Is Mastercard ok to use?
#1
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Is Mastercard ok to use?
Hello everyone,
I will be traveling to Zurich, Paris, London, and Rome this summer and plan to use my Credit Card as much as possible. I currently have a Visa from Bank of America, but from doing some research I have decided to apply for a Capital One card for my travels.
Is it better for me to get a Visa or Mastercard? I was thinking it would make since to get the Mastercard, as I already have a Visa. But... is Mastercard accepted as widely in these places as the Visa?
Thank you,
Ryan
I will be traveling to Zurich, Paris, London, and Rome this summer and plan to use my Credit Card as much as possible. I currently have a Visa from Bank of America, but from doing some research I have decided to apply for a Capital One card for my travels.
Is it better for me to get a Visa or Mastercard? I was thinking it would make since to get the Mastercard, as I already have a Visa. But... is Mastercard accepted as widely in these places as the Visa?
Thank you,
Ryan
#3
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Hi Ryan. Two years ago I did exactly what you are contemplating: Get a Capital One card for overseas use.
Last year in Germany and Switzerland I had absolutely no trouble with my Capital One Master Card.
I carried a AAA Visa card as backup, but the only time I used it was to rent a car because of the discount I received from Hertz for being a AAA member.
I would go ahead and get the Capital One card and use it as my primary card to avoid the ridiculous 3% extra BOA tacks on for no value or service added.
I would also consider opening a Capital One Money Market account and acquiring its ATM card for cash withdrawals.
If you have a BOA ATM card be aware that you can clipped $5.00 per usage if you don't use your card at a partner bank like Barclays or Deutsche Bank.
Therefore I suggest opening a money market account with Capital One and also having one of its ATM cards.
Last year in Germany and Switzerland I had absolutely no trouble with my Capital One Master Card.
I carried a AAA Visa card as backup, but the only time I used it was to rent a car because of the discount I received from Hertz for being a AAA member.
I would go ahead and get the Capital One card and use it as my primary card to avoid the ridiculous 3% extra BOA tacks on for no value or service added.
I would also consider opening a Capital One Money Market account and acquiring its ATM card for cash withdrawals.
If you have a BOA ATM card be aware that you can clipped $5.00 per usage if you don't use your card at a partner bank like Barclays or Deutsche Bank.
Therefore I suggest opening a money market account with Capital One and also having one of its ATM cards.
#6
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Bankrate.com gives you a good idea of the foreign transaction fees some of the U.S. banks charge for foreign credit card, debit card and ATM transactions:
www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20050624b1.asp
www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20050624b1.asp
#8
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I'm trying to find a credit card which will not charge this extra 3% fee on top of the exchange rate for using it in a foreign country.
I'm a canadian and I could not find any card that do not charge at least 2.5% extra.
Would anybody know which card from which bank gives you the best deal?
I'm a canadian and I could not find any card that do not charge at least 2.5% extra.
Would anybody know which card from which bank gives you the best deal?
#9
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Taking one of each is a good idea. ....and you can call around and get the lowest fee. Some are "0%" for the bank, but there is always the %1 by MC and Visa (or it use to be).
USAA use to have 0%.
Just be sure and tell them what dates you will be traveling overseas.....as they have a department that keeps track of 'unusual" purchases in "not at home" places. This is to possibly catch any theft. Duh, I guess that is common sense >
USAA use to have 0%.
Just be sure and tell them what dates you will be traveling overseas.....as they have a department that keeps track of 'unusual" purchases in "not at home" places. This is to possibly catch any theft. Duh, I guess that is common sense >
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