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Best Card for buying abroad?

I've seen the articles saying it's a Nationwide or Post Office one because there's no charge, but am I right in thinking that only applies to a long term arrangement?

The Amex 5% cashback card seems a better deal to me. Yes it's got a commission of 2.73% but if I'm in my first 3 months and getting 5% for using that then surely I'm 2.27% better off? Am I missing something like the cashback only apply to UK/Sterling purchases?

Also, I know over here the smaller retailers don't accept Amex, this is probably a stupid question but is it the same situation in the US or is it more widelly accepted over there?

Comments

  • skyrider007
    skyrider007 Posts: 1,108 Forumite
    Loads of American shops accept *American* Express. However, it's always advisable for an AMEX cardholder to carry with them a backup Visa/Master just in case.

    P.S. have a look at i24 card, it's pretty good
    http://www.i24card.co.uk/
  • emma396
    emma396 Posts: 760 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    i24 card doesn't look good to me

    "You can't put a price on an easier life but consider this: for an annual fee of £275, i24 gives you £1035 worth of tangible benefits."
  • Riq
    Riq Posts: 10,430 Forumite
    "Typical 57.8% APR (variable)"

    Bloody hell! That is the highest I have ever seen?!
    "I'm not from around here, I have my own customs"
    For confirmation: No, I'm not a 40 year old woman, I'm a 26 year old bloke!
  • YorkshireBoy
    YorkshireBoy Posts: 31,541 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Riq wrote: »
    "Typical 57.8% APR (variable)"
    If you read the detail, it's high because they have to include the annual fee in the calculation.
    Bloody hell! That is the highest I have ever seen?!
    You've never had a mailshot from Vanquis then?
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