International 0% purchases

Masty

Hi all,

I’m heading away in the next few months and wanted a 0% card to spread the cost out. Does it matter if the purchases are international on the top 0% cards? I’m aware the rate of exchange may not be as good and there could a fee per purchase but I still think I’d be better off than having a top foreign spending card which I won’t be able to pay off within the month.

Many thanks

jonesMUFCforever

My understanding is -- if you spend abroad then you will incur forex charges but no interest on amount spent.
Could you not get a card such as the Clarity then get a 0% promotional card to repay that?

Masty

suppose i could - it's not likely i will make many purchases though, just some presents and something for myself likely, applying for two cards will will odd on my credit record i think and i'd rather not have two accounts to worry about. Being able to spread the cost easily without interest will more than be worth the forex charges i think. Thanks for the advice though.

YorkshireBoy

Masty wrote: »

I’m heading away in the next few months

...i'd rather not have two accounts to worry about.

You're "heading away" with only one means of funding the holiday/travel? Is that wise? I've 4 cards (all with 0% foreign loading) when I travel overseas. I even carry 4 cards in my wallet in the UK.

fifeken

Masty wrote: »

. . . . which I won’t be able to pay off within the month.

This is moneysavingexpert.com. The advice should be don't go until you can afford it.

PRAISETHESUN

The Nationwide Select credit card (available only to Nationwide current account holders, see: https://www.nationwide.co.uk/products/credit-cards/select/rates-details) offers fee-free international transactions and 0% on purchases for the first 12 months so might be a good option. Otherwise you are probably better off with a 0% card and just eating the 3% forex fee rather than getting a good foreign travel card and paying the 20+% interest that will come for not paying it off on time.

Candyapple

Masty wrote: »

Hi all,

I’m heading away in the next few months and wanted a 0% card to spread the cost out. Does it matter if the purchases are international on the top 0% cards? I’m aware the rate of exchange may not be as good and there could a fee per purchase but I still think I’d be better off than having a top foreign spending card which I won’t be able to pay off within the month.

Many thanks

You'll be wanting the Virgin card:
https://uk.virginmoney.com/virgin/credit-cards/travel-card/