Question
I know this has been discussed previously but i cant remember the consensus. i have citibank visa, amex, delta amex and marriott visa. which gives best exchange rate in europe. i am going to paris on wednesday.
thanks.
Answer
Out of that mix of cards, you can use the Amex cards and avoid using the Citibank or FUSA/Bank One Marriott Visa. I know that the FUSA and Citi cards have a 3% markup on top of the 1% markup charged by Visa, but I think that Amex has a 2% markup total, but please research that to make sure what I'm remembering is current information.
But for your next trip, you'll want to get a Fleet or Capital One card with no foreign exchange fee above the 1% markup over the wholesale exchange rates charged by Visa USA or Master Card.
-David
[This message has been edited by LIH Prem (edited 12-23-2002).]
Answer
Last time I checked, the First USA mark-up on foreign currency charges was 3% including the 1% charge from Visa/MC.
Answer
Call Citibank and American Express and ask about their foreign currency charges. For Citibank, make sure to determine whether the quoted charge includes the 1% Visa/MC fee.
Probably not an issue in Paris, but it's not a b ad idea to call and let then know where you'll be traveling, especially if you've never used your card overseas, so you'll be less likey to get your transactions "flagged" for not fitting your normal use profile.
Had it happen in Bangkok this fall. CapitalOne didn't refuse the charges, but I did have a couple of messages from them on my answering machine when I got home wanting to verify that the charges were legitimate.
PDH