FYI: Chase Continental and Foreign Transaction Fees
 

For those of you that are interested. I received an email that my Chase Continental Plus One Pass MasterCard will no longer impose the 3% foreign transaction fees on this card for purchases outside the US. I just recieved the email but they started removing the fee on Feburary 15th
The email isn't quite clear if you can use the card in the US for reservations in Euro and still be exempt as I recently made reservations for Italy and had to prepay.
For years I have used my Capital One card and have been very happy with it. But it is nice to have this card as a backup.

Hmmm... Might actually have to look at this one. I've been happy to pay the foreign transaction fee with my SPG Amex, since I get such good value with the points, but this is the first card that makes me think I need to run the numbers again. Thanks for posting.

The new Chase British Airways Mastercard also offers this service, so you can choose based on the airline. I suspect other cards may show up at some point, but Chase seems to be the only bank offering these right now.

<i>The new Chase British Airways Mastercard also offers this service, so you can choose based on the airline.</i>

I would say, though, that Continental miles are more valuable than BA miles. The award chart is more favorable, and redemptions come with lower surcharges. These relative values can change but, right now, I'd say that Continental miles are probably the most valuable miles available, except maybe US Airways miles.

Ed Perkins at SmarterTravel.com wrote an article about this a week or so ago. Meant to post then, but forgot. I'll be sticking with CapitalOne. I feel they have earned my loyalty.

http://tinyurl.com/4nxg8qv

Since the Chase BA Visa gives you a 2fer coupon after $30k purchases per year, that significantly increases the value of BA miles. The BA surcharges are high relative to other airlines, I agree.

I was always a loyal US Airways flyer and have redeemed two awards to Europe. But last year I had the good fortune to have enough miles with Continental (because of this card) and was able to redeem an award with them.

I have to say that the ease of booking through Continental far supassed any experience I have had with US Airways. And maybe US Airways has changed but Continental allows a stop over even with an award ticket.

I like my Capital One card and have had it for years but I think my loyality is being pulled to Continental now.

Anyway. I missed the Perkins article and hope some of you can use the information.