| Posted By |
Message |
queensgal
Smile
Member since 4/09 3287 total posts
Name:
|
Using a Mastercard in Europe
Someone told me that there was some special fee that I should check to make sure my credit card won't charge me when we go to Spain,Italy and France next month.
I have used my card in London before with no problem -does anyone know what they are talking about?
Doesn't the credit card company usually give you a decent exchange rate? For safety and convenience, I plan on charging as much as possible and avoid using cash.
|
Posted 8/18/09 7:16 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
LoveyQ
Stalkers, get a life.
Member since 11/07 12820 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Using a Mastercard in Europe
There can be an exchange fee on top of the exchange rate. I know when I called my Chase, BOA, and Citibank cards they all said they charge 3% on top of whatever you charge.
We decided to open a TD Bank checking account which came with a Visa debit card. NO FEES in Italy, just the exchange rate. It was the best deal we found in terms of being able to use a card over there.
HTH.
|
| Posted 8/18/09 10:10 PM |
| |
|
melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5015 total posts
Name:
Melissa
|
Re: Using a Mastercard in Europe
Posted by LoveyQ
There can be an exchange fee on top of the exchange rate. I know when I called my Chase, BOA, and Citibank cards they all said they charge 3% on top of whatever you charge.
We decided to open a TD Bank checking account which came with a Visa debit card. NO FEES in Italy, just the exchange rate. It was the best deal we found in terms of being able to use a card over there.
HTH.
This is correct. It used to be that using a CC and getting money from an ATM abroad were always your best bets. Not so much anymore with the fees that banks and cc companies are tacking on. Call your cc and find out the fee. I found that Amex offered the lowest out of all of my cards, but I try to use cash as much as possible abroad to avoid the fees.
|
| Posted 8/19/09 8:24 AM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Using a Mastercard in Europe
it's true. the "exchange fee" adds up.
and I believe it's true for purchases as well as withdrawals.
i maintain a Capital One bank account specifically b/c of this. they don't charge the fees the other banks do. same with their credit card.
BOA is terrible. as is my regular banks, Citi and Chase.
Amex is also good.
|
| Posted 8/19/09 11:26 AM |
| |
|
BriBri2u
L'amore vince sempre
Member since 5/05 9320 total posts
Name:
Mrs. B
|
Re: Using a Mastercard in Europe
We used our Capital One credit card for all purchases in Italy.
DH forgot his card @ home one day & we used my citicard... The fees that I got charged on a $45 children's outfit we purchased for a friend's daughter were absurd.
|
| Posted 8/19/09 1:31 PM |
| |
|
queensgal
Smile
Member since 4/09 3287 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Using a Mastercard in Europe
Thanks all!
I called to inquire - Capital One was sooo nice, even giving me double bonus during my trip. I had a card with them forever but have stopped using it the past few years.
Citibank is terrible - they charge 3% on all transactions overseas.
Hope this helps someone else!
|
| Posted 8/25/09 7:08 PM |
| |
|
