Do I need to get a bespoke CC to use abroad or not?

born_again

Ozret said:

I'm off to the States in August

Very simply, I currently hold a First Direct (Gold) Credit Card that I can use. Is there any benefit to me applying for a bespoke Halifax/Barclaycard etc 'Travel' CC to use instead?

TIA

Just use the FD debit card.
We don't charge any fees for making debit card payments, or cash withdrawals, in a foreign currency or from a cash machine outside the UK. But some cash machine operators may apply a direct charge for withdrawals from their cash machines and this should be advised on screen at the time of withdrawal and the fee will be shown as a separate line on your statement.

Note the italics. As that applies to all cards. even the fee free ones. As it is not a fee charged by the card provider.

eDicky

First Direct ceased charging any non-sterling fees on their debit card a few days ago, so if you have one it's good to use, but it's inadvisable to rely on a single source of funds when traveling and it's easy to obtain a fee-free debit card from Starling Bank, Chase UK, etc.

Ozret

eDicky said:

First Direct ceased charging any non-sterling fees on their debit card a few days ago, so if you have one it's good to use, but it's inadvisable to rely on a single source of funds when traveling and it's easy to obtain a fee-free debit card from Starling Bank, Chase UK, etc.

Thank you for your comments. With the (soon to be arriving) Halifax Card, a bit of cash and my FD Card I think I've got all my bases covered. The only I've got to worry about now is how much my teenage Daughter is going to fleece me by!!

MrFrugalFever

118Money CC and Zopa CC are FX fee free. Always use the lenders own eligibility checker.

NoodleDoodleMan

eDicky said:

First Direct ceased charging any non-sterling fees on their debit card a few days ago, so if you have one it's good to use, but it's inadvisable to rely on a single source of funds when traveling and it's easy to obtain a fee-free debit card from Starling Bank, Chase UK, etc.

That's interesting - slipped under the radar.