Credit Card Surcharges for Foreign Purchases
 

Following the advice of another Fodorite I called my credit card and was informed there will be a 3% charge for all purchases not made in USD. Is this pretty standard? My husband seesm to think so. I was considering finding another card to use, but if this is pretyy standrda practice for all the cards I won't bother.

Thanks!

I have it on quite good authority (but check it out on your own!) that the Amtrak Rewards MBNA Mastercard charges the least of any major credit cards for such purchases. I think it is closer to 1% which can end up worth a lot.
Anna

There are scores of posts in the last year on this matter.
M

It varies from bank to bank. Some banks don't add anything to the standard 1% that Visa and MC charge. Others add up to 3%. Most add something.

Don't forget that the people you are charging with (hotels etc) may also charge several percent (5-6% seems to be the average when they do). Not everyone does tack on the additional percentage so always ask just so you won't be surprised when you get your bill.

Our bank (US Bank)just informed us of a 3% charge also.

Yes. I have a Chase Visa and they said Visa charges a standard 1% and Chase the other 2%. I called my hotels and none charge the 6% surcharge for credit cards, but I will be aware of it at other places. Thanks!

The tacked on credit card charge for purchases outside the US really irked me...so my husband and I have been paying as many charges with cash, acquired through ATMs, as possible. Our credit union charges are 75 cents per transaction; I don't know what local banks are charging. Am I kidding myself into believing I am beating the system?
CarolL

I recently closed a Chase credit card account because of this nasty, unwarranted fee, and switched to a Capital One card that doesn't charge it.

I've heard that MBNA is also a good card for people who travel outside the U.S.

Buen viaje!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Chck out USA Today's weekend edition (April 22-24) for an update on this topic. I've always used MBNA, but they're set to move to 3% next month.