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Travel Abroad Credit Cards?

March 21st, 2017 at 07:31 pm

Does anyone have any credit cards they recommend for using in the UK? Hear of any sign up bonuses lately?

We have a credit union credit card that has no foreign fees. In addition, we get 3% back on dining out, which would probably be our primary expenses while we are out of the country. So we are good to go already. But, I wouldn't mind having a backup credit card while we travel.

Chase Sapphire: We both opened and closed this one several times for the cash bonus, so I doubt we could get this card. I was denied the last time I tried. But if we are charging up hotels and excursions, I wouldn't mind paying -0- foreign fees and working towards a bonus. It's been long enough it would be worth a try.

Barclay Arrival Plus: The rewards don't seem useful on this card, but it might be nice to have a chip+pin card in a pinch. I also saw feedback though that their fraud department was over-zealous and this card was denied too often. So I guess I am curious about any feedback. If we only use it in a pinch, I'd want it to work in a pinch. (This one has an annual fee after the first year, but we wouldn't keep the card for more than a year).

Any other cards to consider?

5 Responses to “Travel Abroad Credit Cards?”

  1. Butterscotch Says:
    1490126690

    I can't speak for cards, but if you do any traveling outside of major cities be prepared with cash. European countries aren't as credit/debit obsessed as America is, and often you can run into restaurants, bed &a breakfasts, shops, taxis, that only take cash. Again, if you're staying within metro areas it probably won't be an issue.

  2. Buendia Says:
    1490130599

    We get 2% back on everything on our Venture Capital One card and there are no foreign transaction fees. We usually use our Irish credit card when we're there, though, because it has both chip and pin. We always take some money out of the cash machine once we arrive (that gives us the best rate rather than get any cash from the bank before we leave), but pretty much everywhere I've gone takes credit cards. Have a fun trip! Are you going to the Harry Potter Studios Tour? It was amazing... we booked the first slot of the day and it was not very crowded at all.

  3. My English Castle Says:
    1490132447

    I concur with Buenida about the HP studio tour. Lots of fun and easy to get to from London. We use Chase without foreign transaction fees. If you decide to get one, let me know. I think there's a referral bonus which I'd be more than happy to split with you! Chase has 1% on most things and 2% on travel-related things--airfare, hotels, restaurants, parking, and all sorts of transportation. There are only a few smaller shops that have issues with no chip and pin--but my Chase is chip-enabled. I'm just asked to sign.

  4. MonkeyMama Says:
    1490153299

    Buendia - No, we weren't planning to do the Harry Potter tour. My son's already been there, and this trip will be without the kids. We were told by family not to bother. (If we had more time, it sounds awesome! To be clear, we were just told not to go from a time/priority standpoint).

    MEC - If I do a Chase card I will ask for your referral. I'd say I am leaning against it right this moment, but who knows.

    I'd love both your input as to things we should do, if you have any other suggestions.

  5. terri77 Says:
    1490454251

    Capital One or USAA

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