Which is the cheapest credit card for foreign use?

Nov 05, 2003 7 Replies

Hi everyone,



Any recommendations for credit cards which don't add an "administration charge" for non sterling transactions?



Thanks in advance.


Nationwide. They're the only high street bank/building society not to charge.

Coincidentaly, Amex Blue (BA Card) were until today. Just received revised T&Cs saying there will now be a 2.75% uplift on whatever the exchange rate is they use.

Nationwide - globally. Liverpool and Victoria - within the EU

Be warned - Nationwide use some interesting credit scoring process which seems very dissimilar to other banks/BS's.

Regards, Zen

formatting link
- Personal finance problems solved

I wouldn't be surprised if Nationwide don't follow suit eventually. They already doubled their cash advance fee earlier in the year.

In what way? more stringent? less?

Neither - they refuse to give cards to people I would expect them to welcome with open arms, but grant credit to others who have no form of security (like a job or a house).

Regards, Zen

formatting link
- Personal finance problems solved

I can't comment on the Amex Blue card, but the Amex corporate card exchange rate was 3.5-4% worse than the Nationwide rate for a some Euro transactions I made earlier this year (they did go through on the same day).

I checked the old Amex Ts&Cs, and they didn't specify how the exchange rate was calculated, so I guess they could (and did) charge what they liked. At least now you know they will be 2.75% worse than Nationwide, and in line with almost everyone else.

I recommend the Nationwide credit card - excellent value and very good service, in my experience.

Peter

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required