Best way to pay for items in US

NiftyDigits

dazanteney4 wrote: »

I might aswell just use the revolut card then? As long as i keep below the $700 in cash withdawls and use the card to pay for everything else that i can then i should be ok? I dont get a charge or anything for topping it up. I feel very uneasy on applying for Credit card at the moment.

You should have a credit card. For hotels, petrol, tolls etc That kind of vendor can put a hold on a portion of your balance and it could take a few days to release. That is why it's good to have a CC for that kind of thing. Though you can always have some cash at hand for petrol stations.

michele-p

Hi, just to say we holidayed in USA last year, even is shops in the middle of nowhere cards were taken with no problems, so you won't need that much cash at all. We usually had a spare $100 in cash just in case, but mainly just used our cards (we had the travellex supercard trial, which worked brilliantly, but is closed now).

michelle09

We use the post office credit card. Almost everywhere in the U.S. takes card which is helpful.

Post Office don't charge for overseas transactions and the exchange rate (for me*) has always beaten the rate I get changing cash.

*so far tested in 20 countries successfully!

leylandsunaddict

We're another Clarity user. No charges for purchases or ATM withdrawals, whereas the Post Office card charges for ATM withdrawals. Unless chip and pin is being used we'd rather pay in cash.

Check out different cards on

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/overseas-card-charges

burnoutbabe

I'd do both cash and credit card (halifax clarity)

I'd get the cash in advance in the UK, using the MSE tool (best rates are generally 4 or 5 london based travel exchanges.

Take CASH into buy the currency, not use a debit card.

I'd take around $400 for a US 2 week trip - and then use it up more towards the end on food and drink i'd normally put on CC. but its the US and I go back often so i don't need to ensure i spend my last dime before i come back, $20 left is fine,

PeacefulWaters

Your car hire company will want a credit card.

Cisco001

Check out MBNA low rate card.
It is american express with no fees on non-sterling transactions or cash withdrawals.

https://www.mbna.co.uk/compare-credit-cards/low-rate-credit-cards/

They are low increase rate compare to halifax clarity. Plus I assume it is more widely acceptable in US as it is AE card.

Marmaduke123

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Your car hire company will want a credit card.

So will hotels

dazanteney4

I have another credit card so that's ok. Just not sure I'd be accepted for another credit card so I might be forced into the repaid route.