Best Credit Card for Foreign Use
 

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.

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.

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.

Nationwide was in the press as being the best one for use abroad, best exchange rates and I think no commision for purchases.

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>

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.

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 ....

CC´s
 

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