Cash or card in the USA

Snowedunder

Ok, so let me say first I know this is a no no, but just would like to know anyway.

Will be in US for 4 weeks soon, and will likely use my HSBC Credit Card, for up to £1000.
This will be repaid in full 1st February 2018.

Would it be cheaper to take this out in cash prior to leaving and convert to US $, exorbitant fees I know, or should I just use in the US as a Credit Card, again exorbitant fees, for several uses as already advised when I telephone to let them know I will be abroad.

Unfortunately, there is no way round this as an unexpected large bill last week, means I am lower in cash availability than I should be and I leave later this week.

Both will be expensive, but which way would be cheaper.

[Deleted User]

The first involves cash and forex fee, the second just forex fees.

Barginhunter3000

Is dollars or pound worth more ?

Vehlin

For what it's worth I was in the USA for 6 weeks this year and I basically never used cash. All food and drinks went on my card and I used Uber to get around. So don't think you're going to need actual cash. On your HSBC card I think you'll be paying 3% fees on each transaction. So about £30 on £1000.

Kim_13

Use the card while you're there. Withdrawing cash on a credit card is a double no no, as interest is charged on it from the day of the withdrawal (usually at a higher rate than standard purchases.) It can also hurt your credit file as it makes you look desperate for credit, moreso than just spending on the card. It also removes the risk of carrying around large amounts of cash.

Ebe_Scrooge

Barginhunter3000 wrote: »

Is dollars or pound worth more ?

Currently 1 USD is worth about 75p, so schools shoes at $3 per pair will be cheaper than £3 per pair. Muppet.

System

Remember that you'd need 10% tips for practically everywhere.
Always worth having some $1, $5 & $10 bills for that.

heatherw_01

I always take both cash and card

sheramber

Halifax Clarity card has no usage fees for using abroad

pogofish

The Flights, Currency and Car Hire forum in Overseas Travel has lots of pertinent advice.

stevenhp1987

sheramber wrote: »

Halifax Clarity card has no usage fees for using abroad

Op leaves later this week. Won't be enough time to get said card.

Op, you will need some cash for tips, but almost everything can be bought on card. I rarely use cash when I'm in the USA, but I stock up on $1 bills where I can. Useful for tipping the cleaning lady in the hotel etc.