Best ways to pay USD online?

DollyTheSheep · 4 August 2018 at 12:47PM

I often buy services in USD, mainly through Paypal and always note the shocking exchange rate they offer. Always a huge discount to current exchange rates. I have a Barclaycard and a load of other cards too that I sometimes use.

I recently got a WeSwap credit card which seems pretty competitive, but a bit of pain having to load it every time though. Using other cards there is always a "non-sterling transaction fee" and I never know what there exchange rate is.

Does anyone know of a card that offers a competitive conversion AND a low non-sterling transaction fee or a good comparison for cards in foreign currencies?

sausage_time · 4 August 2018 at 12:51PM

Check out the travel cards: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

These would be a good choice for web transactions in USD.

DollyTheSheep · 4 August 2018 at 12:53PM

I am aware of the Clarity but don't need withdrawals etc. Just peoples experience with everyday credit cards AA, Barclaycard, Tesco etc

It's the non-sterling transaction fees and exchange rate I am looking at

sausage_time · 4 August 2018 at 12:57PM

Everyday cards will fist you for 2.75-3% at least. Some debit cards charge a fee in addition to the loading! The travel cards will be better for purchases.

McWedge · 4 August 2018 at 1:17PM

Aqua reward uses the Mastercard exchange rate with no non-sterling transaction fee (and you even get 0.5% cashback). Obviously that only applies to purchases.

eDicky · 4 August 2018 at 1:36PM

DollyTheSheep wrote: »

I am aware of the Clarity but don't need withdrawals etc. Just peoples experience with everyday credit cards AA, Barclaycard, Tesco etc

It's the non-sterling transaction fees and exchange rate I am looking at

It's nothing to do with withdrawals. The Clarity and other 'travel' cards that you have been pointed towards will give you the ideal MasterCard rate with zero non-sterling fees. The 'regular' cards are not suitable for purchases in foreign currency because of their fees and exchange rate loading.

Marmaduke123 · 4 August 2018 at 2:18PM

Not sure what you mean by everyday cards. The Halifax clarity or the Barclaycard platinum, both household names, would suit your needs for foreign currency transactions. Both have no foreign transaction fee and a perfect or near perfect exchange rate, and are otherwise just normal credit cards.

sausage_time · 4 August 2018 at 2:24PM

If you go to the link I posted, see under "6. Beware your Debit Card" for the extortionate charges levied by some "everyday" cards.

MSE Forum

Best ways to pay USD online?

Replies

Iceland's helping struggling pensioners

Who can suggest a top-notch bed?

£6 for 3-mth Disney+ subscription