I just found out that my USAA credit card doesn't charge any fees for overseas purchases. So my question is this: should I use it every chance I get?

I ask because I am not sure if the credit card or an ATM withdrawal will give me a better conversion rate.

Let me know what you think, hopefully there will be some USAA people out there.

Thanks!

Eric

We too have USAA. The way we travel not everyone takes credit cards so that usually settles the question for us. We do a mix of both.

Hi ericjdaniels,

I also have a USAA cc, but I don't use it exclusively. I have an airline-affiliated cc that I use to rack up the miles. For me, there are benefits beyond saving the odd $5 or $10 on fees for overseas purchases.

I also have and use the USAA debit card, which reimburses me for each atm transaction fee. Now, that I like! I also like their customer service and their very extensive knowledge of overseas travellers' needs.

s

Hi eric,

>I am not sure if the credit card or an ATM withdrawal will give me a better conversion rate.<

Why take money from your bank account today when you can charge on your CC and pay it next month?

Yhe conversion rate will be slightly higher with the CC, but there are no ATM transaction fees.

Ira, I'm no longer sure about the idea that CC give you a slightly higher rate either. Since most ATMs in Europe now use Visa services, it seems more and more clear that there is usually the same 1% transaction rate now on ATM withdrawals as there is on credit cards.

Hi Eric - we're also USAA folks, and we rely on it almost exclusively when traveling abroad for this most rare feature! Don't fret too much about the conversion rates - when we were in Ireland this past September we saw that it was really quite good. Another tip - if you aren't getting 1% cash back on your card, call them and sign up (they're offering this now). We found out about this a few weeks ago when I was trying to convince DH to get another card that would give us miles or something.

I have a USAA credit card and ATM card and use both exclusively in Europe and have never had any issues. I've also never been charged any fees by USAA for withdrawing money on my debit card. Love USAA!

I use my USAA credit card and pin only ATM (not signature card) for cash withdrawals when traveling in Europe. No fees and no hassles. Great service

I'm pretty sure the costs are identical. I tend to use the credit card as often as possible so I don't have to pay until I get the statement, and I like having a listing of what I paid, where.