View Full Version : Best Credit Card for Foreign Use
GearUp CheerUp
14th Jan 2002, 18:48
Does anyone have any advice as to a good credit card (issued in the UK to use for purchases In Euro countries?
Im looking for a card which offers a good rate with low commission - if such a thing exists
Getting that info from the card companies is impossible. I've just had an arguement with Amex about this. I made some purchases in the US when the exchange rate was around $1.44 - $1.45 to £1. The rate used by Amex was $1.40. This is the same rate I got for cash at my bank!! They gave me some flannel abut exchange rate fluctuations and they used the internationally accepted Reuters rate but he still could not explain a 4 - 5 cent difference.
DVR6K
14th Jan 2002, 21:19
Howdy,
I have a VISA Barclaycard and use it all the time over here in Madrid. Not had any complaints about them, they“re pretty decent about charges etc and give a good rate of exchange.
Natwest can shove theirs however.
egg is very good.
0% rate for the first 6 months, a good rate of exchange when the bills come in, and, best of all, a 0.5% cashback on what you spend, and free travel insurance if you spend more that (ISTR) £6k pa.
And it's easy to manage on the Net.
Apart from havving a small number of shares no conflict of interest.
Lucifer
15th Jan 2002, 03:24
I have a NatWest one which seems to be good on x-rate and charge no commission, well at least when I last used it overseas. Also believe Goldfish do not charge any commission, but am not sure of this.
foxmoth
15th Jan 2002, 12:34
Nationwide was in the press as being the best one for use abroad, best exchange rates and I think no commision for purchases.
newswatcher
15th Jan 2002, 16:53
Hi GUCU,
The following article appeared in the DT, it was last June, but will give you an idea of what to look for:
<a href="http://www.portal.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=%2Ftravel%2F2001%2F06%2F13%2Fetmoney09.xml" target="_blank">http://www.portal.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=%2Ftravel%2F2001%2F06%2F13%2Fetmoney09.xml</A>
GearUp CheerUp
15th Jan 2002, 23:51
Foxmoth- thanks for the tip. I called in at the Nationwide today and its true 0% commission as opposed to the 2.75% that other companies charge. <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
Newswatcher - thanks for the interesting article which concurs with what Foxmoth says.
Thanks for all the replies - the application form is now in the post.
mjudk
21st Jun 2003, 06:14
For what it's worth, here's a 'scientific' survey.
Two purchases made on the same day in the same shop for the same amount - 19.47 euros.
Egg - £14.20
Nationwide - £13.83
The winner is ....
JJflyer
21st Jun 2003, 20:38
Well after having some problems with AMEX not being accepted as widely like say VISA or MC, I now carry all 3 cards. Have not had any problems since usingh any of the cards so for me all will do.
Cheers
JJ