Cheapest way to pay $25 USD from UK?

KittenChops

I want sure whether to put this on this board or the credit card one...
I need to pay $25 USD for a tourist visa for a holiday in India (and so will my husband)
I have a first direct 1st account - but have just had it confirmed on live chat that there will be a fee (£10, plus "the receiving bank & any intermediary we need to use may apply a fee")
I have a Halifax Clarity credit card too 
I have time to apply for another card / account

grumbler

KittenChops said:

I need to pay $25 USD for a tourist visa for a holiday in India (and so will my husband)

What sort of payments do they accept in the first place?

I have a first direct 1st account - but have just had it confirmed on live chat that there will be a fee (£10, plus "the receiving bank & any intermediary we need to use may apply a fee")

This is for a bank transfer, not for a card payment. 

I have a Halifax Clarity credit card too 

Neither FD, nor Halifax Clarity charge for currency conversion when paying by their cards.

la531983

I suspect First Direct are getting the wrong end of the stick and think you are wanting to make a $25 manual payment to a bank account in India, in reality I suspect you are doing a $25 card payment, in which case check your banks terms and conditions for the charges on foreign currencies, if any.

The poster above has confirmed the charges with FD though.

Ballard

Are you getting an e-visa or a physical one? I assume the former and if so, are you using the official site? I’ve had both in the past and never had to pay in Dollars.

i believe this to be the official webpage but you should do your own research, obviously. 

https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/page/e-tourist-visa/

The e-visa was significantly cheaper but couldn’t be used at every border when I last went. 

penners324

There is a card provider within the evisa system. Use that

KittenChops

Yes, you're both right!  Having gone back to the chat messages, it's now clear those fees are to do with sending money (bank transfer) rather than debit card payments - thank you so much

vacheron

Use your Clarity card. No foreign transaction fees and the Mastercard exchange rate which is as good as you will find.  

KittenChops

Thanks everyone for your help - visas paid for by first direct debit card payment - & both visas approved yesterday.

We did this 4 years ago but I had no recollection of how we paid - next time I will find this thread & remind myself!