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MSE_Martin · 9 July 2008 at 4:37PM

MKB wrote: »

I think the article at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/cheaper-spending-overseas may have a few errors.

- The table labelled "Battle of the top 'overseas use' cards" says that typical debit card loads in Europe and Worldwide are "None". This is contrary to the information shown here: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/overseas-card-charges

- The report says "Then again, there is one other reason to stick with a credit card rather than debit card overseas, thanks to Section 75 consumer protection." I understood that the "Visa Scheme Rules" mean that similar protection is afforded on Visa debit cards. Perhaps MSE can confirm/refute?

- This may be out of date, but last time I checked with Nationwide, they confirmed that although they don't load the exchange rate, Visa International apply a 1% loading to non-EU transactions. Has that changed?

I can't see where it says debit cards are typically zero load - can you say exactly where - as that's wrong.

Section 75 ONLY applies to credit card transactions. There is a Visa Debit chargeback disputes system which is a method of last resort you can try sometimes, but it is nothing close to your legal rights under section 75.

As for the 1% non-EU loading on Nationwide... actually this is a Visa fee that allc ard companies are charged, and Nationwide liek the other specialists absorbs it.

Martin

oranger · 9 July 2008 at 5:26PM

The article is wrong - CaxtonFX minimum load isn't £500 it's €150!

Liz_Shephard · 9 July 2008 at 5:31PM

My daughter lives in New Zealand. Would it be cheaper to transfer cash to her UK HSBC account and get her to withdraw it when we need it there? Anyone have any ideas please?

manolo_2 · 9 July 2008 at 5:39PM

Beware - ABBEY ZERO - abbey zero transactions!

I tried to use my Abbey zero card recently in Venice (taken out specifically for use abroad) - it was declined at the ATM machine and again at a restaurant. When I contacted Abbey to complain when I got back to England they said it was my responsibility to inform them I was going abroad - never had this problem before with ANY credit card

fishergill · 9 July 2008 at 6:07PM

[
Just wondering why the FairFX card isn't mentioned, as they also provide the card free over £500. Also their exchange rate today (1.245 euros) is better than Caxton (1.24 euros)

Cloudane · 9 July 2008 at 7:46PM

manolo wrote: »

Beware - ABBEY ZERO - abbey zero transactions!

I wondered that about warning the card company beforehand. In my case I'd be looking to get the Abbey Zero card now, and use it on holiday in September... my experience of credit cards is some of them (Capital One at least) raise a suspicion flag if you've not used the card for a couple of months and then suddenly put a few hundred quid on it.

Definitely worth knowing that you do have to call them beforehand though, thanks.

Now for my question!

I'd probably be spending £400-500, but the thing is a lot of this will be in restaurants and bars so in other words a lot of cash rather than plastic transactions.

Would I be better off getting the Abbey Zero card and withdrawing cash as needed over there (so it'd cost what, up to £10 for the month, which is not bad for the convenience of not carrying a wad of cash around), or just getting cash converted over here from one of the top deals and then taking that over?

The reason I ask is there's nothing on that page that says what the exchange rate is like on the specialist cards, and yet it says in the cash section, zero commission (basically the same as 'load'?) doesn't necessarily mean a good deal if the exchange rate they use is a poor one.

Thanks!

dzug1 · 9 July 2008 at 8:27PM

The base exchange rate on all debit and credit cards (before loading and fees, if any) is near enough the same. Set by Visa and Mastercard.

Doesn't necessarily apply to pre-loaded cards though

miss.appropriate · 9 July 2008 at 10:22PM

I am going to Turkey in august and i don't know what the best currency is to take.Can anyone advise me plz.

MKB · 10 July 2008 at 1:41AM

MSE_Martin wrote: »

I can't see where it says debit cards are typically zero load - can you say exactly where - as that's wrong.

Martin

Looks like someone fixed it between my post and yours.

Mashuta · 10 July 2008 at 12:58PM

Hello, does anyone know about HSBC Bank accoutn Plus? Is it true that they dont charge abroad?

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