Whats the best credit card for travelling or using abroad?

ftsos

Hi Guys, A quick update and to say thank you for your assistance so far.

I have searched online and found that Norwich and Peterborough Building Society Gold Classic account does not charge to withdraw money abroad or to use the debit card. So I have applied and I have been accepted. However, I do have one concern. I haven't ever needed to withdraw money at ATM's abroad. So, I assume when you use an ATM abroad, say Thailand as an example, you receive the money in their local currency, correct? If so, then I wonder if Norwich and Peterborough Building Society Gold Classic account charges a fair exchange rate, and how I could find out their exchange rate.

Has anyone used Norwich and Peterborough Building Society Gold Classic account? Have you used it abroad?

Also, I am interested in Halifax Clarity. However, I recently got the Supercard, so I am not sure if I will need something like Halifax Clarity credit card. I already have a Halifax Mastercard, I wonder if they allow me to swap it for a Clarity Card? I don't want too many credit applications to effect my credit score so I'll decide on that later.

Thanks for any input.

bigadaj

The exchange rate will be that used by the network the card is issued through, probably visa but possibly MasterCard.

Their exchange rates are published on their websites and obviously vary daily as the forex rates change, they are pretty close to the spot rate on the currency markets.

When you withdraw cash from an ATM make sure you choose the local currency option, ie baht and not sterling, as otherwise you will get a worse rate from the foreign bank. Soem countries, including Thailand i believe, will charge for ATM use, search in the visa or MasterCard website for information and whether there are banks that don't charge.

There's always a possibility for a card, bank or network to fail so make sure you have at least one and ideally two back up cards, even if some of these might cost you more. With different banks and on different networks, certainly a visa and a MasterCard and maybe Amex as well.

ftsos

Thanks. That sounds like very wise advice. I have couple of normal credit cards and other current accounts as a backup. I will probably apply for Halifax Clarity closer to the time. As this may be a year long, maybe 2 or 3 years if I can pull it off, then I have to plan for various eventualities, just in case. Plus I will have wife and daughter with me, so I also have to think of them. Thanks for the info.

eDicky

ftsos wrote: »

So, I assume when you use an ATM abroad, say Thailand as an example, you receive the money in their local currency, correct? If so, then I wonder if Norwich and Peterborough Building Society Gold Classic account charges a fair exchange rate, and how I could find out their exchange rate.

Has anyone used Norwich and Peterborough Building Society Gold Classic account? Have you used it abroad?

I've used the N&P card in various countries worldwide, it works fine. However, N&P may object to the long-term continuous use of their card overseas. For purchases and withdrawals you get the straight VISA exchange rate of the day, which can be found here:

https://www.visaeurope.com/making-payments/exchange-rates

ATMs naturally dispense the local currency. Beware in Thailand, all ATMs (except Citibank) charge foreign cards Bt.200 (£4.40) per withdrawal.

Make sure you always avoid any offer or choice to pay in pounds 'with Conversion' when making purchases or withdrawals.

fuzzything

I have also used N&P Gold Classic Debit Card abroad, and prefer using debit cards over credit cards as much as possible. I transfer the required £500 in and out of the account at the start of each month from my main account, and when I am travelling I load up the N&P account beforehand, or while I'm away thanks to faster payments.

It's nice having the free extras too: lost and stolen cash and wallet insurance, 24 lock smith, and Sentinal Card register.

It's not focused on by MSE, I think cos it's a pretty poor stand alone account, but it works well as a second account.