Best card for use in Europe

goldcroft10

Can someone suggest the best/cheapest credit card for buying things and withdrawing cash in Europe?

CLAPTON

nationwide and post office don't charge a foreign exchange fee (often 2-3% on other cards) but withdrawing cash on a CC is very expensive.. use a debit card for cash.
In fact -open a nationwide bank account and use their debit card for the same reason as above.

goldcroft

Thanks for help everyone. Found I had a virtually redundant InvestDirect account, which is Nationwide, at a former address. Have now started to reactivate it! The interest they pay is rubbish, but I will use the european aspect.

CLAPTON

you may want to check it's suitability... as I remember it the card is a cash card rather than a debit card

Thelostbeaver

Used Capital One in Europe and found they had a good rate and didnt charge for it.......... unlike Barclaycard

greyster

I regret not getting a nationwide debit card for my last holiday. Is there a credit card version anywhere??? I guess not because credit cards usually charge for withdrawals???

Thomas_Crown

Thelostbeaver wrote: »

Used Capital One in Europe and found they had a good rate and didnt charge for it.......... unlike Barclaycard

Capital One apply the following charges when you use your credit card abroad:-

Foreign Currency Conversion Charge: 2.75%

Cash Withdrawal Charge: 3% (minimum £3.00).

interesting_person

:j
Hi,

I just got my first cashback from my capital one World Mastercard. I received £28 after only two months with them by spending only £700 on Christmas shopping, food shopping and fuel. The card gives 4% cashback in the first three months, and 1% thereafter.

The card also comes with other perks which I have not needed so far: Travel assistance & insurance and identity theft service.

As long you pay off your balance in full each month (the easiest way is by direct debit), this is an excellent credit card. I have stopped using my nectar card which gave nectar points at a poor rate, and cut up my lloyds tsb card which gives airmiles at an even lower rate.

I can recommend the capital one cashback World Mastercard to anyone who always pay off their full balance each month.