OH needs a card for going abroad (and he's a student)

Yorkielass

OH is a PhD student, he's off to a conference in Asia and needs a credit card as the last conference he went for he didn't have one and it got a bit complicated paying for things whilst he was there.

He gets a grant but it technically isn't classed as a salary (although he 'earns' more than me!)

It would literally be a case of pay for things on the card, put an expenses claim in as soon as he gets back, which should be paid within a fortnight, and then he can use this to pay off the card.

We've managed perfectly well without a credit card up until now and I don't really want to get into the habit of having one and we won't be using it regularly.

Any advice on which cards to go for, he's tasked me with finding him a good one because I'm on here so much but I don't know much about credit cards

Thanks

CLAPTON

why can't he use a debit card?

well one of the best for overseas use is nationwide as they don't charge foreign currency surcharge (often 2-3%)

but if he doesn't have one already then his credit record may be bare in which case he should try his bank

King_Of_Fools

It sounds like the only credit card he could get would be with the bank he has his student current account with.

Normally, people would advise getting a Nationwide or Post Office credit card for abroad but I do not think he could get either as he does not earn enough.

emma396

i'd try it anyway! my little brother is only a student, nationwide gave him a CC.

bankersmug

CLAPTON wrote: »

why can't he use a debit card?

well one of the best for overseas use is nationwide as they don't charge foreign currency surcharge (often 2-3%)

Not only that, their exchange rate is good also.

For example, over the last month I have used my Nationwide Credit and Debit Cards all over Europe, with an exchange rate of between 1.47 - 1.49euros to the pound.
I used the Capital one Mastercard once or twice and was charged 2.75%, plus a miserly exchange rate of 1.43euros.

I think the Post Office also does a credit card that works in similar fashion.

simongregson

As you would be claiming back the expenses, I would suggest getting a student card, as he is more likely to be accepted as a student.
The exchange rate loading would not make any difference to you as presumably he will just claim back from the university the sterling amount charged.

I would suggest going to his student bank and explaining the situation regarding the card being used for expenses, as they may be more flexible with the credit limit if they know it's not just for a shopping spree!

Alternatively, the bank may be willing to extend his 0% overdraft to cover the expenses, then he could use his debit card. It doesn't hurt to ask!

Yorkielass

Thanks for all the advice. The reason he can't use his debit card is we have a joint account and I don't think we'll have enough to cover everything 'spare' and I don't want to stress about him not having enough money to pay for things out there/me not having enough to buy things here. Or more to the point I don't want to have problems waiting for the Uni to pay him back!

He does still have his student account with HSBC, although he doesn't really use it since we have a joint bank account now elsewhere, but I've suggested he contact them and try that way, which I think he's going to do - hadn't thought of that option so thanks.