Barclaycard Reward

kalamater

I am getting conflicting messages about the cost of Barclaycard Reward use abroad. It seem to be touted in many places (including MSE) as free to use abroad for purchase and ATM cash, but when I log into my Barclaycard account and check (through HELP) it seems I would be charged 2.99% on each purchase/withdrawal. I have twice phoned Barclays and have been given rather vague answers. The chatbot on chat tells me it's free.......does anyone have any experience of using their Barclaycard in Europe? Do they charge or not?

Mark_d

https://www.barclaycard.co.uk/personal/credit-cards/barclaycard-rewards

kalamater

Thanks Mark, but the problem I have is that this seems quite clear, no charge, but when I go to my account...see attached image of the page I get when I log in to my Barclaycard (Reward) account, and follow through the HELP section into "Going Abroad"

eskbanker

kalamater said:

Thanks Mark, but the problem I have is that this seems quite clear, no charge, but when I go to my account...see attached image of the page I get when I log in to my Barclaycard (Reward) account, and follow through the HELP section into "Going Abroad"

Is that a generic help page used for their whole range, or specifically one for the Rewards account?

hugheskevi

I have a Barclaycard Rewards credit card, and get the same screen if I go through the help menus which go to the generic page for all cards. These are overridden by the T+Cs of specific cards.

I can confirm there are no charges using the Barclaycard Reward, either in ATMs or for purchases (I've been regularly using one overseas for over a year now)

NoodleDoodleMan

Yes, this is a recurring problem that Barclaycard appear to be unable to resolve.

They really need to include a separate user guide pamphlet when the card is issued - with appropriate information on their website.

kalamater

Thanks for all these comments. It sounds as if the central problem is the use of a generic comment with regard to costs. Plan A is to use the card abroad and check online the next day to see if there are charges or not...time to pack!

daveyjp

I've used Rewards card in five different countries and not been charged a penny in fees.

Others are correct the generic advice is poor, but all that matters are the Ts and Cs for the card which show there are zero forex fees.

J_B

My BCR statement arrived yesterday.

I withdrew Euros in cash from an ATM

Statement clearly says ...

€410

Rate = 0.8727

£357.81

Incl Non Sterling Trans Fee of £0.00

Nebulous2

There are different reward cards. I have an old one which gives 0.5% cashback and doesn't give fee-free foreign transactions. Some of them were time-limited for foreign transactions, then that was extended. I'm not sure if those ever became open-ended or not. 

You need to be clear what you have got. Possibly the only way of being sure is to try it, as you said. 

There are lots of other decent options available however. 

maman

I took my Barclays Reward card out earlier this year. I've not needed to use it at an ATM but all other transactions abroad have had zero fees. 

Incidentally, I sometimes use it at home too but have never had any rewards. Maybe I don't shop in the right places. 🤔