Question
I will be living abroad for most of next year and of course will need to take a visa/mastercard with me. I was wondering if this group has identified the best issuer from a fee point of view for international travel. Someone mentioned CapitalOne has a low currency exchange rate for purchases. Any other suggestions.
THANKS!
Ben
Answer
Try the MBNA Amtrak card. Only the 1% that Visa/MC tack on, but MBNA does not tack on any additional foreign conversion fees. Further, you earn one mile per dollar that could be transferred to CO Onepass miles or United MIles.
Lastly, you could use the miles for Amtrak travel or other affiliated merchants.
Answer
Are the CO miles then transferable to Worldperks?
Answer
Originally posted by cme10ae:
Are the CO miles then transferable to Worldperks?
No.
Answer
Should be noted that there is a 25,000 mile per year limit for transfering points out of the Amtrak program to Continental or United. If you get higher status with Amtrak, then it's a 50,000 mile limit.
And to answer the original question - MBNA and CapitalOne are the only two major card issuers that do not charge extra for foreign currency purchases. First USA, Bank One, Chase, Citibank, Providian, American Express, to name a few, charge anywhere from an extra 1% to 4% (mostly 2%).
[This message has been edited by anthonyanthony (edited 07-08-2003).]
Answer
Also note that Amtrak can, and has, lowered the transfer-out limit aribitrarily at any time, and without any notice. Proceed at your own risk.
Answer
Thanks so much for the replies. I actually just received an Amtrak mastercard -- so I guess I will not need to apply for a new card before I leave. cheers!