Credit Card for travelling?
Discussion
Have a look here:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/travel-cre...
I've got a Santander Zero card as there's no exchange rate fee on purchases, and a Barclaycard Platinum in case I need to get cash out.
(I didn't get these cards especially because they're good abroad, but good to know they're not extortionate)
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/travel-cre...
I've got a Santander Zero card as there's no exchange rate fee on purchases, and a Barclaycard Platinum in case I need to get cash out.
(I didn't get these cards especially because they're good abroad, but good to know they're not extortionate)
Halifax Clarity.
Be aware that some say Halifax have fairly strict credit-scoring systems, so the available credit Halifax give you may not be that large (especially important for PH director types who spend big).
And be aware that withdrawing cash from a UK or foreign ATM on a Clarity credit card (and other similar no-fee or pay-fee cards) may affect your credit score with Experian etc. There are increasing reports that withdrawing, say, £500 cash may harm your credit report, because taking out cash on a credit card (not debit card) is seen, rightly or wrongly, by automated scoring-computers as a sign you're desperate for cash.
Be aware that some say Halifax have fairly strict credit-scoring systems, so the available credit Halifax give you may not be that large (especially important for PH director types who spend big).
And be aware that withdrawing cash from a UK or foreign ATM on a Clarity credit card (and other similar no-fee or pay-fee cards) may affect your credit score with Experian etc. There are increasing reports that withdrawing, say, £500 cash may harm your credit report, because taking out cash on a credit card (not debit card) is seen, rightly or wrongly, by automated scoring-computers as a sign you're desperate for cash.
Yipper said:
Halifax Clarity.
Be aware that some say Halifax have fairly strict credit-scoring systems, so the available credit Halifax give you may not be that large (especially important for PH director types who spend big).
And be aware that withdrawing cash from a UK or foreign ATM on a Clarity credit card (and other similar no-fee or pay-fee cards) may affect your credit score with Experian etc. There are increasing reports that withdrawing, say, £500 cash may harm your credit report, because taking out cash on a credit card (not debit card) is seen, rightly or wrongly, by automated scoring-computers as a sign you're desperate for cash.
That is very interesting. My very good credit score has started to drop in the last year or so for no reason. But I have started to use my Halifax card to get cash whilst abroad as it is a good cost effective way of doing so. Be aware that some say Halifax have fairly strict credit-scoring systems, so the available credit Halifax give you may not be that large (especially important for PH director types who spend big).
And be aware that withdrawing cash from a UK or foreign ATM on a Clarity credit card (and other similar no-fee or pay-fee cards) may affect your credit score with Experian etc. There are increasing reports that withdrawing, say, £500 cash may harm your credit report, because taking out cash on a credit card (not debit card) is seen, rightly or wrongly, by automated scoring-computers as a sign you're desperate for cash.
Clarity again. Though I think you need to be aware that they start charging interest immediately on ATM withdrawals (if I read it correctly), but basically just pay it off as soon as you can and the charges are zero or negligible. Used it on a trip to Hong Kong and it was great. Going to use it for Canada this year!
Is Revolute that one where you have to use the iOS/Android app as well? And you can convert freely between GBP, USD and EUR but have to have a bit more of a think ahead if you need other currency?
Is Revolute that one where you have to use the iOS/Android app as well? And you can convert freely between GBP, USD and EUR but have to have a bit more of a think ahead if you need other currency?
Crafty_ said:
Have a look at the Travelex Supercard. The idea is that they do the exchange rate and then bill whichever of your own cards you like in GBP. The idea is to avoid fees - unfortunately they now charge a small amount for ATM withdrawals I think.
Might work for you, might not.
I use this and very pleased with it, you can track spending on the app as well, useful if away for a while. Good exchange rate as well.Might work for you, might not.
Dave Brand said:
Just one comment on using a credit card abroad. You may be offered the option of paying in Sterling or the local currency. To get the best exchange rate always pay in the local currency & let the credit card company do the conversion.
Top tip! Thanks, had always wondered that. Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff