Travelex card and using it to withdraw cash (free) at the automatic in Spain.

Pay it off before the statement date, don't wait and rack up more in interest. Even if it is a small amount it's a silly decision to do so in most situations.