Credit Card for use in the USA

mcarthyryan

Hi Everyone,


I will be going on a family holiday to the USA for 3 weeks, and don't really want to carry too much cash.


Is there a good/the best credit card to use in the USA where I won't be charged any fee's when I use it?
I've used my standard credit card in Europe before and been charged 3% plus another charge every time I've used it.




Any advantage of American Express? I've never really understood the need of Amex?








Thank you

worried_jim

Halifax clarity for credit. Also get a Starling/Monzo/Revolut account. Starling slighter better at the moment. That's it, job done.

mcarthyryan

worried_jim wrote: »

Halifax clarity for credit. Also get a Starling/Monzo/Revolut account. Starling slighter better at the moment. That's it, job done.

I've got a standard Halifax Black one at the moment, but I think I could probably apply for the Clarify card too?


What are the Starling?Monzo/Revoult accounts?






Thank you

worried_jim

They all offer purchases/withdrawals at the (unbeatable) MasterCard interbank rate with no fees. You'd be a mug to go to any country without. All are free, all can be set up in a few mins. Monzo and Revolut have £200pm foreign ATM fee free withdrawals, Starling currently has no limit. I use all three. It's the future of banking.

mcarthyryan

Thanks again for the reply.


Would those accounts replace my Halifax account I use for everyday banking or just for the credit card aspect?


Would they be better than the Halifax Clarity, considering I bank with Halifax?






Thank you

cooltt

mcarthyryan wrote: »

Hi Everyone,


I will be going on a family holiday to the USA for 3 weeks, and don't really want to carry too much cash.


Is there a good/the best credit card to use in the USA where I won't be charged any fee's when I use it?
I've used my standard credit card in Europe before and been charged 3% plus another charge every time I've used it.

Any advantage of American Express? I've never really understood the need of Amex?



Thank you

Creation card, easier to get and much lower APR. Why people keep pushing the Halifax Clarity i have no idea.

NoodleDoodleMan

Any advantage of American Express? I've never really understood the need of Amex?

The same "need" as any other card if you want to buy goods and services on credit.

Amex is a huge outfit and their customer service is excellent in my experience.

mcarthyryan

NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »

The same "need" as any other card if you want to buy goods and services on credit.

Amex is a huge outfit and their customer service is excellent in my experience.

I can't see many positives of Amex to be honest? Gold and Platinum have fee's, and the rewards require a lot of spending on the cards to get anything half decent?



Negatives - not as widely accepted.

mcarthyryan

cooltt wrote: »

Creation card, easier to get and much lower APR. Why people keep pushing the Halifax Clarity i have no idea.

Will have a look at the Creation card, thanks.


Although as I bank with Halifax, the Clarity may be easier to manage within one account?!

eDicky

There's no need to limit yourself to Halifax, Starling Bank and/or Monzo can be used in addition. It's unwise in general to have only one account available in case of IT failure or account block. Especially when traveling at least two suitable cards should be carried in case one is declined or lost etc. Amex has no advantage for travel to US or elsewhere.

NoodleDoodleMan

I can't see many positives of Amex to be honest? Gold and Platinum have fee's, and the rewards require a lot of spending on the cards to get anything half decent?

Their basic Platinum cashback card has no annual fee and is well thought of on MSE.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/cashback-credit-cards/