Cheapest method of payment (in USD)

colin79666

I'm looking to buy something online that costs about $350 (US). I'm well aware that the exchange and currency conversion rates will sting but trying to determine which payment method is best is making by head spin!

The retailer takes the usual array of credit and debit cards any PayPal. I've got a RBS Mastercard (CC), FD Visa Debit Card and a PayPal account, all of which are UK based in GBP.

Any advice would be welcome

Oh and does section 75 cover internet purchases for services abroad? The thing I'm looking to buy is a subscription to an online set of training courses so there won't be anything physical involved.

jenniewb

I would say -and this is a complete amateur here; that it's more likely the amount you lose each time you convert to one currency to another would more than cover any savings you may make my choosing the best currency. I'd just stick to £ to $ and then you're just looking for the best place/lowest rates and best time of the year (depending on your time frame).
Not sure about the s.75 cover though, call up your credit card provider, maybe it could be worth looking at other providers to see if they offer cover but only if your credit score is decent enough to ensure you are accepted.

colin79666

I've since read up on the Section 75 section of the main MSE site which suggests it would cover this. With that in mind I'm probably best just using the RBS card then even if it costs a little more than PayPal. Don't really have the luxury of waiting out on the currency market for the best exchange rate but at least it has gone the right direction over the last year although not as good as 2008 when I last bought something big online in USD. Nearly 2 dollars to the pound then!