Trip to London....which credit card should I take? Will take some cash and ATM but what is the best credit card to use for exchange rates?

I always use my Capital One World Card because of the foreign exchange costs.

I concur - Capital One is the card to take, as it has no annual fee and does not charge a foreign conversion fee for transactions.

Regardless of which card you choose to use, you should be sure to let the bank know you will be using it outside your usual area.

Also - even though I use the Capital One card exclusively when I travel, I always bring along an extra different credit card - just in case my C-One card is lost or stolen, or if the magnetic strip is somehow damaged. Unless you have enough cash in your bank account (the ATM card)to cover emergencies, if you lose your credit card, you're sort of up the creek ...

I use one C.C. but my husband stashes a 2nd, different one 'just in case'.

Thanks for the information on Capitol One cards. I don't have one but will apply now to use it in Italy in April. Do I have to apply for a specific "level" of card? Sher mentions the "World" care. Is that the best one?
Thanks

Very, very bad idea taking only ONE credit card. Obviously take one main one and a spare.It is wise to always travel with two credit cards and put one away on a safe; to be used only on an emergency basis if the other gets lost, stolen, etc... Another tip? Make copies of your credit cards with emergency numbers etc... in case they get lost/stolen yourself/somebody at home could call immediately to cancel.

I have a regular Capital One credit card (No hassle? something) and it also has no foreign exchange or transaction fee. I think that's true of most Cap One credit cards, not just the "world" card.

hi joebear,

I agree about taking more than one card as a back up. there are a number of threads about this. also if you are using a debti card, make sure that you work out the limit on it per use/day - if you ask for too many Es at a time, do this 3 times and it wil probably swallow your card. for that reason, I usually try to use my card for the first time at an ATM at a bank which is open, so if it swallows my card, I can get it back.

another point is that sometimes, when you have booked tickets or tours using one c/c, you need to have the same one to pick up the tickets - this happened to us at the opera in Madrid and it was only luck that I had the right c/c with me.

have a great trip,

regards, ann

We always take two cards...one is always reserved as a back-up (and we've had to use the second one more than once.

If you can take a VISA card you may be a little better off than taking a MasterCard...notice I said "a little"

I would recommend taking two credit cards--one to carry and one to keep safe somewhere else. I lost my credit card in Rome and used my spare.

agree with viajero and others.. you should take two cards.. just in case.

American Express isn't as widely accepted as MasterCard or Visa. It can be used some places but that would be my last choice to take if I were to only take 1 card.

I travel with a group of women, from 3-7 of us travel from US to Europe yearly. Since 2002 at least one person has had trouble with a credit card or ATM card, usually lasts at least one day. I agree with others who say take two cards, and if traveling with friends check with them to see which brand they are taking. If one system is down, others could be used and settle up the next day. Totally unexcpected things happen, I'd hate to have a trip ruined because I only had one card and it was lost or stolen.

I really don't know what the difference is. Until recently, I had what I thought was a regular Capital One MasterCard. Then they called me and asked me if I wanted to upgrade and I think they said World Card but I think the only difference is that I get points.

Just a regular Capital One MasterCard would be just fine.

We also take another card just in case but primarily use the CO card unless something goes wrong.

And I always call them about a week before I leave and notify them.

I would *never* travel with only one credit card. What if something happens that it does not work for whatever reason?

I would not travel with only one card. If something happens to it (not necessarily theft - but a bank issue - you could be up the creek).

You need at least 2. I do AmEx (most places we go accept it) and a Visa. but you can do 2 Visas or MCs - both of which are very widely accepted. AmEx is widely accepted in more upscale places. Diner's Club is rarely accepted and Discover is not supported at all in europe.

I travel with two cards at least.
I use my USAA card which has the best exchange rate.

(And by the way Diners Club is now Mastercard and is therefore accepted pretty much anylace)

I also would not just travel with one credit card. We actually only had American Express and our debit cards but got a Citibank mastercard prior to our trip to Europe last year. I was too concerned about places not taking Amex and sometimes there are issues with debit cards...

Hi J,

Is there a reason why you are taking only 1 CC?

To save weight?

What happens if your CC is compromised?

Oh, I will take one and my husband will aslo along with the ATM. I worded the questions poorly...I wanted to plan to use the one with the best exchange rate and have others for backup. I am planning to apply for Capital One....I suppose I can just ask which one and post that information soon.